Frequently Asked Questions

We bring people together to make more possible.

By partnering with donors, nonprofits, and community members, we support ideas, services, and opportunities that improve the quality of life for all in Hancock County.

The Findlay-Hancock County Community Foundation began with a vision to create a permanent source of support for our community. Founded by local leaders, the Foundation was built to bring people and resources together, ensuring that Hancock County can grow and thrive for generations to come.

Our work is made possible through gifts from individuals, families, and organizations. Those gifts are carefully invested, and a portion is distributed each year to support grants, scholarships, and community initiatives.

There is a place for everyone here. Whether you want to give, apply for funding, explore scholarships, or get involved, we are here to help you connect with opportunities that make a difference.

We offer a variety of grant opportunities to support community needs. This includes responsive grants, donor advised grants, and initiatives focused on areas such as arts, education, and health.

Eligible applicants include nonprofits, schools, and other qualified  501(c)(3) organizations serving Hancock County.

All applications are completed through our online portal. We review responsive grants multiple times throughout the year, giving organizations several opportunities to apply. For guidelines, timelines and eligibility details, contact Kimberly Bash at (419) 425-1100.

We support and host programs that bring people together, strengthen local nonprofits, and build connections across our community. These range from learning opportunities to community-wide events.

You can support an existing fund, give to a cause you care about, or create a fund of your own to make an impact over time. We can help facilitate gifts with a variety of financial tools and giving vehicles.

Yes. Many funds are designed to support specific nonprofits or focus areas. We are happy to help you direct your gift to what matters most to you.

An endowed fund is a charitable account you establish or contribute to. Gifts are invested for long-term growth and distributed over time to support the causes you care about.

Not at all. Many people begin by supporting an existing fund or making a gift of any size. There are several ways to grow a fund of your own as well.

Absolutely. We work with you and your advisors, if you choose, to create a giving plan that reflects your values and goals.

All funds are managed in partnership with professional financial advisors. The Foundation’s primary investment goal is to take a long-term approach that helps gifts grow and provide lasting support for our community. Fund holders may recommend a short-term investment strategy appropriate to their philanthropic goals.

 Each year, a portion of every fund is distributed to support grants and scholarships, while the rest remains invested to ensure long-term impact.

Yes. There is a Foundation Support Fee paid from the fund’s assets to partially cover expenses related to collective community impact, administering grants, and ensuring the long‑term sustainability of our community. Fees directly associated with investments are charged to each fund in proportion to its holdings. There is no fee to make individual gifts.

The Community Foundation is a qualified charitable organization. Gifts are generally tax-deductible to the extent allowed by law.

Our scholarships are open to a wide range of students, including graduating high school seniors, current college students, and adult learners. Each scholarship has its own unique eligibility criteria.

Our scholarship applications, including the universal application, open on the first Wednesday of December at noon and close on the first Wednesday of February at noon. You can find current dates and deadlines on our Scholarship Application Guide.

Applications are submitted through our online system. 

Students in Hancock County and the surrounding area can complete a single universal application that automatically matches them with multiple scholarship opportunities based on their eligibility. Learn more here.

Common requirements include academic information, extracurricular involvement, essays, and references. Specific requirements may vary depending on the scholarship.

Review the information needed to apply.

Scholarships are awarded through a thoughtful review process involving community volunteers and/or fund representatives who consider each applicant’s achievements, goals, and potential based on criteria for each scholarship.