Sylvania Franciscan Foundation Fund

The Sylvania Franciscan Foundation Fund is a philanthropic initiative supported by the Greater Toledo Community Foundation in collaboration with the Sisters of St. Francis of Sylvania, Ohio. The Greater Toledo Community Foundation is a public charitable organization that serves northwest Ohio and southeast Michigan, with a core focus on the greater Toledo area. Its mission aligns closely with that of the Sisters of St. Francis, who are dedicated to living the Gospel through acts that promote peace, human dignity, environmental stewardship, and support for marginalized populations. This grant program reflects those principles, aiming to foster community well-being and systemic change through strategic, mission-aligned investments. The fund provides financial support to nonprofit organizations advancing work in four priority areas: combatting human trafficking, supporting immigrants and refugees, promoting social justice and equal opportunity, and addressing ecological and environmental concerns through the principles outlined in Pope Francis’ Laudato Si’. Within each of these priority areas, funding can support a broad range of activities, from survivor-informed services and health initiatives to legal aid, civic engagement, education, workforce development, climate mitigation, and ecological spirituality. Programs that propose systemic solutions, utilize evidence-based models, and foster cross-sector collaboration receive special consideration during the evaluation process. Eligibility for funding is restricted to nonprofit, charitable organizations designated as tax-exempt under IRS Section 501(c)(3). While the program is not geographically limited to Ohio, priority is given to projects located within a 100-mile radius of Sylvania, Ohio. Additional priority is granted to initiatives involving members of the Sisters of St. Francis or individuals with lived experience relevant to the issues being addressed. The fund typically awards grants ranging from $5,000 to $50,000 per project, with most grants supporting programming over a one-year period. Limited funding may be available for general operating expenses or capital projects. Applications are evaluated on a competitive basis by the Foundation’s professional staff and Board of Trustees. Award decisions are final, and expenses incurred prior to approval are not reimbursable. The application process is conducted entirely online via the Greater Toledo Community Foundation website. Applicants must submit a detailed proposal by August 15 at 11:59 p.m. Eastern Time. Required proposal components include a clear statement of purpose and need, an implementation plan with responsible personnel and timelines, a description of evaluation criteria, plans for sustaining the project beyond the grant period, and a comprehensive project budget. Mandatory attachments include the organization’s IRS tax exemption letter, a board list, financial statements (audited or unaudited), an operating budget, and organizational background. Applicants are advised that the fund does not support endowments, fundraising drives, debt retirement, or indirect costs unrelated to the proposed project. Additionally, funding will not be awarded to faith-based organizations that proselytize, conduct political or lobbying activities, or condition services on religious belief. For additional information, applicants may contact Renee Daley, Program Officer at the Greater Toledo Community Foundation, via phone at 419.241.5049 or email at renee.daley@toledocf.org.

Applications must be submitted online by 11:59 p.m. ET on the deadline. Acceptable formats are Word, Excel, and PDF. IRS Form 990 is not accepted as a substitute for financial statements.