Search Through Grants for Land Conservation in Ohio in the U.S.

Making community possible

At U.S. Bank, we are dedicated to supporting our communities through responsive and humbled actions focused on addressing racial and economic inequities and creating lasting change in our communities. Through our Community Possible Grant Program, we are partnering with organizations that focus on economic and workforce advancement, safe and affordable housing and communities connected through arts and culture.

The U.S. Bank Foundation is committed to making Community Possible through Work, Home and Play. We advance this work through collaborative grant making to bring equitable and lasting change through our focus on sustainable, high-impact funding with 501c3 nonprofit partners.

How we partner with nonprofits

We focus on collaborative grantmaking and sustainable, high-impact funding with 501(c)(3) nonprofit partners. We partner with organizations that support:

• Economic and workforce advancement
• Safe and affordable housing
• Community arts and culture

Our strategy

Our community affairs and foundation team work closely with U.S. Bank regional leadership, business resource groups and our National Community Advisory Committee to ensure that prevailing needs are addressed in all the communities we serve.

To make the most meaningful impact, we prioritize organizations that:

• Focus on economic development issues related to work, home and play
• Address more than one of the grant pillars (work, home and play)
• Are based in and serve designated U.S. Bank communities
• Advance diversity, equity and inclusion

Charitable Contributions

Costco Wholesale’s primary charitable efforts specifically focus on programs supporting children, education, and health and human services in the communities where we do business. Throughout the year we receive a large number of requests from nonprofit organizations striving to make a positive impact, and we are thankful to be able to provide support to a variety of organizations and causes. While we would like to respond favorably to all requests, understandably, the needs are far greater than our allocated resources and we are unable to accommodate them all.

Warehouse Donations:

Warehouse donations are handled at the warehouse level - please consult your local warehouse for up-to-date information regarding their donations contacts and review process.

Grant Applications

If the request is under consideration, you may be contacted by staff for any additional information needed. Applications are reviewed within 4-6 weeks, and decisions are made based on several factors, including: type of program; identified community need not otherwise available; indication that evidenced based data will establish measurable results of intended outcomes; community collaboration; broad base of financial support; project budget and operating expenses.

Local Impact Grants

Local Impact Grants are grants up to $20,000 for work in the areas of vibrant economies, climate resiliency and justice, equity and inclusion. Our Local Impact grants are open year-round.

Vibrant Economies

• Workforce development training for jobs vital to the energy economy, with a focus on underrepresented populations
• Community revitalization and local economic development efforts
• Economic recovery for customers and communities facing unprecedented challenges
• Energy and engineering education for K-12 students and teachers

Climate Resiliency

• Environmental projects supporting land conservation; clean water; and biodiversity of plant and animal species
• Environmental resiliency projects that prepare communities for and mitigate against the effects of climate change
• Projects strengthening thriving natural environments, including access to green space, in historically underserved communities.

Opportunity and Inclusion

• Programs supporting a just transition for communities moving toward cleaner energy infrastructure
• Initiatives supporting upward mobility for families and individuals in the communities we serve
• Programs reducing structural barriers and promoting access to opportunity for underserved communities

Community Grants

State Farm is committed to helping build safer, stronger and better-educated communities.

• ​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​We are committed to auto and home safety programs and activities that help people manage the risks of everyday life.
• We invest in education, economic empowerment and community development projects, programs and services that help people realize their dreams.
• We help maintain the vibrancy of our communities by assisting nonprofits that support community revitalization.

Good Neighbor Citizenship company grants focus on safety, community development and education.

Focus Areas

Safety Grants

We strive to keep our customers and communities safe. That's why our funding is directed toward:

• Auto safety — improving driver, passenger, vehicle or roadway safety
• Home safety — shielding homes from fires, crime or natural disasters
• Disaster preparedness and mitigation
• Disaster recovery

Community Development

We support nonprofits that invest and develop stronger neighborhoods. That's why our funding is directed toward:

• Affordable housing — home construction and repair
• Commercial/small business development
• Job training
• Neighborhood revitalization
• Financial literacy
• Sustainable housing and transportation
• Food insecurity

Education

Our education funding is directed toward initiatives that support the following programs:

• Higher education
• K-12 academic performance
• K-12 STEM
• Pathways for college and career success

Michael & Susan Dell Foundation Grants

The Michael & Susan Dell Foundation only accepts unsolicited proposals for specific areas within the education, family economic stability and childhood health sectors in select countries where we work, namely the United States, India and South Africa.

As a guideline, the foundation does not fund more than 25% of a project’s budget or more than 10% of an organization’s total annual operating expenses.

