Responsive Grants Program is sponsored by Valley Community Foundation. Provides grants to nonprofits serving the towns of Ansonia, Derby, Oxford, Seymour, and Shelton, addressing health, food insecurity, education, and community development.

Community Responsive Grants Program | Stark Community Foundation 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. It's important to note that our funding decisions are guided by data that point to needs and can shape impactful programs.

We strive to be responsive, which is why we review grant proposals on an ongoing basis. While there is no set application deadline for the program, the Foundation’s Board of Directors will consider new grant proposals at their meeting in January 2026. Before beginning an application, please visit the Frequently Asked Questions below.

Frequently Asked Questions What organizations are eligible to receive a grant? Stark Community Foundation primarily makes grants to IRS-qualified 501(c)(3) public charities, educational institutions, and government entities. Individuals may not apply for a grant but may contact Stark Help Central or ConnectWel l for further assistance.

My organization is not based in Stark County. Are we eligible for a grant? Yes, if your proposal involves a program that will benefit Stark County, its people and organizations.

I’m a new nonprofit. Can I apply? We look forward to learning more about the programs and services you look to provide in Stark County and the data which supports your efforts.

The Foundation strongly encourages organizations to read through all of the FAQ's, consider available data when submitting their application and connecting with groups like Canton Regional SCORE prior to seeking funds.

They can assist with structuring a board of trustees, grant writing, developing a business plan, structuring a marketing plan, establishing outcomes and performance indicators, complying with IRS requirements, financing and budgeting, all things the Foundation looks at when considering applications. SCORE also provides workshops and direct mentoring services at no cost. We are not a 501(c)(3) but we have a fiscal sponsor.

Can we still apply for funding? Yes. Stark Community Foundation will consider requests from grassroots organizations without 501(c)(3) status that meet the following restrictions: grant requests do not exceed $3,000 and the applicant organization uses a fiscal agent that is approved by the Foundation.

How do I apply for a grant? You will create an account through our online Grant Portal . Please be sure to check out the video tutorials available for further instruction.

Do I need to submit legal and financial documents as part of my application? Yes. You will need to attach a copy of your 501(c)(3) determination letter, your IRS Form 990, your financial statements (including an audit, if your organization is audited).

See the online application for a list of required financial documentation. What is a typical request amount? Grant requests typically range from $2,500 — $50,000.

How are proposals evaluated? 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.

Will you review a draft of our proposal and give us suggestions for improvement? While Stark Community Foundation plays an integral role in our community by supporting and working with the organizations that serve Stark County, we prefer not to have meetings specifically to discuss a grant application prior to its submittal. The Community Responsive Grants Program review process is structured so that we review all grant applications.

Each grant request is thoroughly reviewed by our Grants Review Committee after which a recommendation is made to the Board of Directors for a final decision. We will contact you if we have further questions regarding your grant application during the grant review process. How will I know that my grant application was successfully received?

Who will review it? Once your application is received, the Grants Administrator will process your application and will notify you by email that your application has been received. You will also be notified at this time if your application is missing any required documentation.

Once all required documents are received, the Grants Review Committee reviews the grant request. You may at this stage be contacted for an interview and/or site visit. When will a decision on an application be made?

The Grants Review Committee will make a recommendation to Stark Community Foundation’s Board of Directors who makes the final decision. You will be notified of this decision within one to two weeks after the Board meets. Does Stark Community Foundation award grants for operating support?

What about deficit funding or capital expenditures? Stark Community Foundation normally does not approve grants to support operating expenses of established organizations.

Additionally, the Foundation normally does not approve grants to support deficit financing for programs or capital expenditures, nor the following: annual appeals and membership contributions; annual community celebrations; conferences and recognition events; incentives for program participants; multiple station computerization projects from individual school systems and other educational institutions; religious organizations for religious purposes; sponsorships (individual, organization or events); stipends for program participants; and At times, if it makes sense for the organization and its programs.

When are applications accepted? What are the deadlines? Proposals are reviewed on an ongoing basis in order to respond to ever-changing needs and opportunities that benefit the community.

Our Board meets to consider proposals in January, March, May, August and November. Can we apply for more than one grant at a time? Organizations may only submit one Community Responsive Grant 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). Will my organization be able to apply for continued funding?

Stark Community Foundation will not award a Community Responsive Grant to an organization for more than three consecutive years. I have a current Community Responsive Grants program grant. Do I need to submit a report before I can reapply for funding?

If we owe you a grant report - what should we do? Yes, a report must be submitted. Reports may be submitted through the grants management system (on-line portal).

Can I apply for a donor advised fund grant? What other types of funding does the Foundation provide? How does it work?

I have more questions. Who can help me? You can contact Grants Administrator Robyn Guedel at 234-458-2913 or rguedel@starkcf.

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