Community Grants

Application Process for OCCF Grants

Community Grants are awarded each year to support charitable programs and efforts designed to address current and emerging needs in the fields of education, social services, physical and mental health, safe and positive living environment, natural resources, and the arts. Support for community grants comes from several Unrestricted Funds as well as Donor Advised Funds held by the Foundation.

Nonprofit organizations located in or serving Ottawa County are invited to submit requests for grant funding. Grants can only be awarded to tax-exempt, 501(c)(3) identified charities by the Internal Revenue Service. If an organization does not have a tax-exempt ruling from the IRS, they may partner with a tax-exempt fiscal sponsor. Organizations may submit a grant request via the online portal or by mail! NOTE: click HERE for a tutorial video that explains the new online portal process. Grant requests must be submitted no later than March 1 (note our new deadline for grant applications).

The Foundation also accepts applications throughout the year for the Jack and Judy Schiller Dyslexia Fund which supports projects and services that aid dyslexia awareness and lead to identification and remediation efforts.

Download Grant Guidelines and Applications below

Over $53,000 in Community Grants Awarded

Kudos to the 32 nonprofits that received Community Grants in 2021!

*Bistro 163 Joy Roth Little Tiger Award

*Catawba Island Historical Society Video camera and microphone

*Clothing Corral, Inc. New undergarments and socks for clients

*Community Christian Academy Renovation of aging school facility

*Concerned Citizens for Oak Harbor Update old appliances

*Cultivate the Clover Train teens to serve as 4-H Camp Counselors

*Engaging Opportunities Foundation Expand job training, skill development for Christy's Café

*Firelands Symphony Orchestra Present small ensemble concerts in Port Clinton/Lakeside

*Friends of Ottawa Nat'l Wildlife Refuge Create accessible nature trail

*Genoa Area Community Food Pantry Carts/storage bins to transport food pantry products

*Girl Scouts of Western Ohio Virtual learning opportunities

*Habitat for Humanity of Ottawa County StopSaw for the safety of volunteers

*Joyful Connections Crisis Prevention Institute training and first aid training

*Lake Erie Islands Conservancy Support Great Lakes Islands Alliance annual conference

*Lake Erie Islands Nature & Wildlife Ctr. Create geology, migratory bird, and beehive exhibits

*Lakeside Heritage Society Professionally digitize historical documents & photographs

*Light House Sober Living Sober & healthy living activities for individuals in recovery

*Luther Home of Mercy Expansion of Boy Scout Pack 928 for LHM residents

*Magruder Hospital Provide to-go meals for patients/caregivers upon discharge

*Main Street Port Clinton Items to implement a COVID plan for 2021 events

*Musical Arts Series Concerts at senior residential facilities

*Oak House Increase accessible technology to members

*Ottawa County Family Advocacy Repair and replace outdated technology

*Ottawa County Family & Children First Larger printer/fax machine

*Ottawa County Museum Frames, shadow boxes, & mannequins for displays

*P.C. Schools Champions for Children After school program emphasizing STEM

*Port Clinton Fire Fighters Association Equipment for American Heart Assoc. training program

*Riverview Industries Inc. Remodel Adult Day Services spaces

*Salvation Army Rent, mortgage, utility assistance for those in need

*St. Thomas Episcopal Church Increase number of meal bags for those in need

*Terra College Foundation Titan Kids Club programs for students in Ottawa County

*United Way in Ottawa County Books for children via the Dolly Parton Imagination Library

New Deadline for 2022

Grant application deadline for 2022 will be March 1, 2022.

Our Grant $$$ at Work

Pathway Inclusion Center supports children with special needs.

*Camp Good Grief* activities help children deal with loss.

Artful fish receptacle is a fun way to recycle plastic bottles.

Music enrichment activities were a hit for young students.

Summer Camp for children with diabetes provides support and fun.

*A Day at the Range* gave youth of all abilities a chance to experience outdoor activities.

New sound system supports community activities in Genoa.

Bataan Elementary School students love the *Maker's Space*.

Oak House participants enjoy a day of fishing on the lake.