The Michael & Susan Dell Foundation has always recognized the power of providing grants to partner organizations that we knew were already working hard to improve the lives of urban children living in poverty. By aligning with organizations that are already making a difference, we continue to make an immediate impact on the lives of thousands of children.

Foundation priorities:

We fund social enterprises that directly serve or impact children or youth from urban low-income communities in the areas of education, health, and family economic stability (including livelihoods and financial inclusion). These social enterprises may be structured as for-profit or nonprofit entities.

Partnerships

We collaborate with a range of organizations focused on creating opportunities for children and families living in urban poverty, with a deep emphasis on measuring impact. Our funding advances projects already making an impact in education, health, and family economic stability. Through these enduring and long-standing partnerships, we create lasting change together.

PNC Foundation

Strengthening and enriching the lives of our neighbors in communities where we live and work.

Vision & Mission

For decades, we have provided resources to seed ideas, foster development initiatives and encourage leadership in nonprofit organizations where imagination and determination are at work enhancing people's lives everyday.

The PNC Foundation's priority is to form partnerships with community-based nonprofit organizations in order to enhance educational opportunities, with an emphasis on early childhood education, and to promote the growth of communities through economic development initiatives.

Foundation Grant

The PNC Foundation supports a variety of nonprofit organizations with a special emphasis on those that work to achieve sustainability and touch a diverse population, in particular, those that support early childhood education and/or economic development.

Education

The PNC Foundation supports educational programs for children and youth, particularly early childhood education initiatives that meet the criteria established through PNC Grow Up Great. Specifically, PNC Grow Up Great grants must:

• Support early education initiatives that benefit children from birth to age five; and
• Serve a majority of children (>50%) from low- to moderate-income families; and
• Adhere to all other standard PNC Foundation guidelines, as outlined on the PNC Foundation website, applicant eligibility quiz, as well as the Foundation policies and procedures; and
• Include one or a combination of the following:
  • direct services/programs for children in their classroom or community;
  • professional development/workforce development for early childhood educators;
  • family and/or community engagement in children’s early learning
• Additional considerations:
  • The grant focus should include math, science, reading, vocabulary development, the arts, financial education, or social/emotional development.
  • The grant recipient, or collaborative partner, should have early childhood education as an area of focus. If the organization’s focus is beyond birth to age five, the specific grant must be earmarked for birth to age five.
  • Incorporate opportunities for PNC volunteers in classroom or non-classroom-based activities.

Economic Development

Economic development organizations, including those which enhance the quality of life through neighborhood revitalization, cultural enrichment and human services are given support. Priority is given to community development initiatives that strategically promote the growth of low-and moderate-income communities and/or provide services to these communities.

• Affordable Housing
  • The PNC Foundation understands the critical need for affordable housing for low-and moderate-income individuals.
  • We are committed to providing support to nonprofit organizations that:
    • give counseling and services to help these individuals maintain their housing stock;
    • offer transitional housing units and programs; and/or
    • offer credit counseling assistance to individuals, helping them to prepare for homeownership.
• Community Development
  • Because small businesses are often critical components of community growth and help foster business development, the PNC Foundation provides support to nonprofit organizations that
    • offer technical assistance to, or loan programs for, small businesses located in low-and moderate-income areas or
    • support small businesses that employ low-and moderate-income individuals.
• Community Services
  • Support is given to social services organizations that benefit the health, education, quality of life or provide essential services for low-and moderate-income individuals and families.
  • The PNC Foundation supports job training programs and organizations that provide essential services for their families.
• Arts & Culture
  • Support is given for cultural enrichment programs benefitting the community.
• Revitalization & Stabilization of Low-and Moderate-Income Areas
  • The PNC Foundation supports nonprofit organizations that serve low-and moderate-income neighborhoods by improving living and working conditions.
  • Support is given to organizations that help stabilize communities, eliminate blight and attract and retain businesses and residents to the community.

Mission

Driven by a philanthropic calling to support marginalized communities throughout the world, the Semnani Family Foundation partners with on-the-ground organizations and leverages its resources in a cost-effective and efficient manner that delivers the maximum benefit.

History

Guided by his grandmother Maliheh’s example and teachings, Khosrow Semnani and his wife Ghazaleh established the Semnani Family Foundation in 1993. The foundation’s first grant was issued through CARE International to an orphanage in Romania that cared for newborns affected by HIV. Over the last few decades, the foundation has continued to build upon its mission to empower the disaffected, partnering with a variety of organizations in different countries who can make the greatest impact.

In addition to its global influence, the Semnani Family Foundation established roots within the state of Utah with the founding of Maliheh Free Clinic in 2005 to provide free healthcare to thousands of uninsured people in the Salt Lake City area.

