Learn About Us
GRANTS
CREATE A FUND
SCHOLARSHIPS
Grants from unrestricted funds support a variety of programs and services throughout Ottawa County. We focus on making the maximum positive effort for our community.
SCHOLARSHIPS
CREATE A FUND
SCHOLARSHIPS
Our scholarship funds annually assist local high school seniors in their pursuit of higher education and training. Several special scholarships are also available.
CREATE A FUND
CREATE A FUND
CREATE A FUND
You may establish a named fund with the Foundation either during your lifetime or through your estate plan. Many options are available to donors to begin their fund.
Special Opportunities
Now Accepting Applications for Community Grants
Now Accepting Applications for Community Grants
Now Accepting Applications for Community Grants
The Foundation is now accepting applications for the 2021 annual Community Grants program.
Grants are awarded in the fields of education, social services, physical and mental health, safe and positive living environments, natural resources, and the arts. Nonprofit organizations located in or serving Ottawa County are invited to submit a request for grant funding. Grants are made possible from several unrestricted Funds held by the Foundation.
Interested organizations are encouraged to submit their application via our new online portal. More information on using the online application system is available on the Grants page. Applicants may alternatively download the Guidelines for Grant Seekers and Forms located on the Grants page and submit their application by mail.
All applications must be submitted no later than March 15, 2021 to be considered for funding.
Small Business Innovation Grant
Now Accepting Applications for Community Grants
Now Accepting Applications for Community Grants
Thanks to significant support from the Burton D. Morgan Foundation, the Ottawa County Community Foundation is proud to collaborate with the Ottawa County Improvement Corporation to bring the Regional Incubator for Sustainability and Entrepreneurship (RISE) Program’s Small Business Innovation Grant to Ottawa County.
These grants will support strategic investments for businesses to thrive and adapt during these difficult times. Examples include but are not limited to: capital improvements, development or acquisition of online platforms (websites or mobile apps), development of new solutions to problems during this crisis,
Recipients will be chosen based on creativity, feasibility, clarity, and impact on the business and economy. Grant requests in the $300 -$3,500 range are encouraged. Successful grant applicants will be announced in mid December.
Dyslexia Training Class Offered for Teachers
Now Accepting Applications for Community Grants
Dyslexia Training Class Offered for Teachers
OCCF will provide grants for up to 15 Ottawa County teachers to cover the full registration fee of $1,250 for the 30-hour Structured Literacy in the Classroom series. The virtual series begins December 1 via 15, two-hour sessions on Tuesday evenings. This unique professional development opportunity is based on the Orton Gillingham method of teaching children with dyslexia. Instructor, Kara Lee, Ed.S., is an Instructor of Certified Academic Language Practitioners and a Certified Academic Language Therapist.
Rachel Terrell, an intervention specialist at RC Waters Elementary School in Oak Harbor, recently completed the training and is implementing the strategies with her students. “Orton Gillingham training has made a huge impact on my classroom instruction. My students are immersed in explicit and systematic literacy exercises that have improved their reading skills and also raised their reading confidence,” Terrell said.
THE CLASS IS FULL.
In Memoriam
Joy Roth, Founding Member & Board President
The Ottawa County Community Foundation (OCCF) family was faced with a heartbreaking personal loss when our founder and president Joy Roth passed away unexpectedly in July. For more than 20 years, Joy was OCCF’s foremost champion, working tirelessly to promote the Foundation’s mission of “Doing Good. Forever.” She always had a smile on her face and a positive attitude in her heart. As one Board member said, “Joy’s name exemplified her life.” Her passion for the mission of OCCF and her boundless energy have grown it into the vibrant Community Foundation that it is today with over $8 million as assets and 90 established funds.
We will truly miss Joy’s passion and dedication to OCCF, but we will continue to honor Joy’s outstanding philanthropic legacy through scholarships and grants to Ottawa County nonprofits, schools, and communities. Joy's family has asked that memorial contributions be directed to The Founder's Fund which was established in her honor at our 20th Anniversary celebration.
You may make a donation online directly to The Founder's Fund or send a check indicating Founder's Fund on the memo line.
Rapid Response
COVID-19 has turned our world upside down in countless ways. In response to these challenging times, a Rapid Response effort was initiated with a generous donation from The Dr. Derrill A. Hablitzel Family Fund. To date we have granted over $18,500 to assist 13 organizations. Donations are still needed to meet the needs. Individuals, companies, and organizations may give online using the tab below. We THANK YOU for your donation to help us continue this effort to meet unique needs during these unprecedented times.
Non-profit organizations serving Ottawa County who have incurred additional expenses during this crisis, may submit a grant request to help meet these needs. Download the guidelines about this funding opportunity HERE.
