Community Responsive Grants Program

The Stark Community Foundation's Community Responsive Grants Program aims to strengthen the nonprofit community by addressing significant local needs through ongoing funding opportunities. Organizations eligible for grants include tax-exempt agencies and local government entities in Stark County. Applications are reviewed continuously, with no specific deadlines, fostering adaptability to community changes. Ideal proposals demonstrate local support and sustainability, ensuring impactful contributions to community welfare.

At Stark Community Foundation, we strive to strengthen the nonprofit community through our competitive grants programs, community initiatives and endowment services.
For organizations responding directly to a significant community need or opportunity, learn how you can apply for funding through our Community Responsive Grants Program.
We invest in organizations responding to Stark County's evolving needs and opportunities through Stark Community Foundation's Community Responsive Grants Program.
We strive to be responsive, which is why we review grant proposals on an ongoing basis.
Concerns central to Stark Community Foundation's evaluation of proposed projects include: the strength and breadth of local support for the project; the sustainability of the applicant organization; and the project’s enduring value and its ability to address significant community needs. Proposals should be based on data-driven evidence demonstrating need or community benefit.

Eligibility

Organizations eligible to apply for funding include: tax-exempt private agencies, 501(c)(3) organizations (that are recognized as public charities) and government entities located within Stark County or directly benefiting Stark County. Stark Community Foundation will consider requests for funding grassroots community non-profit organizations without a 501(c)(3) who meet the following restrictions:Grant request does not exceed $3,000Applicant organization uses a fiscal agent that is approved by the Foundation Organizations may only submit one application for consideration. If awarded, organizations will not be eligible for additional grant dollars until the grant period is closed. If declined, organizations must wait one year before applying (for the same project).

Ineligibility

SCF will not award a Community Responsive Grant to an organization for more than three consecutive years.The Foundation does not award grants to individuals except through scholarship funds.Stark Community Foundation normally does not approve grants to support the following:annual appeals and membership contributions;
incentives for program participants;
multiple station computerization projects from individual school systems and other educational institutions;