The Community Impact Grant offered by the Greater Toledo Community Foundation is designed to enhance the quality of life in northwest Ohio and southeast Michigan, with a focus on the greater Toledo area. The grant supports new, innovative programs that address unmet community needs or expand successful initiatives to reach new audiences. Key program priorities include creating safe living environments, helping families develop essential skills and resources, and fostering the potential of young people to achieve their goals.

Grant requests must be a minimum of $50,000, with multi-year funding options available. Organizations applying for multi-year grants must request at least $50,000 in the first year, with subsequent years potentially requesting lesser amounts as sustainability is achieved. Funds are limited to direct programmatic expenses, and projects must demonstrate a commitment to using data for continuous improvement in service delivery. The foundation values proposals that leverage matching funds and promote community resource efficiency.

Eligible applicants must be nonprofit organizations with tax-exempt status under section 501(c)(3) of the Internal Revenue Service code, serving the geographic area of northwest Ohio or southeast Michigan. Organizations must have a minimum of five years of existence and an operating budget of $500,000 or more. Collaborative applications are encouraged for organizations not meeting the budget requirement, provided the combined budgets meet the threshold. Additional eligibility criteria include demonstrating a history of success and organizational infrastructure capable of delivering transformational community impacts.

The grant process involves two stages. Applicants first submit a Letter of Intent (LOI) outlining the project, including its target population, timeline, location, and anticipated outcomes. Selected applicants are invited to submit a full proposal, which must detail the project’s goals, implementation plans, evaluation methods, sustainability strategies, and a comprehensive budget. Proposals must also include several attachments, such as financial statements, board lists, and the organization’s IRS tax-exempt letter. Deadlines for LOI submissions are January 15 and July 15 annually.

The foundation does not fund general operating budgets, annual or capital campaigns, equipment purchases, sectarian religious activities, or programs replacing public funding. Applications are reviewed by the foundation’s staff and Board of Trustees, with funding decisions communicated approximately 2-3 months after submission deadlines. Expenses incurred before notification of approval are not eligible for reimbursement.

For more information or assistance with the application process, applicants can contact Patrick Johnston, Vice President of Community Investments at the Greater Toledo Community Foundation. Applications must be submitted online, with clear attention to required documents and formats to avoid being deemed incomplete.