Hudson Community Foundation Grant

The Hudson Community Foundation (HCF), founded in 2000, has awarded more than $500,000 in grants to date. As a community-based philanthropic organization, HCF supports nonprofit organizations dedicated to enhancing the quality of life in Hudson, Ohio. With a responsive and impact-driven approach to grantmaking, the Foundation emphasizes strategic investments aimed at addressing both current and emerging needs in the local community. Although the grant process is competitive, the Foundation values innovative ideas and programs that align with its mission to make a meaningful difference across multiple sectors. HCF's funding priorities include a wide array of focus areas: art and culture, historical and environmental preservation, social services, youth education and recreation, and prevention and addiction. The Foundation does not fund religious organizations or events, private foundations, operating deficits, individual support, advertising, testimonial dinners, political activities, capital campaigns, or endowments. Grant requests are limited to one per calendar year per 501(c)(3) organization. Nonprofit organizations classified under section 501(c)(3) of the IRS code and government agencies serving Hudson, Ohio, are eligible to apply. Applications must demonstrate a strong service link to Hudson's residents. Grant applications must be submitted online via the Foundation's portal. The application process requires several components: a project description with objectives and expected outcomes, the amount requested, a detailed project and operations budget, an overview of the organization’s mission and major programs, a listing of its Board of Directors, staff details, and the organization's EIN. For awarded grants, the Executive Director or President must sign a grant agreement. The organization must also designate a primary contact if different from the executive signatory. A Grant Recipient Report is required within 30 days of project completion, and failure to submit this report disqualifies the organization from applying the following calendar year. In 2025, HCF has two competitive grant cycles. Cycle #1 closes on March 19, 2025, at 3:00 p.m., and Cycle #2 closes on September 10, 2025, also at 3:00 p.m. Applications are reviewed by the HCF Grants Committee, with final decisions made by the Board of Directors. Applicants are notified of funding decisions within two weeks following the board meeting. While there are no pre-application deadlines or Q&A periods explicitly listed, applicants are encouraged to be prepared with all required documentation before applying. HCF does not disclose specific award amounts, the number of awards, or total program funding in public documentation. Additionally, there is no indication that matching funds are required. Although there are no formal application tips or time estimates provided, the thoroughness of the application requirements implies the need for careful preparation. There is no public listing of previous recipients or example projects. The Foundation’s commitment to Hudson’s development is reflected in its broad but community-centered funding areas. With regular grant cycles and a transparent process, HCF remains a valuable resource for nonprofit and government agencies striving to make a local impact.