Ingram-White Castle Foundation

Ingram Family White Castle Foundation Logo

Background

The Edgar W. Ingram Foundation, created in 1949 by E.W. “Billy” Ingram, founder of White Castle System, Inc. became a supporting foundation of The Columbus Foundation is 1981. It was renamed the Ingram-White Castle Foundation in 1987.

The Ingram family has continued to operate the foundation based on the principals set forth by Billy Ingram, which include treating people fairly, investing in the future of others, and sharing success with the community. In 1999, in honor of the foundation’s 50th anniversary, Mary and E.W. Ingram, Jr. made an $11 million gift, providing additional resources for grantmaking.

Mission and Values Statement

Our mission is to provide nourishment to those throughout central Ohio who hunger for knowledge, independence and self-sufficiency.  Our emphasis is on efforts that empower young people with the desire for self-improvement, and full participation in a free society.


  • We believe the nourishment we provide must be physical, educational, emotional and spiritual.
  • We believe in the liberating power of knowledge that transforms lives and enables young people the opportunity to realize their full potential.
  • We embrace the notion that all benefit when we lend a helping hand to those who currently cannot help themselves.
  • We invest with stewardship, seeking significant impact for those who yearn for a better life.

Grantmaking

Education has always been a mainstay of the Ingram-White Castle Foundation’s interests. Through the years, the foundation has awarded nearly $18 million in grants to support scholarships for employees and their dependents, as well as support of programs that serve disadvantaged students and help them achieve academic success.  The Foundation uses an online open invitation process with two application cycles per year to identify grant opportunities in its targeted interest area and relies on Columbus Foundation staff for analysis in its grantmaking.

Financial Information

Market value of assets at the end of 2006 was $40,361,616.

Board 

Edgar W. “Bill” Ingram, III, president/treasurer; Maryann I. Kelley, assistant secretary; John S. Kobacker, vice president; Sandra W. Harbrecht; and Ann Pizzuti. Alice Ingram and Marci Ingram are Honorary Trustees.  In addition, G. Roger Post of White Castle System, Inc., serves as secretary.

Staff Contact

Interested in more information about the Ingram-White Castle Foundation? Contact Tami Durrence at mail@supportingfoundations.org or 614/251-4000.  We’ll be happy to answer your questions directly or guide you to other staff as needed.