Nearly $140,000 in Community Grants Awarded in 2026

The Ottawa County Community Foundation is proud to recognize the recipients of our 2026-27 Community Grants. These organizations are making a difference every day through programs and projects that strengthen our communities, support local families, enhance educational opportunities, promote the arts, and improve the quality of life throughout Ottawa County. We are grateful for the dedication and hard work of this year's grant recipients and honored to support their efforts through OCCF grants. Together, we continue to invest in a stronger Ottawa County.

OCCF has supported community efforts since 2003, with the goal of “Doing Good. Forever.” For questions regarding a grant, contact Grants Chair Mary Coffee, coffee.occf@gmail.com, 419-341-7400.

Hand holding a small red heart with sunlight shining through it.

Kudos to the nonprofits receiving Community Grants in 2026

AGENCY PURPOSE

Bayshore Counseling Services Provide treatment of behavioral health concerns

Cancer Services Provide financial and emotional support for cancer patients

Concerned Citizens for Oak Harbor Area Replace older appliances and carpeting in Oakwood Manor apartments

Cultivate the Clover of Ottawa County Provide assistance with 4-H camp fees, supplies, counselor training

Diabetes Youth Services Provide a day of family fun for families of children with Type 1 diabetes

Family & Child Abuse Prevention Center Cover expenses for domestic violence court advocate

Firelands Symphony Orchestra Provide a small ensemble concert and an orchestra concert on July 4th

Friends of Perry's Victory & Peace Memorial Sustain and strengthen educational and commemorative efforts

Habitat for Humanity of Ottawa County Provide home repairs for seniors and individuals with disabilities

Joyful Connections Provide 2 student scholarships/supplies/equipment for after-school program

Lake Erie Islands Conservancy Repair and restore the old garage building on the Duff Homestead

Lake Erie Island Nature & Wildlife Center Help cover the cost of a student intern to assist with environmental education

Luther Home of Mercy Revitalize activity room with new furniture/shelving/cabinets

Marblehead Lighthouse Historical Society Enhance landscaping by installing new gardens and walkway in park

Middle Bass Island Historical Society Purchase software/equipment to manage artifacts/history of Middle Bass

Musical Arts Series Port Clinton Provide concerts for seniors in residential facilities

Oak House/Polly's Place Provide raised garden beds, supplies, toys and bicycles for Polly's Place

Ottawa County Family Advocacy Center Install sound insulation in the large meeting room

Ottawa County Holiday Bureau Food vouchers for needy families in Benton Carroll Salem school district

Ottawa County Task Force on Aging Design, print, and distribute an updated Ottawa County Senior Directory

Otterbein North Shore Implement a program for Parkinson’s patients

Port Clinton Area Heritage Foundation Purchase equipment to make Ottawa Co. Museum materials available online

Port Clinton Firefighters Association Purchase equipment/textbooks needed to update CPR/First Aid courses

Port Clinton Soccer Club Upgrade/update equipment used in the youth soccer programs

Put-in-Bay Community Swim & Sail Purchase a youth safety boat and trailer to support water safety

Schedel Arboretum and Gardens Cover expenses for two weeks of Adventure Camp for children

Sleep in Heavenly Peace Build and deliver beds to children aged 3-17 who have none

St. Vincent de Paul Food Pantry Provide food/food certificates to people in need in Port Clinton school district

The Parkvue Community on Catawba Is. Furnish chairs and tables for gatherings for residents

The Salvation Army Send 8 underprivileged children to a weeklong camp at Camp NEOSA

Trinity United Methodist Church Thrift Shoppe Replace damaged and worn-out carpeting to create a safe environment

United Way Sustain Dolly Parton Imagination Library for children up to the age of 5

Walk in My Shoes Purchase new shoes for school children in need

Business Advisory Council Kells and Joan Pugh Fund - Skilled Trades Academy - requested by J Pugh

Ohio State University Stone Lab field trips for all Ottawa County schools

Business Advisory Council Donation from Joan Pugh for Skilled Trades Center

Sleep in Heavenly Peace Joy Roth Little Tiger Award - for outstanding community service

Grants awarded by OCCF are more than financial contributions; they are stories of transformation!

"For 27 years, the Ottawa County Community Foundation has partnered with local nonprofits to improve the quality of life in our community," said OCCF Executive Director Shea McGrew. "This year's grant recipients represent the very best of Ottawa County, organizations that are meeting needs, creating opportunities, and making a difference in the lives of residents every day. We are proud to support their work and grateful for all they do."

Grant Opportunities

OCCF awards grants that address the diverse needs of our community.

COMMUNITY GRANTS are awarded each year to support charitable programs and initiatives that address current and emerging needs in the fields of education, health and social services, economic development, natural resources, and the arts. Support for community grants comes from several Unrestricted and Donor Advised Funds as well as annual donations.

Nonprofit 501(c)(3) organizations located in or serving Ottawa County are annually invited to submit requests for grant funding. Detailed information about the grant process can be found by downloading the Guidelines for Community Grant Requests document below.

Grant proposals will only be accepted via the Foundation’s online application portal. The online portal for submitting a grant application is available between January 1 and March 1 each year.

CLICK HERE to access the online portal. [NOTE: OCCF utilizes Greater Toledo Community Foundation's (GTCF) online grant portal to accept our community grant applications, so you will see GTCF information as you begin the application process.] First-time applicants will need to create an account to begin. Previous grant applicants will log into their existing account to submit a new application. Click on the Ottawa County Community Foundation description to apply.

Successful grant applicants must use the Project Final Report Form (available below) to report the results of their project.

SPECIAL GRANT OPPORTUNITIES

Two special grant opportunities are available throughout the year. Applications are available to download below.
* Rapid Response Fund supports Ottawa County nonprofits experiencing special needs or increased demand for services. Our focus includes but is not limited to the areas of social services.

* Jack and Judy Schiller Dyslexia Fund supports projects and services that aid dyslexia awareness and lead to identification and remediation efforts for children with dyslexia.