Deadline Announced for Grant Money

Nonprofits need apply.  That’s the message from the Community Foundation of Delaware County for its 2008 grants. 

“We try to get the word out early so nonprofit organizations have enough time to prepare their applications,” says Marlene Casini, president of the Foundation. 

Grants from the Community Foundation of Delaware County focus on special projects in arts, civic affairs, education, environment, health and social services.

Last year, some of the Foundation’s grant recipients included the Delaware County District Library for reading and interactive education kits for children in daycare, and new books for the youth section of the library. The Delaware Speech and Hearing Center grant purchased specialized equipment and materials for children.   Food was purchased for free meals through a grant to Andrews House.

“We just know that people are hungry and benefit from our free meal programs,” says Don Chenoweth, executive director of Andrews House.  “Maybe it’s a senior citizen trying to stretch her food budget, or a young family where the primary breadwinner is laid off.”

Rising gas and food prices are a double blow to persons trying to make ends meet. “Attendance is increasing at our free meal programs” states Chenoweth.  

 “Through the grant process, we learn of the needs of our community,” says Marlene Casini, president of the Foundation.  “We often discuss these community needs with donors and other funders to help expand the resources we can bring to Delaware County,” says Casini.

Applicants must be nonprofit organizations and serve residents of Delaware County.  The deadline for completed applications is September 3, at 5:00 p.m. in the Foundation.  Grant funds will be awarded before the end of the year.
 

Community grants are an area of funding the Foundation would like to increase.  “Community needs expand and change over time,” says Casini.  If you would like to contribute to the community grants program, please send your check to the Community Foundation of Delaware County, 3954 North Hampton Drive, Powell, Ohio 43065.

“When you contribute to the Foundation,” Chenoweth says, “you know the money is going to stay here and assist persons who need it.”

This year, the Community Foundation is accepting grant applications either by using the Foundation’s grant application or the common grant application developed by the Ohio Grantmakers Forum.  The Foundation’s application is available at www.delawarecf.org.  The Common Grant Application is available from the Ohio Grantmakers website at www.ohiograntmakers.org.

Founded in 1995, the Foundation makes grants and scholarship awards primarily in Delaware County. Grants are made possible as a result of bequests, contributions and funds established by individuals, families, businesses and organizations.  In 2007, the Foundation awarded more than $550,000 in grants and scholarships. 

The Community Foundation of Delaware County encourages and enables donors to achieve philanthropic goals that leave a lasting legacy in Ashley, Delaware, Galena, Lewis Center, Powell, Ostrander, Radnor and Sunbury as well as other areas of the County. Since its inception, the Community Foundation of Delaware County has made given more than $3 million in grants and scholarships throughout the County. 

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