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, health and social services, economic development, 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 501(c)(3) organizations located in or serving Ottawa County are invited annually to submit requests for grant funding. If an organization does not have a tax-exempt ruling from the Internal Revenue Service, they may partner with a tax-exempt fiscal sponsor. The annual deadline for proposals is March 1. Proposals must be submitted via the Foundation’s online application process by 11:59 p.m. on the deadline date. We will also accept mailed applications postmarked by the deadline date.

The online application can be accessed via the Greater Toledo Community Foundation’s (GTCF) website www.toledocf.org. As an affiliate of GTCF, OCCF utilizes their online application portal.

NOTE: a tutorial video that explains the online portal process is available HERE.

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.

Grant Guidelines and Final Report Forms are available to Download below.

Grant Guidelines & Forms for Grant Seekers

Nonprofit organizations in Ottawa County or serving Ottawa County are invited to submit a grant request.

Grant Guidelines and forms are available for download here.

Guidelines For Grant Seekers (docx)

Download

Guidelines For Grant Seekers (pdf)

Download

Project Final Report Form (docx)

Download

Schiller Dyslexia Application (docx)

Download

Schiller Dyslexia Application (pdf)

Download

Special Needs Application (docx)

Download

Special Needs Application (pdf)

Download

$79,000+ in Community Grants Awarded

Kudos to the 33 nonprofits that received Community Grants in 2022!

Arc of Ottawa County Summer enrichment camp for students with disabilities

Cancer Services Services and resources for cancer patients in Ottawa Co.

Catawba Island Historical Society Laser printer/portable sound system

Courageous Community Services Costs of camp for people with developmental disabilities

Cultivate the Clover of Ottawa County Camp counselor expenses, supplies, training

Family & Child Abuse Prevention Center 50 Shades of Purple outdoor painted awareness mural

Firelands Symphony Orchestra Free concerts in Port Clinton and Marblehead

Friends of Ottawa County Parks Support projects to promote Catawba Islander Bike Trail

Goodwill Industries Wellness program for employees with disabilities

Greater Port Clinton Area Arts Council Construct beached fish for recycling bottles

Habitat for Humanity of Ottawa County Home repairs and ramps for people in need

Jacob's Joy Hospital care packages for those experiencing infant loss

Joyful Connections Supplies to build and maintain a raised garden bed

Lake Erie Foundation Interactive plastics and microplastics museum display

Lake Erie Islands Conservancy Great Lakes Island Alliance conference support

Lake Erie Islands Nature & Wildlife Center Supplies for nature camp - South Bass & Middle Bass Is.

Lakeside Heritage Society Rehouse collections using preservation-quality materials

Light House Sober Living Sober recreational activities and healthy living activities

Luther Home of Mercy Disability-friendly book collection at Genoa Library

Marblehead Lighthouse Bicentennial Comm Concerts as part of Bicentennial at the Lighthouse

Musical Art Series Senior concerts and grandparents concerts

Oak Harbor Development Group "Oak Harbor Barkyard" - dog park materials

Oak House Create butterfly garden and expand existing garden

Ottawa Co. Ag. Society Animal & Me Showmanship for youth with disabilities

Ottawa Co. Family Advocacy Center Expand community garden and construct fruit stand

Ottawa Co. Museum Frame two prints and purchase printer

Ottawa Co. Transitional Housing Construct garden for Ruth Ann's House families

Otterbein SeniorLife Marblehead Pickleball and shuffleboard courts and putting green

Port Clinton Firefighters Assoc. Thermal imaging camera for firefighters

Project Noelle Kids' support group materials/training, clothing

PIB Chamber of Commerce & Tourism Signage for new brand "An Everyday Island Getaway"

Salvation Army 5-day overnight Camp NEOSA for 31 at-risk children

United Way in Ottawa County Dolly Parton Imagination Library for children 0-5 yrs.

Deadline for 2023 Grant Requests is March 1

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.