Ashland County Community Foundation’s Community Grants

The Community Grants program offered by the Ashland County Community Foundation (ACCF) is a semi-annual competitive grant opportunity designed to support charitable programs and projects that benefit any population within Ashland County, Ohio. As part of ACCF's broader philanthropic mission, these grants reflect the foundation’s commitment to enriching community life and strengthening local organizations through targeted financial support. ACCF, based in Ashland, Ohio, operates as a private foundation with a variety of funding programs tailored to distinct demographics and sectors within the county. Community Grants typically range between $10,000 and $15,000 per award, although the specific ceiling or floor may vary based on need and project scope. Funding can be used for a broad array of purposes including projects, program development, equipment acquisition, building renovations, capital campaigns, seed funding, and matching or challenge grants. The foundation does not support applications from individuals or for uses such as ongoing operational expenses, annual campaigns, pre-existing endowment funds not held at ACCF, debt reduction, or religious purposes. This ensures that funded projects are aligned with the community-serving mission of the foundation and are impactful, sustainable, and nonsectarian in nature. Eligible applicants include 501(c)(3) nonprofits and other qualifying charitable organizations. Applications are open to organizations whose work directly benefits populations within Ashland County. No geographic expansion beyond this local scope is indicated, ensuring a hyper-focused impact. First-time applicants must participate in a mandatory interview with ACCF staff before submitting their application. This serves as an opportunity to align expectations, clarify guidelines, and strengthen the quality of proposals submitted. Following submission, the Grants Committee may request additional interviews depending on the project. The application process is conducted entirely through ACCF’s Online Grants System. Applicants must register for an account and submit their materials digitally. Required components include organizational background information, a statement of need, project descriptions, budget breakdowns, and funding plans. Additionally, applicants must upload documents such as a list of the board of directors with affiliations, the most recent annual operating budget, and any supplementary materials relevant to the proposed request—such as itemized expense lists, quotes for capital improvements, or renderings of proposed projects. All applications are due by 11:59 PM Eastern Time on March 1 for the spring cycle and September 1 for the fall cycle. Following the review period, applicants are notified of award decisions by early May for the spring round and early November for the fall round. These recurring deadlines allow organizations to plan and align their funding strategies accordingly. Although no pre-application letters or concept papers are mandated, the required first-time applicant interview acts as a gating mechanism for initial eligibility. Reporting requirements for awarded organizations are also managed through the Online Grants System, which includes submission of grant agreements and final reports. For inquiries, applicants may contact Kristin Aspin, Chief Operating Officer of ACCF, via phone at (419) 281-4733 or email at [email protected]. The foundation's physical address is 300 College Avenue, Ashland, OH 44805. The Community Grants program represents a key channel through which ACCF continues to promote philanthropic investment and sustainable growth within Ashland County.