Carroll Community Fund Grants

The Carroll County Foundation, established in 1994, operates as a vital funding arm under the umbrella of the Stark Community Foundation. Its mission is to provide a flexible and impactful platform for residents of Carroll County, Ohio, to make a meaningful difference in their community. By focusing exclusively on Carroll County, the Foundation seeks to channel local philanthropic energy into local priorities, allowing grantmaking efforts to directly address pressing needs and opportunities within the county. The Foundation is governed by a nine-member board responsible for evaluating and awarding discretionary grants on an annual basis. The Carroll County Foundation supports a diverse array of projects and programs that aim to address localized issues. Grants are awarded to eligible organizations whose initiatives serve civic, educational, cultural, health-related, or community development purposes. The Foundation maintains specific policies that outline its grantmaking priorities and exclusions. For example, proposals focused on artistic diversity and quality in the arts, as well as recreational projects with significant community support, are eligible for funding. In contrast, applications for general operating expenses, debt financing, endowment support (with limited exceptions), and computer projects involving multiple stations are typically not considered. Furthermore, grants for annual fund drives, conferences, recognition dinners, or community celebrations are outside the scope of support. Eligibility for funding is limited to 501(c)(3) nonprofit organizations recognized as public charities, tax-exempt private agencies, and government entities that are either located within or directly benefit Carroll County, Ohio. Religious institutions may apply if their proposed programs are primarily secular and accessible to all, regardless of creed. Similarly, private schools may be considered if their proposals are non-sectarian, innovative, and geared toward serving disadvantaged or handicapped populations. The Foundation also considers specific factors such as sustainability, especially for recreational projects, and community engagement through multiple funding sources or matching contributions. Applications must be submitted online through Stark Community Foundation’s Grant Portal. The Foundation operates on a quarterly grant cycle, with four opportunities each year. For the Winter cycle, applications are due by February 1; for Spring, by May 1; for Summer, by August 1; and for Fall, by November 1. All application periods are always open, allowing potential applicants to prepare submissions in advance of the quarterly deadlines. Grant decisions are made in the same month as the application deadline, and applicants are notified by mail. There are no pre-application requirements such as letters of intent or concept papers. The submission process is streamlined through an online portal, and applicants must ensure that their proposals meet all outlined guidelines and eligibility criteria. The evaluation of proposals is conducted by the Foundation's board, which places strong emphasis on program viability, impact potential, community support, and alignment with Foundation priorities. Although specific evaluation metrics are not publicly disclosed, the guidelines suggest a rigorous and criteria-driven review process. For assistance or inquiries related to the grant program, applicants can contact Robyn Guedel, the Grants Administrator, via email at [email protected] or by phone at 234-458-2913. The program does not appear to offer downloadable PDF guidelines or application forms. All engagement is intended to occur through the Foundation’s online system, reinforcing its commitment to efficient and centralized grantmaking. The grant cycles are consistent year over year, making this a recurring funding opportunity for organizations aligned with the Foundation’s mission.