Where We Work

The Semnani Family Foundation focuses primarily on promoting health, education, and disaster relief for marginalized communities all around the world. Driven by a clear mission to adapt and serve at the global level, we have leveraged our resources to make a meaningful impact in the following countries so far:

• Afghanistan
• Bosnia
• Colombia
• England
• Ethiopia
• Ghana
• Guatemala
• India
• Iran
• Kenya
• Madagascar
• Mali
• Mexico
• Pakistan
• Philippines
• Romania
• Somalia
• South Africa
• Tanzania
• Tonga
• Uganda
• United States
• Yemen

At the heart of the Foundation lies a fervent commitment to human welfare, always prioritizing health and the needs of society’s most vulnerable.

The Sidney Stern Memorial Trust is devoted solely to the funding of charitable, scientific, medical and educational organizations.

The Board endeavors to support soundly-managed charitable organizations that give service with a broad scope, have a substantial effect on their target populations, and contribute materially to the general welfare. The Board does not discriminate on the basis of ethnicity, race, gender, sexual orientation or religion.

We have strong partnerships with nonprofit organizations across the country that are working to advance economic mobility and social progress in low- and moderate-income communities. Our focus areas include basic needs like food and housing, workforce development and education, and community development. In addition to our philanthropic investments, we also encourage our employees to make a difference by offering robust employee giving and volunteering programs, including the opportunity to direct funds to organizations they support through volunteer efforts, and a matching gifts program that doubles their individual giving to causes they care about. Last year, we invested $350 million in the communities we serve, and employees contributed more than 1 million volunteer hours and directed $65 million through individual giving and matching gifts to support nonprofits.Through our regional U.S. sponsorships, we support the economic, social and cultural life of the places we live and work. We provide an extensive program of arts and sports sponsorships to help maintain vibrant, healthy communities.Sponsorships supporting communitiesBank of America welcomes your sponsorship proposal for opportunities that make our communities a better place to live and work. We are particularly interested in providing support to address needs vital to the health of our communities through a focus on:

• preserving neighborhoods;
• educating the workforce for 21st century jobs;
• addressing critical needs such as hunger and emergency shelter;
• arts and culture;
• the environment; and
• diversity and inclusion programs.

Grants are made at the Foundation’s discretion based on our current funding strategies focused on housing, jobs and hunger. 

Founded in 1847 as a mine operator, Cleveland-Cliffs is a leading steel company in North America today. The Company is vertically integrated from mined raw materials, direct reduced iron, and ferrous scrap to primary steelmaking and downstream finishing, stamping, tooling, and tubing. Cleveland-Cliffs produces the highest quality steel by utilizing the best practices in the steel industry. With a vertically integrated profile, the company has more predictable costs throughout our supply chain and more control over our production from mining to downstream stamping and tubing.

Cliffs is the largest supplier of steel to the automotive industry in North America and serve a diverse range of other markets due to our comprehensive offering of flat-rolled steel products. Headquartered in Cleveland, Ohio, Cleveland-Cliffs employs approximately 30,000 people—including more than 90% of its hourly workforce represented by a labor union— across its operations in the United States and Canada. With ongoing initiatives to reduce waste, improve water conservation, and having already reduced carbon emissions by 25%, we are committed to being North America's leader in steelmaking sustainability. 

At Cleveland-Cliffs, we care deeply about the communities in which we operate, and where our employees live and work. Our goal is to be a responsible corporate citizen that acts as a partner in solving community challenges and helping our communities thrive. Our community outreach focuses on investing in education, improving the environment, and supporting healthy and vibrant communities. Through these focus areas, we have formed partnerships with schools, community organizations, neighborhood groups and other charities.

The Cleveland-Cliffs Foundation

The Cleveland-Cliffs Foundation was established in 1962 and has been a dedicated resource for charitable giving activities in the United States for over 60 years.

The mission of The Cleveland-Cliffs Foundation is to have a positive impact in the areas where Cleveland-Cliffs operates by partnering with and investing in non-profit organizations that enhance educational opportunities, protect and improve the environment, promote human health, and support vibrant communities.

Our Areas of Focus

Cleveland-Cliffs and our philanthropic Foundation invest in programs that serve the communities where we operate and meet one of our focus areas:

• Education: Partnering with organizations that build skills, including STEM skills, across all age groups; preparing a ready workforce; and increasing employment opportunities for community members.
• Environment: Supporting organizations that protect and restore the environment through land and water restoration, creating green spaces, and promoting sustainable communities and natural areas.
• Healthy & Vibrant Communities: Working to build healthy, safe, vibrant communities by providing services and creating opportunities for underserved populations; funding programs that promote healthy lifestyles and combat disease; and investing in community-improvement initiatives led by arts, cultural and civic institutions.

