Grants for Nonprofits (Community Fund Ohio)

Grants for Nonprofits (Community Fund Ohio) is sponsored by Community Fund Ohio. These grants support nonprofits serving Ohioans with disabilities. Past projects have included sensory spaces, adaptive vehicles, hearing assistance systems, and accessibility upgrades.

## Securing the Future for Your Loved One ## A Trusted Partner for More Than 30 Years Caring for a loved one with a disability comes with both joys and challenges, including important financial and legal decisions about their future. At Community Fund Ohio, we understand how much you want to provide security, stability, and opportunity for your family member.

That’s why we’re here—to help you protect their eligibility for essential government benefits while ensuring they have the resources they need to thrive. For more than 30 years, we’ve partnered with Ohio families to help them build financial security without jeopardizing access to vital programs like Medicaid and Supplemental Security Income (SSI).

Whether you're planning ahead or managing immediate needs, we’re here to support you and your loved one. Every family’s situation is unique, but our goal remains the same: to provide Ohioans with disabilities long-term financial stability without jeopardizing eligibility for critical benefits programs. We offer two avenues to support individuals with disabilities: pooled special needs trusts and grants.

### Pooled Special Needs Trusts: A Trust for Anyone A pooled special needs trust empowers people with disabilities by allowing them or a family member to set aside their own funds for future or current needs. These trusts allow the beneficiary to gain independence and live comfortably.

Designed to hold and manage funds for a person with a disability, a pooled special needs trust ensures that money is available for their needs while maintaining eligibility for government benefits.

This type of trust comes with multiple benefits: * Can be established with any amount—no high minimums like traditional financial institutions * Preserves eligibility for essential government benefits * Allows families to set aside funds for long-term care, quality of life, and everyday needs * Provides professional financial oversight without requiring a family member to act as trustee ### Individual Grants to Improve Quality of Life In addition to trusts, Community Fund Ohio provides grant funding to help adults and children with disabilities.

These grants help cover expenses that enhance independence, well-being, and accessibility. Funding is available for disability-related services, programs, and equipment such as ramps, bathroom modifications, sensory rooms, and yard fences as well as items that allow the person with a disability to live and participate in the world more fully, such as travel wheelchairs and strollers, swimming lessons, camp fees, and more.

Anyone can apply on behalf of their loved one. We accept applications year-round and award individual grants on a quarterly basis. ## Why Families Choose Pooled Special Needs Trusts Managing a special needs trust is a complex process, requiring knowledge of government regulations, financial management, and long-term care planning.

A pooled trust provides families with: * Professional trust management – We handle the day-to-day administration of your loved one’s trust, working with a corporate trustee for investment and accounting services. * Financial security with fewer barriers – Unlike many banks and private trustees that require a large minimum investment, pooled trusts accept accounts of any size.

* Peace of mind – No need to worry about replacing a trustee or navigating complicated regulations alone. Our team stays informed on changing benefit rules and works to protect your loved one’s financial future. * Stronger investment opportunities – Funds are pooled for investment purposes, offering greater diversification and reducing risk.

## How Our Trusts Are Managed Community Fund Ohio serves as the trust advisor, overseeing the daily administration of trust accounts. The Huntington National Bank serves as our Trustee, handling investments, financial statements, tax preparation, and disbursements. For a seamless experience for our clients, all communication and client administrative tasks are managed by Community Fund Ohio.

## Planning for the Future Starts Today We know decisions about your loved one’s future can feel overwhelming, but you don’t have to navigate them alone. We are committed to providing transparent, reliable, and secure trust administration. If you’re considering a pooled trust, we’re here to answer your questions and help you make an informed choice.

Contact us today to learn more about how we can support your family’s financial future. Disclaimer: Community Fund Ohio cannot guarantee that a beneficiary will retain their government benefits but will assist the beneficiary in answering questions about a Community Fund Ohio Pooled Special Needs Trust. This website is for informational and educational purposes only.

It is not intended to constitute legal advice, nor is it a substitute for obtaining legal advice from a licensed attorney.