Portage Foundation Annual Community Grants

The Portage Foundation offers annual grant funding to nonprofit organizations that serve Portage County, Ohio. Established to support a wide range of community needs, the Foundation accepts proposals from both established nonprofit entities and grassroots organizations. Grants are administered through the Foundation’s Grants and Scholarships Committee, which includes members of the Board of Trustees and other community representatives. The Foundation seeks to fund projects that make a meaningful impact in its nine priority areas, including animal welfare, arts and culture, children’s programs, education, environment, economic development, health, and human services. Grants are typically made for one-time, non-recurring expenditures that support start-up efforts, special projects, or capital needs. Funding may also be awarded for program-related expenses and, in select cases, for a nonprofit’s general operating budget if a compelling need is demonstrated. The Foundation supports capacity-building efforts in governance, service delivery, management, and financial sustainability. Collaborative projects between two or more organizations are encouraged, provided they include letters of support from all participating entities. Proposals that seek to address root causes of community issues are given particular consideration. Applications are accepted once a year from June 1 to August 31 via an online application portal. Awards are announced around October 31. Only 501(c)(3) nonprofit organizations are eligible to apply, and applicants must upload their IRS determination letter as part of the submission. Organizations must either be based in Portage County or demonstrate how they serve residents of the county. The Foundation does not fund individuals, for-profit businesses, debt repayment, religious or political activities, school curricula, or event sponsorships. Each application requires detailed organizational and project information, including contact details for executive and project leads, the project’s title, tax ID, a mission statement, and identification of the most relevant funding priority area. Applicants must describe their project in terms of goals, objectives, timelines, and measurable outcomes. Additional narrative components include the statement of need, target population served, collaborative partnerships, and evaluation methods. Applicants may also submit supporting documents such as annual reports and detailed budgets. A completed itemized budget equal to the requested amount is mandatory. Grantees are required to submit progress reports six months into the grant and at its conclusion. The Foundation also maintains a Rapid Response Fund to consider requests outside the regular grant cycle in cases of emergency or natural disasters. For those unable to submit an application online, the Foundation provides assistance via email at info@portagefoundation.org or by phone at 330-470-8950. Applicants must certify the truth and accuracy of their submissions. Typical grant amounts range from $500 to $2,500, and applications are evaluated based on the significance and purpose of the project, its potential benefit to Portage County residents, organizational stability, and the availability of additional funding. The Foundation encourages early preparation and emphasizes the importance of a complete and accurate application submitted before the 11:59 p.m. deadline on August 31.

If online submission is a barrier, contact the foundation for assistance. Make sure prior reporting is complete before applying again.