The Mud Hens-Walleye Transportation Fund, administered by the Greater Toledo Community Foundation, offers transportation grants aimed at supporting accredited schools and nonprofit organizations in attending Toledo Mud Hens baseball or Toledo Walleye hockey games. This initiative seeks to alleviate financial barriers that may prevent these groups from enjoying a memorable day at the ballpark or ice rink. The fund is specifically designed for organizations located in northwest Ohio and southeast Michigan, providing an opportunity for students and community members to engage in recreational activities.

The primary purpose of the Mud Hens-Walleye Transportation Fund is to facilitate access to sporting events for schools and nonprofit organizations that demonstrate a financial need. The fund allows eligible applicants to receive one transportation award for a Mud Hens game and one for a Walleye game each year. This initiative not only promotes community engagement but also encourages participation in local sports, fostering a sense of unity and enjoyment among attendees.

Funding requests can range from $100 to $1,000, with the grants intended to cover transportation costs specifically for school buses and rented charter buses or vans. It is important to note that the funds cannot be used for mileage reimbursement or travel expenses related to borrowed vehicles or those owned by the grantee organization that do not require specialized licenses and drivers. To receive funding, applicants must submit an invoice for transportation services along with a final report to the Greater Toledo Community Foundation.

Eligible applicants include accredited schools, which can be public, private, charter, or parochial, as well as nonprofit agencies that have been designated as tax-exempt under section 501(c)(3) of the Internal Revenue Service code. These organizations must be located within the specified geographic areas of northwest Ohio and southeast Michigan and must demonstrate a financial need for the funding. Each eligible organization can apply for one transportation award for each type of game annually.

The application process requires that interested parties submit their proposals to the Greater Toledo Community Foundation. Specific submission requirements include providing detailed information about the intended use of the funds and demonstrating the financial need for transportation assistance. The evaluation of applications will be based on the clarity of the proposal, the demonstrated need, and the potential impact of the funding on the organization and its participants.

The deadline for submitting applications for the Mud Hens-Walleye Transportation Fund is October 1, 2024. It is essential for applicants to adhere to this timeline to ensure their proposals are considered. For further inquiries or assistance, potential applicants can contact Lori Quartermaine at the Greater Toledo Community Foundation via email or phone.

In summary, the Mud Hens-Walleye Transportation Fund provides a valuable opportunity for accredited schools and nonprofit organizations in northwest Ohio and southeast Michigan to secure funding for transportation to local sporting events. By addressing financial barriers, this grant aims to enhance community engagement and provide memorable experiences for participants.