Our Mission

The Hansen Family Foundation provides opportunities to domestic, international, secular, and non-secular organizations that support the American way of life, which is defined by the principles of “life, liberty, and the pursuit of happiness.” 

Causes

Children

The Hansen Family Foundation supports causes dedicated to helping children both home as well as abroad. Learn More

Education

The Hansen Family Foundation believes that a decent education should be made available to everyone, young or old, the world over. Learn More

Animals

The Hansen Family Foundation believes in helping those who cannot speak on their own behalf. Learn More

Environmental

The Hansen Family Foundation is dedicated to preserving the world we all share. Learn More

Humanitarian

The Hansen Family Foundation views the plight of our fellow man as an opportunity to actively engage and effect change. Learn More

Arts & Culture

The Hansen Family Foundation supports all forms of artistic and cultural endeavors. Learn More

About the Foundation

Jesse W. Couch lived a life of zeal, honor, and dedication to the betterment of his community. The Couch family now humbly stewards the foundation he created to carry on his legacy of service for future generations. We believe that impact is best accomplished through partnerships with local organizations that know the people and communities they serve. We invest in and support efforts to protect the environment, further conservation and preservation initiatives, and save historical architecture that preserves community heritage. We also support initiatives that promote wellness and mental health and organizations seeking to provide and further education for all communities.

Annual Grant Focus

Each year, we seek to partner with and support non-profit organizations making an impact in the focus areas listed here.  The focus areas for 2025 are:

• Animal Wellbeing: We are dedicated to helping nonprofit organizations that nurture compassion and respect for all living animals. We must have animal-focused organizations that advocate for animal rights and provide humane treatment across all spectrums.
• Early Childhood Education: We are looking for schools that are providing young children with a creative and balanced approach to education. Things we love in early childhood curriculums:
  • Life Skills
  • Collaboration With Their Peers and Teachers   
  • Having Fun   
  • Montessori Teachings   
  • Project Based Teachings   
  • Diversity   
  • More Time Outside   
  • Less Screen Time
• Teachers: Teachers are essential to providing children with the best possible education. We must invest in their future and are always looking for teams that help them succeed in educating future generations.
• Get Outside: Being outside can improve memory, fight depression, lower blood pressure, and more! We support organizations that facilitate and encourage more outdoor activities that help create healthier communities. 

Mission

The Sam J. Frankino Foundation is an independent family foundation dedicated to creating opportunities and enhancing the quality of life for children and families in need.

Vision

Through this foundation, the Frankino family desires to share God’s blessing by a commitment to philanthropic excellence.

The Foundation awards monetary grants to qualifying institutions and agencies for initiatives designed to improve the quality of life along with the advancement of medical research. We are a family foundation guided by the enduring business philosophy and personal values of Mr. Sam Frankino. His approach to business and community participation were the groundwork for the foundation’s philanthropic direction overall. As Executive Director of the foundation, Lorraine Frankino-Dodero guides the foundation by seeking out and researching charitable organizations that are best able to make a meaningful impact. Building on the legacy of our founder, we believe that the leadership of our grantees will make a profound impact and create lasting change within our community.

About the Foundation

The Sam J. Frankino Foundation (SJFF) supports excellence in education as well as other avenues for child development and personal growth. We seek to partner with organizations or groups to satisfy basic human needs — whether that takes the form of economic assistance for the homeless, local food banks, safe shelters for children and families that fall victim to domestic violence, etc.

SJFF supports community and culture, particularly the Italian-American community. We desire to facilitate pioneering discoveries in medical and surgical research; construction of health care facilities that support the complex healing process; creation and support of the arts; initiatives that strive to protect our environment; and other special projects that affect the lives of children and families in need, primarily within Northeast Ohio

Programs

Child & Family

Education is the cornerstone within the life and development of a child. The Sam J. Frankino Foundation is committed to supporting schools and other academic institutions. Future generations of Newtons, Monets, Einsteins, Hemingways, Goodalls, and Jobses will certainly bring amazing discoveries and creations in science, the arts, literature, technology, and more to our world. It begins by providing them with the tools necessary to see beyond their walls.

The Foundation welcomes opportunities to partner with nonprofit organizations that reach out to youth — particularly children who are homeless or within foster care — and that offer physical education programs, thereby encouraging physical as well as mental health.

SJFF also supports programs that seek to help victims of child abuse and domestic violence, whether through women’s shelters, law enforcement programs or judicial avenues. We offer grants for programs and services that empower children and families to overcome poverty or other adversities, thereby fostering hope and inspiring change.

Community

The Sam J. Frankino Foundation welcomes opportunities to support our community and culture, particularly the Italian-American community. We contribute to social, educational, recreational and other creative initiatives for all ages that strengthen community and are dedicated to preserving and enriching our heritage and traditions.

