Grants

Apply for a Grant

The Community Foundation of Lorain County has various funding opportunities for non-profit organizations that serve Lorain County residents. Non-profits can apply for our grant cycles: Community Grant Cycles, Affiliate Fund Cycles, and a Monthly Rolling Mini-Grant Cycle. Our focus areas across our grant cycles are Arts &Culture, Education & Youth Development, Health & Human Services, and Strengthening Lorain County. Our grant applications are available through our online grant portal. 

All applications are due by 11:59 PM on the due date, regardless if it is a weekend or holiday. If applying online is a barrier, we encourage you to contact us, and we will work with you to ensure you can submit a grant request. 

Current Grant Cycles

Focus Areas

2024 Grant Opportunities

The deadline for all grant cycles is 11:59 PM on their scheduled due date, regardless of whether the day falls on a weekend or holiday. To apply, you must log in to our online grants portal.

GRANTDESCRIPTIONNTEE Codes CYCLE OPENSDEADLINEAwarded
Health & Human Services Community Grant CycleGeneral operating and project support for organizations serving Lorain County through Health & Human Services.  E, F, G, H, I, J, K, L, M, N, and P January 1February 1 May
Education & Youth Development Community Grant Cycle General operating and project support for organizations serving Lorain County through Education & Youth Development. B and O March 1 April 1 July 
Arts & Culture and Strengthening Lorain County Community Grants Cycle General operating and project support for organizations serving Lorain County through Arts & Culture and Strengthening Lorain County. A, R, S, T, U, V, W, and X June 1 July 1 October 
African American Community FundSupport for projects that improve the quality of life for the African American community of Lorain County.  AllOctober 15November 15January
Hispanic FundProvides grants to programs committed to improving and promoting socioeconomic and educational opportunities within the Hispanic community.  AllApril 30May 31July
Women’s FundAward grants to organizations supporting social, educational, and artistic projects by, for, and delivering to women and children. AllAugust 1September 1October
Youth FundAwards grants to non-profit organizations that provide programs and services for the youth in Lorain County. AllOctober 1November 1December
Lakeland Community Foundation Mini-grantsAwards $500 mini-grants to non-profit organizations based in Lorain County. AllBeginning of each monthEnd of Month Deadline Monthly
Rolling Decision

Priorities 

  • The Board is interested in innovative programs that are responsive to community needs, partnerships, and collaborative efforts. Lower priority is given to capital and equipment requests, mandated services, and duplication of existing services. 
  • The Community Foundation of Lorain County has four primary funding areas: Arts and Culture, Education and Youth, Health and Human Services, and Strengthening Lorain County. 

Eligibility  

  • For the Community Grant Cycles, grant seekers may only apply once per calendar year.   Grant Seekers are welcome to apply for additional Affiliate Fund Grants. 
  • Organizations must be located in or provide services to residents within Lorain County. Grant seekers outside Lorain County must provide information on Lorain County residents served. 
  • Grant awards will only go to tax-exempt organizations classified as 501(c)(3) charities by the Internal Revenue Service. Please complete the Fiscal Sponsor Information Form if your program does not have a tax-exempt ruling from the IRS. 
  • Reporting requirements from prior grants must be fulfilled before submitting a new application. 
  • Grants will not be given to individuals for debt reduction, loans, for-profit businesses, tickets for benefits, annual appeals, tours, telephone solicitations, political campaigns, or religious activities. Only accredited educational institutions will pay scholarships (no payments to students). 
  • The Board is very concerned about the accountability and sustainability of programs. Organizations should have a diversified funding base. 

If you experience any technical difficulties, please contact our office at foundation@peoplewhocare.org or 440.984.7390.