GCF makes grants from community and field of interest funds on a quarterly basis. Grants support projects in six areas: strong communities, cultural vibrancy, job creation, environmental stewardship, educational success, health & wellness and economic opportunity. See a chart of our grantmaking framework 
.
Your first step is to review information about applying for these grants and to download a copy of our grant guidelines. GCF does not accept unsolicited grant proposals.
The Foundation takes a proactive approach to grantmaking by providing leadership, knowledge and grants to address large-scale community issues. Community Leadership Initiatives and Cornerstone Investments are most often initiated by GCF or developed with extensive GCF involvement. They generally involve major, long-term grants and are structured as formal funding partnerships among a number of foundation and corporate partners. Learn more about GCF’s Community Leadership.
GCF’s most recent community leadership initiatives focus on addressing racial disparities and improving race relations, comprehensive community development, public education, economic development and strengthening the region’s arts and cultural assets. GCF does not accept unsolicited proposals for Community Leadership Initiative Grants.
GCF offers two
Grants for Kids programs, Learning Links and Summertime Kids, which provide grants of up to $1,000 to support innovative educational and enrichment projects for area youth.
Application information is available here.
GCF has very special partnerships with several local private foundations. Our professional staff help the foundations' trustees carry out their charitable vision by administering grantmaking for these private foundations and charitable funds.
Learn more about the specific eligibility guidelines and application procedures for each foundation.
The Women’s Fund of GCF has several
grant opportunities for programs aimed at improving the lives of women and girls.
A supporting organization of GCF,
HealthPath Foundation of Ohio issues periodic requests for proposals in the areas of preventive oral health and prevention of family violence.