Health & Human Services

It is a mission of the Sam J. Frankino Foundation to help those in need to get the proper care and support to lead productive, rewarding lives.

The SJFF gives high priority to support health care initiatives and organizations that deliver care to the poor, sick and disabled in our community as well as institutions that advance the knowledge of medicine and surgery in maintaining one’s overall health.

SJFF seeks to help the poor, homeless, and broken, primarily within our community, through grants that support programs and services that reach these fragile groups. We also want to help when tragedy strikes – whether a home fire, tornado, or other natural disaster.

Our Foundation continues to support organizations that care for children and adults challenged with physical and developmental disabilities as well as mental health issues. We also honor our valiant, courageous veterans. Sam J. Frankino served as a sergeant in the U.S. Army, and like all veterans, fought to protect the freedoms we hold so dear. We are proud to be able to give back to those who served.

Arts & Culture

The creative spirit and imagination are central to healthy communities. Artistic expression nourishes the soul and breaks down boundaries among races, classes, religions, and cultures. The arts also bring attention to inequalities and celebrate individuality.

Our region is rich with ambitious artists who should be nurtured through support of their creative endeavors. Our Foundation supports professional organizations that create excellent, innovative art and protect art treasures throughout the world.

Beyond the paint, canvas or stage, SJFF supports such worthwhile organizations and programs as zoos, botanical gardens, theaters, museums, symposiums and cultural exhibitions.

Science & Medical

Supporting pioneering discoveries in science, medical research and bioengineering is achieved not only through The Sam J. Frankino Foundation’s generous undergraduate and graduate scholarships but through our financial support of regional health care institutions.

SJFF supports scholastic endeavors and organizations that strive to enrich the lives of those residing primarily in northeast Ohio. We applaud state-of-the art breakthroughs in medical research as well as the delivery of innovative health care solutions.

SJFF demonstrates a history of supporting research and improvements in the areas of:

• Cancer
• Heart Disease
• Parkinson’s
• Leukemia
• Epilepsy
• Multiple Sclerosis
• Lupus
• Arthritis

Our Foundation will provide grants to further the understanding of diseases and advance the capabilities of medicine and surgery that may one day bring cures.

Environment

Clean air, clean water, land conservation, a sustainable environment–The Sam J. Frankino Foundation is committed to supporting such “green” initiatives. A clean, healthy environment is vital for future generations. All must step up and invest to make this goal achievable.

The Sam J. Frankino Foundation supports partnerships that bring together people who value, nurture and protect the natural environment. The SJF Foundation is specifically interested in increasing the understanding of the environment and our relationship to it and its activities.

Calling to Serve

Since its inception in 2016, the Robinson Foundation has sought to demonstrate God’s love through sharing the gifts we have received. We understand the often unspoken hardships and struggles that people in and outside of our community face everyday. As such, our contributions are focused on relieving these hardships for the betterment of our world.

As a family-operated foundation, we pray that our small efforts will not only create immediate change in the lives of our neighbors, but will help set those lives on a course for success in the future. We are thankful for each and every day we have on this earth to use what God has granted us to make a difference.

Areas of Interest

• Animal Welfare
• Children & Families
• Disaster Relief
• Education
• Medical Assistance
• Nature & Wildlife Conservation
• Poverty Relief
• Religious & Spiritual Endeavors
• Veterans' Issues

Grant Considerations

We take many different aspects of applications into account when making grant issuing decisions, however these are some of the high-level questions we ask ourselves during the process:

• How does the organization serve their key audience goals?
• Is the organization fiscally responsible?
• Will a grant have a tangible, meaningful impact?
• Will we see direct results from this grant?
• Does the organization have other financial contributors?

Corporate Contributions

Community involvement and corporate citizenship are an example of Insperity’s mission in action. We are committed to helping the communities where we live and work because together, we know we can make great things happen.

Grants

Philanthropic grants are a strong part of our community outreach and aid institutions needing financial support to meet important service goals.

Event Sponsorship

Fundraising events are an important part of nonprofit support. Insperity provides event sponsorships to approved charities to assist them in meeting their financial and community goals.

Lake Erie Ohio Communities and Coastal Resiliency Grant (OH)

The Lake Erie Ohio Communities and Coastal Resilience grant intends to focus on improving coastal resilience and, where applicable within underserved communities, to protect and restore Lake Erie and enhance the lives of those who live in these communities on Ohio’s Great Lake.

