Secure our legacy endowment campaign
Imagine being the parent of a child with no access to safe, empowering sports programs, after-school support, or opportunities to build confidence and connect with peers. For more than 160 years, the Friars Club has ensured that children in Cincinnati never have to face that reality alone.
The board of directors has launched a $3.5 million initiative designed to protect and sustain Friars Club for generations to come.
Watch our story below:
Your gift will shape futures for generations to come.
a vision for the future
Friars Club is the longest standing nonprofit in Cincinnati with a focused mission to develop essential life skills in youth through sports, education and leadership programming - enriching childrens lives and our community.
Building a strong endowment now ensures Friars Club will continue to serve children and families through 2060 and beyond.
Why Now
Now is the moment to secure the future of Friars Club and protect the legacy that generations of families have relied upon since 1860. The needs of our children are increasing, and the cost to provide safe, structured and empowering programs continues to rise.
Why Friars Club
Friars Club is unlike any other youth-serving organization in Cincinnati. Its unique value lies in the consistency, stability and transformative impact it brings to children who often have nowhere else to turn. Friars Club blends the power of organized sports with academic support, leadership development and social-emotional skill building. An integrated approach that prepares young people not just to participate, but to thrive.
How can i help
Make a tax-deductible gift. Mail a check, transfer stock, or make an IRA qualified charitable distribuition gift if you are 70 1/2 years of age.
Host a Point of Entry event at your home or a restaurant. Invite your family and friends to learn more about the Friars Club and the Secure our Legacy Endowment Campaign.
three perspectives. one lasting impact.
hear from a coach
"Greatest accomplishments include having kids I coached go on to play basketball beyond high school, having kids become productive young men, and having my past players become great fathers."
- Coach Sean T. Cook, Friars Club Hall of Fame Award '26
hear from a player
When asked what he likes about Friars Club, Justice said "I like how respectful the people are." He also said it "feels good because there's a lot of energy, stuff to do, and it's crowded."
When the conversation turned to how he would describe Friars Club to someone who was new to the neighborhood, he said it's "very respectful, fun, and a lot of stuff you can sign up for."
Talking about his favorite memory, he shared that during his first year he shot an airball and his coaches helped him learn how to work on rhythm and arc.
- Justice
hear from a parent
"We live over an hour away. Our kid has played games all over the country.
Friars Club is his favorite place to play.
The facility is clean, there aren't balls flying everywhere and parents aren't yelling and acting crazy towards refs, coaches and kids.
You've really got something good here."
- Derek, Parent from Opposing Team
Help secure our future
Your giving allows us to continue our 165-year mission of transforming young lives through sports, education, and mentorship. When you support Friars Club, you're not just funding programs—you're investing in confident kids who become compassionate adults, creating leaders who give back to their communities, and ensuring that every child who needs us finds a safe place to belong, learn and grow.
