Greater Fostoria Community Foundation Grant

The Greater Fostoria Community Foundation (GFCF) supports local charitable organizations by awarding grants from its endowment. Established in 1998, GFCF emphasizes community improvement through funding in areas such as education, health, and the arts. Grants are available twice a year to 501(c)(3) organizations, fostering innovative programs that meet emerging community needs. Over $3 million in grants have been distributed to enhance the quality of life in Fostoria and surrounding areas.

The GFCF addresses these community needs and opportunities by maintaining a broad grant program that is available to charitable organizations in Fostoria and surrounding townships. Because only a portion of earnings from the endowed funds are typically used for grant making, the GFCF provides a permanent resource to support efforts that improve the quality of life in our community.
Grants from our unrestricted funds are awarded to a cross section of eligible non-profit 501(c)(3) organizations twice a year through a grant application process, while grants from our donor-advised funds may be made at other times throughout the year.
Fund agreements with the initial donor provide instructions to the foundation for what giving parameters each donor recommends, ranging from unrestricted funds, which allow grants to be made from the fund at the GFCF board’s discretion to field of interest funds, which direct a specific program area that a grant award may support.
Since the Foundation’s inception in 1998, more than $3,150,000 in grants have been awarded to over 60 organizations to support programs and services that improve the quality of life in our community and beyond.
Grants
Grants are awarded to a cross section of organizations twice a year. By pooling resources through the Foundation, a gift or bequest of any size makes a difference. Because only income is typically used for grant making, the GFCF provides a permanent resource to support efforts to make life better in our community. Grants are awarded only to nonprofit charitable organizations, tax exempt under section 501 (c)(3) of the Internal Revenue Service.
The Foundation is building a permanent endowment to support community needs in areas such as human services, the arts, culture, humanities, economic development, civic affairs, education, health and social services. Since the Foundation’s inception in 1998, more than $2,553,600 in grants have been awarded to local organizations to support their programs and services.

Eligibility

Grants applications are accepted from 501(c)(3) organizations twice a year.

Ineligibility

Organizations applying for grants will usually not be considered for funding from a GFCF unrestricted fund more than two times in a three-year period. Note that this guideline does not apply to GFCF restricted funds and donor advised funds.The Foundation usually will not make grants from its unrestricted funds to: Support the general operating budget (or budget deficit) of established organizations.Annual campaigns.Capital campaigns.Purchase equipment, such as computer hardware/software, motor vehicles, etc.Produce films, videos, television programs, etc.Support sectarian activities of religious organizations.