Program Overview

While Lake Erie remains a key asset and serves as the single common thread across the northern region of Ohio, its landscapes and communities have varying needs and abilities to support resilience to changing environmental conditions. Greater fluctuations in lake water levels and severity of weather events continue, causing the onset of conditions such as increased nutrient loss, coastal erosion, flooding, an increase in invasive species prevalence, beach closings, fish and wildlife consumption advisories, and associated reduction in public access to Lake Erie resources. These conditions can have an impact to both the ecosystem and the local economy.

Additionally, some communities can have populations impacted by these changing conditions yet also have limited incomes, unemployment, poverty, or other conditions that may limit the capacity of the coastal community to be resilient to changing conditions, including the ability to regularly receive information, engage in planning, and promote community awareness.

There are several ways that this grant program can be used to assist coastal communities in Ohio to improve their coastal resilience. These include supporting work necessary to address other state program initiatives as it relates to coastal resilience.

Examples of these include:

• Building coastal resilience to prepare communities for recovery from changing Lake Erie conditions and/or extreme weather events.
• Building capacity and leverage resources in underserved communities to address coastal resiliency and utilize funding opportunities for coastal resilience.
• Expanding outreach and engagement in underserved communities focused on community-level environmental resilience preparation and recovery.
• Preparing plans and designs for future funding applications to improve resilience of water related infrastructure through State Revolving Fund (SRF).
• Preparing plans and design for future funding applications to address shoreline erosion and changing conditions on Lake Erie.
• Preparing and/or implementing projects (including disaster planning) that address specific actions in approved County natural hazard mitigation plans.
• Addressing related priorities set forth in Lake Erie plans.
• Evaluating coastal hazards and cost benefit analysis of alternatives to prepare projects for future eligibility for emergency management assistance funding. 

The Lake Erie Ohio Communities and Coastal Resilience grant intends to focus on improving coastal resilience and, where applicable within underserved communities, to protect and restore Lake Erie and enhance the lives of those who live in these communities on Ohio’s Great Lake. 

Eligible Projects

The Lake Erie Ohio Communities and Coastal Resilience grant has three general eligible project types:

• Assessment, Design, and Planning of Projects including, but not limited to, shoreline erosion mitigation, emergency management plan implementation, public access to blue or green spaces, environmental health, water infrastructure projects, public outreach and engagement, and/or specific coastal resilience.
  • (e.g., preparing plans and design engineering for water and wastewater infrastructure, shoreline stabilization, plans for public access to a river or Lake Erie coastline, plans, and design engineering to protect beaches or riparian corridors, assessment of changing conditions along Lake Erie to identify future projects or actions needed to increase coastal resilience, preparation for acquisition for coastal resilience related land conservation)
• Public Communications and Outreach, or activities to engage underserved communities on future projects, public health awareness of environmental conditions, or community stewardship activities associated with adaptation to the changing coast or improving coastal disaster recovery.
  • (e.g. broaden public awareness of environmental health conditions to additional languages and ESL communities, workshops or trainings on stewardship of coastal infrastructure or recovery and preparedness to environmental events)
• Construction and Implementation of Projects that will improve coastal resilience and enhance conditions for the use of Lake Erie water resources and its future stewardship.
  • (e.g., expanding green infrastructure to reduce flooding, natural shorelines to reduce or prevent coastal erosion, development of public access in underserved communities, habitat restoration in response to weather events, or adaptation projects for protection of communities and their recovery after weather events, native landscape plantings)

Funding

The Ohio Lake Erie Commission anticipates up to $900,000 will be available under this grant opportunity. The Commission anticipates typical grant awards will range from $75,000 to $100,000 with proposals not less than $50,000 or more than $150,000 for a single grant award. Funding is provided from the Great Lakes Restoration Initiative. 

The Dudley T. Dougherty Foundation Vision

The Dudley T. Dougherty Foundation, "A Foundation for All", was established in 2002. It was begun in order to give a clear voice for those who wish to be a part of the many, worthy, forces for change in our world.

We are a foundation whose purpose is to look ahead towards the future, giving the past its due by remembering where we came from, and how much we can all accomplish together. We aim to make the critical difference on our planet by recognizing and having respect for our ever changing world. We respect all Life, the Environment, and all People, no matter who they are.

Our Mission

Our mission is to continue and further the philanthropic legacy of Gardner Cowles, Jr. and the Cowles family, which includes promotion of education, social justice, health, and the arts.

The Founder

The Cowles Charitable Trust was first established in 1948 by Gardner “Mike” Cowles, Jr. (1903-1985). Born into the Cowles publishing family of Des Moines, Iowa, Mike was the youngest of Gardner Cowles and Florence Call Cowles’ six children. A newspaper editor and publisher by trade, he was committed to his family’s traditions of responsible, public-spirited, and innovative journalism as well as philanthropy. 

