Community West Foundation Grant

Community West Foundation administers a quarterly grantmaking program to support nonprofit organizations that align with its mission to serve marginalized communities. The Foundation is focused on meeting critical human needs through funding in Western Cuyahoga and Lorain Counties in Ohio. Its support covers a diverse range of services, including but not limited to hunger prevention, refugee and immigrant support, housing, homeless services, incarceration reentry programs, disability services, addiction recovery, and general community programming. Grant applications are assessed through a structured process involving both the Board of Directors and the Grants Committee, with dedicated programmatic focus areas for each quarter. First quarter grants are directed toward programs that address hunger prevention and support for refugees and immigrants. Second quarter priorities include housing and homelessness services, as well as support for individuals who are incarcerated or reentering society. The third quarter targets health programming, services for individuals with disabilities, and addiction treatment or recovery initiatives. The fourth quarter serves as a catch-all for other community service organizations and programs that may not fit neatly into the earlier thematic categories but still align with the Foundation’s overarching mission. The Foundation has transitioned to an invitation-only application model. This means that only organizations explicitly invited by Community West Foundation may submit a full application. This approach has been implemented in response to shifts in the funding and policy landscape and allows the Foundation to maintain focus on its existing commitments while continuing to prioritize marginalized populations. Organizations that believe they are strongly aligned with the Foundation’s mission and serve the Western Cuyahoga and/or Lorain County area are encouraged to initiate contact by sending an introductory email. This email should include a description of the organization’s work, the specific populations served, and how their mission aligns with the Foundation’s priority to support the marginalized. While submitting an introductory email does not guarantee an invitation to apply, it allows new organizations to engage with the Foundation. Eligible applicants must be tax-exempt nonprofit organizations under Section 501(c)(3) of the Internal Revenue Code. The Foundation does not provide grants for capital needs, endowments, school programs, or individuals. Applications are reviewed quarterly, with Letter of Inquiry deadlines set on January 10, April 4, July 11, and October 3 of each year. If selected, full applications must be submitted by February 5, May 2, August 1, and October 24, respectively. Grants Committee meetings follow each deadline cycle, concluding with a funding decision. Prospective applicants or those with questions are encouraged to contact the Foundation at grants.portal@cwfc.org.