Louise Sheets Grants

The Louise Sheets Fund is administered by The Community Foundation of Shelby County, an organization dedicated to cultivating, administering, and distributing legacy gifts for the benefit of local communities. This fund provides semi-annual grant opportunities specifically targeting organizations located in or serving the Botkins, Ohio area. Its purpose is to ensure charitable resources are applied to projects that enhance community life within the geographic boundaries of the Botkins Local School District. By design, the fund promotes initiatives that foster collaboration and efficiency, avoiding unnecessary duplication of services and encouraging the sharing of community resources. The grant program prioritizes projects that demonstrate thoughtful planning and sustainability. Applicants must show that their initiative includes a reasonable strategy for securing continued financial support after the Foundation’s grant funds are expended. This emphasis ensures that funded projects have long-term impact and durability within the community. Eligible proposals may range from small requests to multi-year projects, as both are considered by the Foundation under this fund. However, proposals must clearly demonstrate benefit to a broad segment of Botkins residents rather than narrow or individual interests. Eligibility is generally limited to nonprofit organizations that are recognized as tax-exempt under Section 501(c)(3) of the Internal Revenue Code. Consideration is also given to charitable organizations that may not hold 501(c)(3) designation but are registered as nonprofit corporations with the Ohio Secretary of State. Additionally, organizations without formal 501(c)(3) status may still apply if they use a fiscal agent such as a government entity or a qualified 501(c)(3) that will receive and administer the grant on their behalf. This flexibility allows smaller local organizations to access funds as long as accountability is maintained. Certain restrictions apply to the types of activities and requests the Foundation supports. Grants are not typically made for general operating support, individuals, religious activities serving only a congregation, political organizations or campaigns, endowments, scientific or medical research, academic research, or annual fundraising campaigns for established organizations. These limitations are designed to keep the fund focused on direct, community-centered impact in Botkins. The application process is structured in two levels depending on the request size. All applicants must complete Level 1, which includes a written explanation of the project, identification of the intended community beneficiaries, and submission of one to two vendor or contractor price quotes. Proposals requesting $10,000 or more must also complete Level 2, requiring additional documentation such as a list of the board of directors and a financial statement. Applicants may attach supplementary items like photographs, drawings, or letters of support, though these are not required. The Louise Sheets Fund operates on a semi-annual cycle with two application periods each year. The spring cycle opens on February 15 and closes on March 31, with awards announced in the last week of April. The fall cycle opens on August 15 and closes on September 30, with awards made in the last week of October. All proposals must be submitted online through the Community Foundation’s website by the respective deadlines. Awards are decided competitively, and projects are selected based on alignment with the fund’s criteria and potential community impact. For questions about the Louise Sheets Fund or application process, applicants may contact Juli Smith, Scholarships and Grants Manager, at the Community Foundation of Shelby County. She can be reached by phone at (937) 497-7800 or by email at jsmith@commfoun.com. The Foundation encourages interested organizations to review all guidelines carefully and prepare strong applications that demonstrate both immediate and lasting benefit to the Botkins community.

Attachments like photos, drawings, or letters of support encouraged; vendor quotes preferred