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 15 to be considered for funding.

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 $40,000 in Community Grants Awarded

We applaud 26 non-profit organizations who received grants through our Community Grants in 2020-21.

Bistro 163 - Identify and serve more food insecure people
Boy Scouts/Harris-Elmore Library - Eagle Scout landscaping project for Library
Cancer Services of Erie County - Resources and support services for cancer patients
Cultivate the Clover of Ottawa Co. - 4-H camp counselor training program for teens
Engaging Opportunities Foundation -Electrical upgrades to Christy's Corner Café in Elmore
Firelands Symphony Orchestra - Free Summer Ensemble Concerts in Port Clinton area
Friends of Port Clinton Parks - Handicapped accessible sidewalks in Lakeview Park
Habitat for Humanity of Ottawa Co. - Protective equipment for employees and volunteers
Jacob's Joy - Retreat for women who have experienced pregnancy loss
Joyful Connections - Laptops/Chromebooks for staff to aid in safety and security
Light House Sober Living - Sober activities to promote healthy living
Magruder Hospital Foundation - Celebrate Community - a wellness event
Musical Arts Series - Concerts for residents of six senior residential facilities
Oak Harbor Log Cabin Association - Log Cabin Summer Concerts in Oak Harbor
Oak House - Fishing trip for Oak House members
Ottawa County Juvenile Court - After-school activities program for 10-17-year-old youth
Ottawa County Museum - Expand capacity/improve security public-use computers
Ottawa County Sheriff's Office - Law Enforcement Awareness Program (LEAP)
Ottawa Co. Task Force on Aging - Senior Resource Guide 2020-2021
Otterbein Marblehead - Its Never 2 Late (iN2L) technology for social activities
Pathway Inclusion Center - Outdoor playground
Port Clinton Fire Fighters Assoc. - Lifepak 15 cardiac monitor
Port Clinton Music Boosters - Marching Band replacement uniforms
Riverview Industries - Revitalize building for community friendly environment
St. Vincent DePaul Food Pantry - Gift certificates for dairy products
United Way of Ottawa County - Back-to-School backpacks for children