about us
The Virginia W. Kettering Foundation, a private family foundation in Dayton, Ohio, was activated in 2003 when Virginia Kettering passed away at the age of 95. To continue her legacy of confident determination and passionate commitment to the Dayton area, Virginia Kettering directed the stewards of her foundation to support charitable organizations for charitable purposes within Montgomery, Greene, Clark, Miami, Darke, Preble, Butler and Warren Counties. Kettering University in Flint, Michigan, the Cincinnati Zoo and Sloan Kettering Institute for Cancer in New York City were also included in her wishes.Wife of Eugene W. Kettering and daughter-in-law of Charles and Olive Kettering, Virginia Kettering became the driving force of Kettering philanthropy and community involvement after the death of her husband in 1969. Through the Kettering family’s foresight, the Dayton area has benefited from the establishment of many significant institutions such as the Charles F. Kettering Memorial Hospital, Wright State University School of Medicine, and the Air Force Museum Foundation. Major investments were made in downtown Dayton with the construction of The Kettering Tower and Courthouse Plaza.
Virginia Kettering’s deep interest in the arts and education spurred many accomplishments including the creation of a community arts fund, restoration of the Victoria Theatre, donations from her and her husband’s collections in Asian art and textiles to the Dayton Art Institute and support to the University of Dayton.
Virginia Kettering’s spirit and joy of life continue today, as most evident by the annual Dayton Holiday Festival, which she initiated in 1972. A parade and many other activities span the holiday season, including a model train on display in The Kettering Tower lobby.
