Responsive Grants: Applications accepted on a rolling basis.
When community organizations have the resources they need, more becomes possible for the people they serve.
The Community Foundation invests in projects, programs and partnerships that improve quality of life throughout Hancock County. Our grantmaking is guided by community priorities, local data and ongoing conversations with residents. We are especially interested in collaborative efforts that address root causes and create lasting, systems-level change.
Types of Grants
Responsive grants enable the Foundation to respond to the evolving needs of organizations and communities. These grants are funded through the endowed Unrestricted and Field of Interest funds set up by The Community Foundation’s fundholders. Responsive grant applications are accepted on a rolling basis and are reviewed by Foundation staff and/or the Grants Committee/Board.
Education Grants: Due the first Friday of March; decision in April.
Allan H. Davis Civic Education Fund Grants
The Allan H. Davis Civic Education Fund supports grants to promote the civic engagement of Findlay High School students with a focus on providing extracurricular activities and opportunities that will teach them about the rights and duties of citizens and inspire them to be active participants in the United States democratic process.
Hancock Education Fund Grants
The Hancock Education Fund promotes innovative learning in Findlay City Schools and Hancock County Schools by providing teachers with resources that encourage students to develop 21st-century skills. Up to $60,000 a year is made available for this grant process.
HancockREADS Grants
The HancockREADS Fund supports grants designed to meet community literacy needs, addressing existing or new projects. Up to $10,000 a year is available for this grant process.
Bill and Eveline Stitt Early Literacy Mentoring Grants
The Bill and Eveline Stitt Early Literacy Mentoring Grant supports early literacy intervention through mentorship. The intervention program is designed for students in PreK-3.
Community Mental Health Grants: Due the last Friday of June; decision in August.
Through the Community Conversations process, mental health and harmful substance use were identified as a significant and ongoing area of concern for Hancock County.
To address these concerns, we are seeking proposals from nonprofit organizations, including faith-based organizations and churches, that focus on providing services to enhance emotional and mental health for residents of Findlay and Hancock County, Ohio.
Projects should focus on significant local undertakings. This is intended to support programs and operations of nonprofit organizations that meet the criteria stated above.
Special attention will be given to innovative approaches that include collaborative partnerships and/or significant engagement/outreach and will have a measurable impact.
Fun for All Grants: Applications accepted on a rolling basis.
This grant program was developed after listening to area residents about what matters most to them.
During our 2022 Community Conversation process, we heard from over 1,000 residents. One priority identified was the need for more free community events. This grant process started in 2023, and $100,000 is available annually for grants to support free community events.
Handbags That Help Grants: Due in January; decision in April.
Handbags That Help (HTH) is a women's giving circle dedicated to improving lives throughout Hancock County by funding significant grants to charitable projects and programs. HTH requests grant proposals from nonprofit organizations for programs in Hancock County, Ohio, focused on building strong families by addressing an urgent and critical need, a bold new adventure or a new approach to an ongoing problem in the community.
Special Grant Opportunities: Timelines vary.
Occasionally, Special Grant Opportunities are made available to support specific areas of focus. Each will have its own criteria, timeline, and available grant amount.
Our Partnership
We invest in nonprofit organizations, public charities and government entities working to improve the lives of Hancock County residents. Because lasting change happens when people work together, we value collaborative efforts that unite organizations around a common vision and shared strategies to address community challenges and make more possible for our region.
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Before you apply
We view grantmaking as a partnership. Before you apply, we encourage you to connect with our Community Engagement team. We want to learn about your organization, understand your vision and help determine the opportunity that best aligns with your goals.