The Cowles Charitable Trust supports the arts, education, the advancement of ethical journalism, medical and climate research.

Ameriprise Financial Grantmaking

At Ameriprise Financial, giving back is deeply rooted in our culture. We’ve initiated positive change in the communities where we live and work for more than 120 years. We believe our community involvement enables us to actively live our values. Through grant making, volunteerism and employee and financial advisor gift matching programs, we support a diverse group of over 6,000 nonprofits across the country.

Focus Areas

Awarding grant dollars to nonprofits is one way we strengthen our communities and help individuals on a path to financial independence. To ensure we're meeting the needs of our communities and making an even greater collective impact, we focus on three key giving areas when awarding grants.

Volunteer engagement is a priority across all focus areas:

The engagement of Ameriprise employees and financial advisors is a critical component of our philanthropy. Whether it’s serving on a nonprofit board, engaging friends, clients and community members in volunteering or providing skills-based support, our relationships with nonprofits go deep. For this reason, we give priority across all focus areas to applications where there is active volunteer engagement of Ameriprise advisors and employees. 

Meeting Basic Needs

At Ameriprise Financial, we help clients achieve financial security and peace of mind. That’s satisfying, meaningful work. We also help the people in our neighborhoods who struggle to meet basic needs such as where their next meal comes from, where they’ll sleep tonight or how they’ll find a higher wage job. We’re here to help them through the three platforms of our Meeting Basic Needs focus area.

Consideration is given to applications addressing the following: 

• Hunger
• Food banks, food shelves and food pantries, daily meal programs or meal services for the homebound
• Hunger-relief programs targeted to meet the special needs of children, ethnic populations or veterans
• Food programs run by nonprofits where hunger is not their sole focus, for example a youth meal program at the YWCA or a backpack program run by a Boys & Girls Club
• Shelter
• Emergency shelter, including youth homelessness
• Transitional housing, permanent supportive housing and efforts to end chronic homelessness
• Housing-first models (programs quickly providing housing and then addressing needed services)
• Achieving and maintaining home ownership, repair and maintenance efforts helping keep seniors, veterans and other populations in their homes 
• Adult Self-Sufficiency: Programs serving adults age 21 and older that help address the following areas:
• Basic hard and soft skills that help adults achieve economic and family stability
• Basic financial and budgeting skills
• Increase employability and wages, including work readiness and job transitions
• Employment of disabled adults

Supporting Community Vitality

We believe communities should be strong, healthy and resilient. We want livable places for all, where neighbors look out for one another, cultural events are well-attended and people pull together in times of crisis and joy. We work to create economic vitality and cultural enrichment through the following areas of focus.

Consideration is given to applications addressing the following: 

• Community Development
• Neighborhood revitalization
• Economic development
• Strengthening and supporting small businesses and nonprofits through technical expertise
• Cultural Enrichment
• Arts education
• Access for underserved populations
• Diverse artists and performances that spark topical community conversations 

Volunteer Driven Causes: Ameriprise employees and financial advisors are outstanding volunteers who serve in teams and also as individuals bringing personal skill-sets to nonprofits. Volunteering is part of the culture at Ameriprise and we are proud to support communities through contributions of both service and financial resources. 

Funding for Volunteer-Driven Causes is determined by current Ameriprise volunteerism. In general, funding is in proportion to the size of the Ameriprise volunteer team supporting a nonprofit. A team may include employees, financial advisors and/or staff or a combination of any Ameriprise volunteers. 

Conservation Stewardship Program

The Conservation Stewardship Program (CSP) helps you build on your existing conservation efforts while strengthening your operation.

Whether you are looking to improve grazing conditions, increase crop resiliency, or develop wildlife habitat, we can custom design a CSP plan to help you meet those goals. We can help you identify natural resource problems in your operation and provide technical and financial assistance to solve those problems or attain higher stewardship levels in an environmentally beneficial and cost-effective manner.

How It Works

If you are already taking steps to improve the condition of the land, chances are, CSP can help you find new ways to meet your goals.

NRCS works one-on-one with producers to develop a conservation plan that outlines and enhances existing efforts, using new conservation practices or activities, based on management objectives for your operation. Producers implement practices and activities in their conservation plan that expands on the benefits of cleaner water and air, healthier soil and better wildlife habitat, all while improving their agricultural operations.

For example, if you have been planting a cover crop, you may decide to try an enhancement for a multi species cover crop or implement a deep-rooted cover crop to break up soil compaction and further improve the health of your soil.

CSP offers annual payments for implementing these practices on your land and operating and maintaining existing conservation efforts. Want to take it a step further? CSP also offers bundles where you can select a suite of enhancements and receive a higher payment rate.

