Erie, Ottawa county community foundation grant application windows open

Beth Werling | Wednesday, January 22, 2025

Supported by an OCCF grant, the Ottawa County 4-H program trained teen youth to serve as counselors for more than 100 children at 2 different 4-H camps in 2024. Leadership skills and camper management were key training topics. Courtesy of OCCF

An Ottawa County Sheriff Deputy leads a learning session at the Bike Safety Camp for area children conducted by the Friends of Ottawa County Parks. Courtesy of OCCF

The Erie County Community Foundation (ECCF) and Ottawa County Community Foundation (OCCF) are now accepting grant applications for their 2025 cycles, offering funding to nonprofit organizations dedicated to improving their communities.

Erie County Community Foundation

Celebrating its 30th anniversary, ECCF’s Round One Community Grant applications are due by Feb. 1, with another cycle due by Aug. 1. Nonprofits serving Erie County residents can apply online at www.eriefoundation.org/nonprofits. Grants range from $1,000 to $20,000 and support collaborative, sustainable projects addressing local needs. In 2024, ECCF awarded nearly $215,000 to 39 organizations, including OHgo, the Merry-Go-Round Museum, and Second Harvest Food Bank.

Ottawa County Community Foundation

OCCF is also inviting nonprofits to submit applications for its 2025-26 grant cycle by March 1. The foundation supports initiatives in education, health, social services, economic development, natural resources, and the arts. Applications can be submitted through the Greater Toledo Community Foundation portal at www.ottawaccf.org/grants. In 2024, OCCF awarded $116,000 to 58 projects, including training programs, science field trips, and rapid-response initiatives.

Both foundations encourage nonprofit organizations with tax-exempt 501(c)(3) status to apply for funding and leverage these opportunities to enhance community programs and services.

For more information:

Erie County Community Foundation: www.eriefoundation.org, (419) 621-9690
Ottawa County Community Foundation: www.ottawaccf.org, [email protected], (419) 635-7750

Read more articles by Beth Werling.

A graduate of the Missouri School of Journalism, Beth has taught English Language Arts in the Sandusky City School district for 19 years, as well as writing and journalism courses through BGSU Firelands since 2006. Previously, Beth was the business reporter and city editor of the local newspaper and managing editor of a local entertainment publication. If you have a story to share, email Beth at [email protected].