Nord Family Foundation Grant Program

The Nord Family Foundation Grant Program focuses on supporting a variety of initiatives in the areas of arts and culture, civic affairs, education, and health and social services. The foundation prioritizes projects that engage youth, strengthen communities, and address basic human needs, particularly in Lorain County, Ohio. Grants are awarded to nonprofit organizations and selected public sector activities that can demonstrate a significant impact and engagement with disadvantaged populations.

Grants are awarded in the following fields:

• Arts and Culture

The Nord Family Foundation supports a variety of organizations through its Arts and Culture program area, in fields of theater and performing arts, visual arts, and music. Amidst this variety of art forms, there is an underlying theme and priority for programs that engage children and youth, particularly those who may otherwise have limited access and exposure to the arts. We also provide significant operating support to arts organizations housed within the New Union Center for the Arts, a community venue that is owned and operated by the Foundation.
Civic Affairs
The Nord Family Foundation’s work in the Civic Affairs program area has an emphasis on the strengthening of communities and the economic empowerment of individuals. Much of our grantmaking supports community and economic development, commercial and neighborhood revitalization, workforce training, volunteerism/citizen engagement, and leadership development. The Civic Affairs program area also includes the Foundation’s capital grantmaking, comprising roughly 10% of our overall annual investments.
Education
Over its history, the foundation has maintained a diverse portfolio of grants to public schools, charter schools and faith-based schools. The Nord Family Foundation seeks programs that are innovative and have the potential to be replicated in other regions we serve.  The foundation holds a particular place of honor for teachers and seeks to support opportunities for those with energy and love of their vocation.
As Aristotle said... "Those who educate children well are more to be honored than they who produce them; for these only gave them life, those the art of living well." It is our intention to continue to explore new opportunities in this program area.
Health and Social Services
In the Health and Social Services program area, The Nord Family Foundation funds organizations and programs that address a wide range of human needs and aspirations, serving people of all ages. Consistent with the Foundation’s mission, there is a core value of service to the under-resourced, ensuring access to basic services that support the overall well-being of children, youth, families and communities. Within this broad spectrum there is an emphasis on funding for basic needs such as food and shelter, as well as prenatal care and education, child welfare, youth services, access to primary health care and dental care.

Eligibility

The Nord Family Foundation grants to non-profit organizations qualified under Section 501 c 3 of the Internal Revenue Code and to selected public sector activities. The Nord Family Foundation’s primary area of geographic interest is Lorain County, Ohio. The majority of grants are made to organizations in Lorain County or to organizations doing work that have direct outreach to or impact in Lorain County.Grants are also made on a selective basis to organizations in areas where voting members of the Foundation reside. These currently includeBoston, MA;Columbia, SC;Cuyahoga County, OH;Denver, CO; andPenn Yan, NY.Most grants are made for program related activities, with some grants to support capital improvements and capital campaigns when special criteria are met. Grants are occasionally made for capital purposes when specific criteria are met:The organization requesting support clearly serves a disadvantaged population.In instances where the Foundation’s support is likely to leverage much greater giving from other community sources such as government, corporations, individuals and other foundations.Where it is clear that an effective local campaign, involving extensive citizen participation and grassroots leadership has been or will be mounted. Note: Program grants, which include requests for capital items such as furniture, computers, video recorders, etc., are not included within this general policy.

Ineligibility

In general, the Foundation does NOT award grants in support ofDebt reductionAcademic research projectsEvent sponsorshipsIndividualsFiscal agentsEndowments