Grants
Learn About Grants
The Community Foundation of Lorain County offers various funding opportunities for non-profit organizations serving Lorain County residents. Eligible non-profits can apply for the following grant cycles: Community Grant Cycles, Affiliate Fund Cycles and a Monthly Rolling Mini-Grant Cycle.
Our Community Grant Cycles focus on the following areas: Arts & Culture and Strengthening Lorain County, Education & Youth Development and Health & Human Services.
Grant applications are accessible through our online grant portal. All applications must be submitted by 11:59 PM on the specified due date, regardless of whether it falls on a weekend or holiday. If online submission poses a challenge, please get in touch with us for assistance in submitting your grant request.
2024 Grant Opportunities
The deadline for all grant cycles is 11:59 PM on their scheduled due date, regardless of whether the day falls on a weekend or holiday. To apply, you must log in to our online grants portal. If you need any help with online submission, please get in touch with us for support, and we will assist you in completing your application.
Our Currently Open Grant Cycle(s)
Lakeland Community Foundation’s mini-grants have been fully distributed and will not be available again until 2025.
Open Grant Cycles
| Grants | Description | NTEE Codes | Open | Close | Decisions |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Health & Human Services Community Grant Cycle | Provides general operational and project support for non-profit organizations that serve Lorain County through Health and Human Services. | E, F, G, H, I, J, K, L, M, N, and P | January 1 | February 1 | May |
| Education & Youth Development Community Grant Cycle | Provides general operational and project support for non-profit organizations that serve Lorain County through Education and Youth Development. | B and O | March 1 | April 1 | July |
| Arts & Culture and Strengthening Lorain County Community Grants Cycle | Provides general operating and project support for non-profit organizations serving Lorain County through Arts & Culture and Strengthening Lorain County. | A, R, S, T, U, V, W, and X | June 1 | July 1 | October |
| African American Community Fund | Support for projects that improve the quality of life for the African American community of Lorain County. | All | October 15 | November 15 | January |
| Hispanic Fund | Provides grants to programs committed to improving and promoting socioeconomic and educational opportunities within the Hispanic community. | All | April 30 | May 31 | July |
| Women’s Fund | Award grants to organizations supporting social, educational, and artistic projects by, for, and delivering to women and children. | All | August 1 | September 1 | October |
| Youth Fund | Awards grants to non-profit organizations that provide programs and services for the youth in Lorain County. | All | October 1 | November 1 | January |
| Lakeland Community Foundation Mini-grants | Awards $500 mini-grants to non-profit organizations based in Lorain County. | All | Beginning of each month | End of Month Deadline | Monthly Rolling Decision |
Grant Requirements
Priorities
The Board prioritizes innovative programs that address community needs and promote partnerships and collaboration. Lower priority is given to capital and equipment requests, mandated services, and duplication of existing services.
Funding Areas
The Community Foundation of Lorain County focuses on four primary areas:
- Arts and Culture
- Education and Youth
- Health and Human Services
- Strengthening Lorain County
Eligibility
- Application Limit: For Community Grant Cycles, grant seekers may apply once per calendar year but can apply for additional Affiliate Fund Grants.
- Location Requirement: Organizations must be located in or serve residents within Lorain County. Organizations outside Lorain County must detail the Lorain County residents served.
- Tax-Exempt Status: Only 501(c)(3) tax-exempt organizations are eligible. Complete the Fiscal Sponsor Information Form if your program needs a tax-exempt ruling.
- Reporting: Prior grant reporting requirements must be fulfilled before submitting a new application.
- Ineligible Requests: Grants will not be awarded for debt reduction, loans, for-profit businesses, benefit tickets, annual appeals, tours, telephone solicitations, political campaigns, or religious activities. Scholarships are only awarded through accredited educational institutions.
The Board values accountability and sustainability in programs. Organizations should demonstrate a diversified funding base.
For technical difficulties, please contact us at foundation@peoplewhocare.org or 440.984.7390.
