Community Builder Grants

The Community Builder Grant, offered by the Greater Toledo Community Foundation, supports programs that enhance quality of life in northwest Ohio and southeast Michigan, particularly the Toledo area. The grant provides funding of up to $25,000 in three categories: seed money for new programs addressing unmet community needs, expansion of successful programs to reach new audiences, and capacity building for nonprofit organizations. Emphasis is placed on programs that create safe living environments, support family development, and foster youth potential. Eligible applicants must be nonprofit organizations with 501(c)(3) status, providing services to residents in the target geographic area. Grant proposals should address coordination among organizations, demonstrate a clear understanding of similar services in the area, propose unique solutions to community needs, and show alignment with relevant community planning efforts. Capacity-building requests must illustrate how the funding will advance organizational or programmatic sophistication and sustainability, with activities like third-party evaluations, business planning, or leadership training prioritized. The foundation generally does not fund general operating budgets, annual or capital campaigns, equipment purchases, sectarian activities, or projects replacing public dollars. Additionally, organizations cannot apply for both Community Impact and Community Builder grants for the same project. Proposals must be project-specific and include plans for obtaining ongoing support once foundation funds are expended. The grant application process includes submitting a comprehensive proposal by one of the two annual deadlines, January 15 or July 15. Proposals must detail the project’s goals, implementation timeline, target population, evaluation criteria, sustainability plans, and a line-item budget. For capacity-building requests involving third-party evaluations or business planning, proposals must include professional qualifications and quotes from the chosen consultant. Applications must include attachments such as the organization’s IRS tax-exemption letter, a board list, financial statements (audited or unaudited within the past 18 months), a current operating budget, and a detailed project budget. Proposals are reviewed by the foundation’s staff and Board of Trustees, with decisions communicated within a week of board action. Project expenses incurred before approval are not eligible for reimbursement. For further information or assistance, applicants can contact Patrick Johnston, Vice President of Community Investments, at the Greater Toledo Community Foundation. Applications must be submitted online through the foundation’s website, ensuring all required documents and formats are provided to avoid disqualification.