The Community Foundation of Shelby County is seeking applications for its Community Grants 2021.

The Community Foundation of Shelby County is a 501(c)(3) charitable organization whose mission is to cultivate, administer and distribute legacy gifts for the benefit of community. Formed in 1952, the Foundation serves Shelby County (Ohio) and surrounding areas. The Foundation administers more than 200 charitable funds, each with a defined granting purpose.

Grant Priorities

Many types of projects may be considered for Community Grants. The Foundation typically looks for several of the following key elements in applications:

• Serves a large number of Shelby County residents
• If ongoing, the project can be sustained after the grant is exhausted
• An unduplicated program/project
• Diversity in those who are served
• Prevention of illnesses or societal problems

Grant Information

• Grants may be in any amount up to $15,000.
• Requests in excess of $5,000 are considered Impact Grants and will be additionally evaluated as follows:
  • The request must be specific
  • An innovative, new concept or process
  • Meets a need not fully met by existing programs
  • Affects an underserved population
  • Impacts a growing need in the community
  • Is not replacement of existing capital equipment
  • Has sufficient data or statistics to verify the request

Eligibility Criteria

• The Foundation makes grants that touch various aspects of community and the people served by its organizations.
• Governmental agencies and not-for-profit organizations designated 501(c)(3) by the Internal Revenue Service which are physically located in or serving Shelby County, Ohio and surrounding areas are eligible to apply for a grant.
• Consideration will be given to not-for-profit organizations that do not have a 501(c)(3) status, but are incorporated in the State of Ohio, so long as the grant proposal is for charitable purposes that fit within the Foundation guidelines and IRS regulations.
• Additional documentation will be required from organizations that do not have a 501(c)(3) status. If a fiscal agent (a 501(c)(3) or governmental entity) will be the payee to receive a grant, please list the entity’s name and EIN on the Preliminary Proposal form.

For more information, visit The Community Foundation.