The Katherine R. Smith Funds for Youth, administered by the Waterville Community Foundation in partnership with the Greater Toledo Community Foundation, invites proposals from nonprofit organizations serving youth under 18 in northwest Ohio. Priority is given to projects benefiting children with developmental disabilities or those who have experienced abuse, with particular focus on residents of Waterville and the Anthony Wayne Local School District. Programs serving Lucas and Wood Counties are also encouraged to apply. Funding requests must exceed $3,000, with approximately $40,000 available annually. While funds can support new and existing programs, projects related to media production are a lower priority.

Eligible applicants must be 501(c)(3) nonprofit organizations operating within the specified geographic area. Applications should include detailed descriptions of the project’s purpose, implementation timeline, evaluation methods, and future funding strategies. The proposal must also outline a comprehensive budget, specifying all income sources and intended uses for the requested grant funds.

The submission deadline is January 31 each year. Applications must be submitted online via the Greater Toledo Community Foundation’s application portal by 11:59 p.m. Proposals submitted via email, fax, or mail will not be accepted. Funding decisions are made collaboratively by the Waterville Community Foundation and the Greater Toledo Community Foundation, with notifications sent in March or April. Expenses incurred prior to the award announcement are not eligible for reimbursement.

Applicants must include several attachments, such as a board list, IRS tax-exemption letter, organizational background, current operating budget, and financial statements (audited or unaudited, dated within 18 months of submission). All documents must be submitted as Word, Excel, or PDF files. Proposals that do not meet these requirements will not be reviewed.

For further guidance or to discuss project eligibility, applicants may contact Artisha Lawson, Program Officer, at 419-241-5049 or via email at artisha@toledocf.org. Organizations are encouraged to carefully review the application requirements to ensure compliance and competitiveness.