Grant Opportunities

Making the community a better place should not be a difficult process. Download Guidelines for Grantseekers, a great place to start. If this is your first grant request or your hundredth grant request, we’re here to help! Below is application information, some resources to make it easier and documents to assist your organization in communicating your success.

Contact Kimberly with questions during any step of the process.

Responsive

For assistance with the new online grant portal, please visit the Grant Resources page.

2024 Special Grant Opportunities

Community Gathering Spaces

To support critical community gathering spaces, The Community Foundation is offering a special grant opportunity focused on investments in area parks, capital investments/improvements to community buildings and other public community gathering spaces. We are seeking proposals from Hancock County tax-exempt, private agencies classified as 501(c)(3) organizations and public charities as defined by the Internal Revenue Service. Grants may also be made to governmental agencies in Hancock County. Projects require a 1-to-1 match. Up to $25,000 may be requested per grantee. Applicants are required to discuss grant ideas and allowable expenses with Kimberly Bash, Chief Community Engagement Officer at the Foundation, prior to submitting a request. Due: September 16, 2024.

Building Community through Neighborhood Revitalization

The Community Foundation is offering a special grant opportunity focused on engaging residents of all ages in making a difference in their communities through neighborhood revitalization projects. We are seeking proposals from Hancock County tax-exempt, private agencies classified as 501(c)(3) organizations and public charities as defined by the Internal Revenue Service. Grants may also be made to governmental agencies in Hancock County. Examples of projects could include but are not limited to service-learning projects with local youth and projects developed by residents of all ages focused on improving neighborhoods and benefiting area quality of life (ex. permanent tree/flower planting in public spaces - not private residents and no annual plants; neighborhood clean-ups; and beautification). Applicants are required to discuss grant ideas and allowable expenses with Kimberly Bash, Chief Community Engagement Officer at the Foundation, prior to submitting a request. Due: September 16, 2024.

For assistance with the new online grant portal, please visit the Grant Resources page.

Small Education & Literacy Grants

Contact Cassie with questions during any step of the process. For assistance with the new online grant portal, please visit the Online Grant Application Introduction Video.

HancockREADS

Due the first Friday in March.

Hancock Education Fund

Due the first Friday in March.

Stitt Early Literacy Mentoring

Due the first Friday in March. New applicants should submit the Early Literacy Mentoring Grant Application. Schools currently participating in this grant program should submit the Early Literacy Mentoring Grant Report and Renewal Application.

Handbags That Help

Handbags That Help has awarded $726,322 since its first year of grantmaking in 2008. The giving circle's focus is building strong families in Hancock County, Ohio. HTH awards between $40,000 and $60,000 annually.

New Applicant?

If your organization has never received a grant from The Community Foundation before, you must submit IRS Form W-9 with your grant application.

Communicating Your Grant

The hard work is complete, now let’s celebrate and share the good news! Doing so helps you publicize your organization and its good work, recognizes the Foundation and its donors, and promotes philanthropy in the greater Hancock County area.