Grants

Apply for a Grant

The Community Foundation of Lorain County has a variety of funding opportunities for nonprofit organizations that serve Lorain County residents in the areas of: Arts and Culture, Education and Youth, Health and Human Servies, and Strengthening Lorain County.  Our grant applications are available through our online grant portal.

All applications are due by 5:00 pm on the due date, regardless if it is a weekend or holiday. If applying online is a barrier, we encourage you to contact us and we will work with you to ensure you are able to submit a grant request.

Questions about Grants?

Jamie Simoneau

Program Evaluation and Integration Officer

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Linda Ong Styer

Senior Program Officer

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Melissa Timko

Data Management Fellow

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Apply Now

Current Grants Available

Open

Youth Fund Service-Learning Grants

Deadline: November 01, 2020

Service-Learning links community service (e.g. collecting food for the needy) to curriculum areas (e.g. developing math skills, studying nutritional standards, researching social problems and impact of poverty). Service Learning Grants are available to Lorain County teachers grades K-12.

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Open

African American Community Fund Grant

Deadline: November 15, 2020

The African American Community Fund awards grants to improve the quality of life of African Americans of Lorain County. The Fund has a special interest in affecting the most disadvantaged in the community.

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Open

Lakeland Community Foundation Mini-Grant

The Lakeland Community Foundation Endowment Fund awards $500 grants to 501(c)(3) nonprofit organizations based in Lorain County. This grant has a rolling deadline.

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Open

COVID-19 Community Response Grant

The Community Foundation of Lorain County, along with other key community partners, have created the Lorain County Cares COVID-19 Response Fund in an effort to reduce the economic strain on local non-profit organizations from this pandemic. The grant cycle is open and the next deadline has not been determined.

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Grant Cycle Calendar

GRANTDESCRIPTIONCYCLE OPENSDEADLINEBOARD DECISION
February Community GrantGeneral operating and project support for organizations serving Lorain County.January 1February 1Late July
July Community GrantGeneral operating and project support for organizations serving Lorain County.June 1July 1Late December
African American Community FundSupport for projects that improve the quality of life for the African American community of Lorain County. October 15November 15Late January
Hispanic FundProvides grants to programs that are committed to improving and promoting socioeconomic and educational opportunities within the Hispanic community. April 30May 31July
Women’s FundAwards grants to improve the quality of life for women and children in Lorain County.August 1September 1Late October
Youth Fund Service Learning GrantsService Learning links community service to curriculum areas. Available to Lorain County teachers grades K-12.  October 1November 1Late November
Huron County Community FoundationAwards grants to programs in the fields of Education, Social Services, Arts and Culture, Civic Affairs, Health, and Economic Development.December 15January 15Late March
Huron County Community FoundationAwards grants to programs in the fields of Education, Social Services, Arts and Culture, Civic Affairs, Health, and Economic Development.July 15August 15Late September
COVID-19 Response FundDeploys much-needed resources to organizations that work with people and communities that are adversely impacted by COVID-19.To be announced
Lakeland Community Foundation MinigrantsAwards $500 minigrants to nonprofit organizations based in Lorain County. Beginning of each monthRolling Deadline Rolling Decision
Racial Equity FundProvides funds to organizations that support the transformation of structures and systems with the goal of providing access and equal experiencesTo be announced
All of our grant applications are available through our online grant portal.

Priorities

  • The Board is interested in innovative programs that are responsive to community needs, partnerships, and collaborative efforts. Lower priority is given to capital and equipment requests, mandated services, and duplication of existing services.
  • The Community Foundation of Lorain County has four primary funding areas: Arts and Culture, Education and Youth, Health and Human Services, and Strengthening Lorain County.

Eligibility 

  • For the Community Grant Cycles, grant seekers may only apply once per calendar year (February/July grant cycles).   Grant Seekers are welcome to apply for additional Affiliate Fund Grants.
  • Organizations must be located in or provide services to residents within Lorain County. Grant seekers outside Lorain County must provide information on Lorain County residents served.
  • Grant awards will only go to tax-exempt organizations classified as 501(c)(3) charities by the Internal Revenue Service. If your program does not have a tax-exempt ruling from the IRS, please complete the Fiscal Sponsor Information Form.
  • Reporting requirements from prior grants must be fulfilled before submitting a new application.
  • Grants will not be made to individuals, for debt reduction, loans, for-profit businesses, tickets for benefits, annual appeals, tours, telephone solicitations, political campaigns, and religious activities. Scholarships will only be paid to accredited educational institutions (no payments to students).
  • The Board is very concerned about the accountability and sustainability of programs. Organizations should have a diversified funding base.
Apply Now

If you experience any technical difficulties, please contact our office at foundation@peoplewhocare.org or 440.984.7390.

Harrison Cultural Center