The Greater Toledo Community Foundation’s Community Impact Grant Program funds projects within northwest Ohio and southeast Michigan, especially the greater Toledo area. This grant focuses on innovative programs that address unmet needs, expand successful programs to new audiences, and ultimately foster safe and positive environments. Applicants are encouraged to propose projects that strengthen family stability, promote youth development, and use data-driven approaches for continuous improvement. Eligible grant requests start at $50,000, and multi-year funding is available if the proposal outlines a plan for progression over time, with funding typically decreasing in later years as program sustainability grows. Only direct program expenses qualify for grant support.
To be eligible, applicants must be 501(c)(3) nonprofits with at least five years of experience and an operating budget of $500,000 or more. Smaller organizations may collaborate with partners to meet the budget requirement, provided the combined budgets meet or exceed $500,000. Collaborative projects that encourage resource sharing, partnerships, or even organizational mergers may be particularly competitive. Proposals should demonstrate an understanding of other similar services within the region, propose unique solutions to community needs, and align with broader community development plans.
The application process for the Community Impact Grant involves two stages, beginning with a Letter of Intent (LOI), which is reviewed by foundation staff and trustees. Selected LOIs are then invited to submit a full application. Applications are reviewed biannually, with deadlines for LOIs on January 15 and July 15 each year. The foundation board meets approximately two to three months after these deadlines to make funding decisions, and applicants are notified of the outcome within a week. Costs incurred before the official grant award cannot be covered by the grant.
Key components of the LOI include details on the funding amount requested, project description, project partners, and the target population. Full proposals require a deeper analysis, covering the project’s purpose, implementation plans, evaluation methods, sustainability plans, and a detailed project budget. Attachments required with the full application include the organization’s board list, IRS tax-exempt status letter, a background summary, financial statements (either audited or unaudited for the most recent fiscal year), an approved operating budget, and the detailed project budget.
For more information or assistance, applicants can reach out to Patrick Johnston, Vice President of Community Investments at the Greater Toledo Community Foundation, as specified in the guidelines.
