Chillicothe-Ross Community Foundation Grant

The Community Fall Grants program is an annual funding opportunity offered by the Chillicothe-Ross Community Foundation. This foundation is committed to enhancing the quality of life in Ross County, Ohio, through the support of nonprofit organizations that serve a public purpose and address pressing needs in the local community. The foundation’s mission focuses on making Ross County a desirable place to live, work, and raise families by investing in initiatives that provide tangible benefits to residents. The Fall Grant Cycle supports projects, programs, or initiatives proposed by 501(c)(3) organizations. These proposals must demonstrate a clear community impact and align with the foundation’s mission and values. Eligible initiatives are those that deliver services or benefits to a broad population within Ross County. Organizations applying must show a meaningful presence in Ross County; those without a significant local presence are unlikely to be funded. For 2025, the grant cycle introduces a new priority focus on homelessness, responding to what the foundation identifies as one of the county’s most pressing challenges. Proposals that meaningfully address homelessness will receive special consideration. This includes efforts focused on prevention—keeping individuals and families housed—alongside shelter and transitional housing, wraparound services such as mental health or job training, and collaborative agency solutions. Projects that demonstrate practical, innovative strategies with measurable impact will be especially welcomed. Grants are not intended to fund administrative or general operating expenses, endowments not held at the foundation, fundraising campaigns, or individual support. Applications must be for tangible items or direct service-related expenses. Religious organizations are eligible only if the project serves the broader community in a non-sectarian manner. Likewise, applications from groups that discriminate, fund political causes, or are largely recreational or fraternal in nature are ineligible. Applications for the 2025 cycle are due by October 3, 2025. The foundation does not list a formal pre-application step, nor does it specify an opening date, but based on the promotional material, the opportunity is currently active. Organizations whose applications are recommended by the Grants Committee but not selected for funding may be included in the Foundation's Grants Catalog. This secondary platform offers visibility to potential donors through crowdfunding. Although specific application questions are not detailed in the grant notice, applicants should be prepared to describe their project’s objectives, outcomes, alignment with the foundation’s mission, and how requested funds will be used. While no contact details are provided, the foundation likely facilitates applicant communication through its website and online application portal. Given the grant’s recurring nature and established annual cycle, prospective applicants should monitor the foundation’s site for future cycle updates and opportunities.