The Community Grants program is administered by the Community Foundation and is designed to support not-for-profit organizations through funding drawn from various unrestricted and restricted charitable funds. These funds are donated by individuals, businesses, and organizations to support a diverse array of initiatives throughout Shelby County, Ohio. The grants range in amount up to $20,000 and may be funded by several designated sources, including the Community Impact Fund, Monarch Machine Tool Company Legacy Fund, and specific purpose-driven funds such as the Roscoe Beanblossom Fund for youth or the F.I.S.H. Fund for basic needs like food and housing. The Foundation’s Grants Committee determines the most suitable funding source for each awarded proposal.

The primary objective of the Community Grants is to support projects that benefit Shelby County residents, address current community needs, and present innovative or unduplicated services. Funded projects must demonstrate sustainability beyond the grant period and show measurable impact, especially for underserved or growing-need populations. Key funding considerations include specific, data-supported needs, innovation, and alignment with community wellness and problem-solving.

The grant process is structured into two semi-annual cycles: Spring and Fall. In each cycle, organizations must first contact the Scholarships and Grants Manager, Juli Smith, to obtain approval and receive an application access code. The Spring cycle begins on January 2 with preliminary proposals due by February 15 and full proposals due by March 31. Awards are announced in late April. The Fall cycle opens July 1, with preliminary proposals due August 15 and full proposals due by September 30, with awards announced in late October. Organizations advancing to the full proposal stage may be asked to present their project in an interview or site visit.

Eligibility for this grant is limited to recognized 501(c)(3) organizations, government entities, or applicants with a fiscal agent that meets those criteria. Applications are not accepted for general operations, recurring programs, endowments, fundraising, or politically and religiously motivated efforts that only serve specific groups. Organizations are restricted from applying for similar grants until completion of previous awards, although new projects may be considered even within the same organization.

The online grant application process is accessed through the Foundation’s website, following the receipt of an application code. Grant awards are typically disbursed in two parts: 80 percent upon approval and 20 percent following submission of a favorable grant evaluation report. Projects must be completed within 18 months of funding unless an extension is granted. The Foundation reserves the right to withhold funds or require repayment if projects deviate from the approved plans without prior consent.