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Community Foundation Awards $1.4M in Grants

February 28, 2023

The Findlay-Hancock County Community Foundation Board of Trustees approved grants totaling $1,428,531 at the February board meeting. This total includes 11 responsive grants, three president’s discretionary grants and 163 donor advised fund grants.

“The Foundation is proud to partner with donors to make this $1.4M available for so many nonprofit organizations in the community,” said Brian Treece, President & CEO of the Foundation. “Many of these grants address critical needs like housing, safety, transportation and workforce, all of which are priority areas in Hancock County. As we strive to improve the quality of life for all in the community, listening to and responding to community needs continues to be a priority.”

Responsive Grants
Responsive grants are awarded to organizations to meet community needs and match the goals, objectives and priorities of The Community Foundation. Grantseekers must submit a written grant proposal for consideration. Applications are reviewed four times per year.

Funding for responsive grants comes from our Community’s Endowment, made up of Funds for the Common Good and Field of Interest Funds established by donors at The Community Foundation. The following responsive grants were approved by the Board of Trustees, made possible by our Community’s Endowment:

  • City Mission of Findlay was awarded three grants:
    • $5,040 to support a warming center.
    • $13,397 to support an increase in emergency housing needs.
    • $81,733 for continued expansion of the reSTART program and launch of the workforce transportation strategy.
  • The Family Center was awarded $265,814 for payment on the building loan.
  • Findlay Hope House was awarded $24,500 to support an increase in housing needs and costs for clients and shelter residents.
  • Fostoria Vision 2020 was awarded $25,000 to leverage support for the Fostoria Splay & Soak Park.
  • HHWP Community Action Commission was awarded up to $6,775 for rides to the Foundation’s Fun for All series of free community events.
  • Open Arms was awarded $18,000 to support an increase in safety and service needs.
  • Raise the Bar was awarded $572 to pilot the Pathful Explore program, an exploration and planning platform that prepares students for college and/or career.
  • University of Findlay’s Mazza Museum was awarded $2,420 for the DREAM Project to make books and lesson plans about different disabilities available to schools throughout the county.
  • West Ohio Food Bank was awarded $13,420 to pilot food pantries in two local schools.

President’s Discretionary Grants
President’s Discretionary grants fund urgent or special requests outside The Community Foundation’s various grant cycles. The President of The Community Foundation is allocated an amount each year. These grants typically do not individually exceed $5,000. The following discretionary grants were awarded:

  • Center for Safe and Health Children was awarded $5,000 to replace equipment.
  • City Mission of Findlay was awarded $2,750 for updates to the warming center.
  • United Way of Hancock County was awarded $1,944 to support the re-launch of VITA services.

Donor Advised Grants

Donor Advised Funds are established by individuals, families or corporations to recommend grants to nonprofits they’re passionate about. The nonprofits are vetted by the Foundation and grants are awarded. The following donor advised grants were awarded:

  • 163 grants to 95 organizations totaling $962,166.29.