As we celebrate 25 years of service, VIA Institute on Character (merged in 2023 with The Mayerson Academy) reflects on our journey as a Cincinnati-based nonprofit. Our mission to advance the science and application of character strengths has grown into a global movement, reaching nearly 35 million individuals worldwide. With 3 million new survey takers yearly, VIA is the most frequently taken and most popular peer-reviewed scientific test of personality and strengths worldwide.
Strengthening Cincinnati’s Nonprofit Community with New Grant Support
VIA’s mission has been further amplified by a $200,000 grant from Millstone Fund, allowing us to continue our Strong Workplace Solutions (SWS) initiative over the next two years. This initiative aims to support and enhance Cincinnati-based nonprofits working to support mental health and/or education, helping them build capacity and foster a strengths-based culture that benefits their employees and their communities.
The first SWS cohort, completed in 2024, saw eight incredible organizations — Best Point, Pro Bono Partnership of Ohio, Mortar, Four Seven, Her Cincinnati, The Center for Great Neighborhoods, Green Umbrella, and ABC Activities Beyond the Classroom — embrace this approach with impressive results. Their collective journey is captured in our 2024 Impact Report, highlighting the transformative power of strengths-based workplaces.
While the grant we received from the Millstone Fund will help carry us forward, we extend our heartfelt thanks to our past and current funders, including:
- Carol Ann and Ralph V. Haile Jr. Foundation
- Charles H. Dater Foundation
- Greater Cincinnati Foundation
- Harold C. Schott Foundation
- Jacob G. Schmidlapp Trust
- Johnson Investment Counsel
- Mayerson Family Foundations
- Millstone Fund
- P&G Fund
- PNC Charitable Trusts
- Western & Southern Financial Fund
The contributions we receive of any amount are essential to advancing our mission and growing our impact. Donations can be made online, and to discuss other types of donations or sponsorships, please email us at info@viacharacter.org.
Join Us in Making a Difference
Cincinnati-based nonprofits can learn more about bringing strengths-based practices to their organizations by contacting Jillian Coppley, VIA’s President and Chief Programs and Services officer, at jillianc@viacharacter.org.
For individuals and organizations, explore how Workplaces at Their Best can help you harness the power of character strengths to tackle key challenges and improve workplace culture at https://www.viacharacter.org/strength-based-workplaces.