Benefits

CSP is for working lands and is the largest conservation program in the United States. Thousands of people voluntarily enroll in the program because it helps them enhance natural resources and improve their business operation.

CSP participants are seeing real results.  Some of these benefits include:

• Enhanced resiliency to weather and market volatility
• Decreased need for agricultural inputs
• Improved wildlife habitat conditions

CSP Contracts

The program represents a genuine commitment to conservation – CSP contracts are for five years, with the opportunity to compete for a contract renewal if you successfully fulfill the initial contract and agree to achieve additional conservation objectives. An NRCS conservation planner will work closely with you, throughout the entire contract process.

Contract payments are based on two components:

• Payments to maintain the existing level of conservation, based on the land uses included in the contract and an NRCS assessment of existing stewardship at the time of enrollment, and
• Payments to implement additional conservation activities.

NRCS may provide a minimum annual payment of $1,500 in any year the Chief determines the total contract payment amount is below a base level.

Ohio Priority Resource Concern Categories

• Ag land ranking pools
  • Wind and Water Erosion
  • Soil Quality Limitations
  • Degraded Plant Condition
  • Terrestrial Habitat
  • Concentrated Erosion
  • Field Pesticide Loss
  • Livestock Production Limitation
  • Field Sediment, Nutrient and Pathogen Loss
• NIPF ranking pools
  • Wind and Water Erosion
  • Soil Quality Limitations
  • Degraded Plant Condition
  • Terrestrial Habitat
  • Concentrated Erosion
  • Aquatic Habitat
  • Fire Management
  • Pest Pressure

EQIP

The Environmental Quality Incentives Program (EQIP) is NRCS’ flagship conservation program that helps farmers, ranchers and forest landowners integrate conservation into working lands.

EQIP provides technical and financial assistance to agricultural producers and forest landowners to address natural resource concerns, such as:

• Improved water and air quality;
• Conserved ground and surface water;
• Increased soil health;
• Reduced soil erosion and sedimentation;
• Improved or created wildlife habitat; and
• Mitigation against drought and increasing weather volatility.

How It Works

NRCS works one-on-one with producers to develop a conservation plan that outlines conservation practices and activities to help solve on-farm resource issues. Producers implement practices and activities in their conservation plan that can lead to cleaner water and air, healthier soil and better wildlife habitat, all while improving their agricultural operations. EQIP helps producers make conservation work for them. Financial assistance for practices may be available through EQIP.  Some producers may also qualify for advance payment.

Benefits

Some of these benefits include:

• Reduced contamination from agricultural sources, such as animal feeding operations.
• Efficient use of nutrients, reducing input costs and reduction in nonpoint source pollution.
• Improved soil health, which mitigates against increasing weather volatility, improves drought resiliency and can positively affect climate change.
• Implementation of climate-smart practices that improve carbon sequestration and reduce greenhouse gas emissions while building resilient landscapes.

Ohio Funding Opportunities

Cropland: This category addresses soil erosion and water quality resource concerns on cropland and adjacent incidental areas and managed on a regional basis.

Forestry: This category assists producers with non-industrial private forest land address resource concerns on land used for producing forest-related products.

Grazing: This category assists producers that have a pasture operation to address natural resource concerns related to the growing, raising, or reproducing of livestock.

Animal Feeding Operation: This category assists producers with confined livestock to address resource concerns related to the storage, treatment, and management of animal waste.

Wildlife Habitat Conservation: This category promotes habitat conservation for at-risk wildlife species, including restoring, developing, or enhancing wildlife habitat.

High Tunnels: This category assists producers to extend the growing season, improve plant and soil quality, reduce nutrient and pesticide transportation, improve air quality through reduced transportation inputs, and reduce energy use by providing consumers with a local source of fresh produce.

Historically Underserved: This fund category is for applicants meeting the definition of Beginning Farmer/Rancher or Veteran Farmer/Ranchers who also meet the Beginning Farmer/Rancher definition. This category also assists limited resource producers and socially disadvantaged producers address resource concerns.

Conservation Practice (CPA): A Conservation Practice Activity (CPA) developed by a non-NRCS individual or entity identifies conservation practices needed to address a specific natural resource need, typically for land transitioning to organic production, grazing land, or forest land, or for specific resource needs such as nutrient management.

On-Farm Energy: This category assists producers identify ways to reduce energy use on their farms and to implement various recommended measures using conservation practices that address inefficient use of on-farm energy. A screening tool is required to be ranked in this category. This initiative only offers assistance for 128 Conservation Activity Plans-Ag Energy Management Plans (AgEMPs) and certain energy conservation practices.

Organic Initiative: This category assists organic producers implement a broad set of conservation practices to address resource concerns. A screening tool is required to be ranked in this category. This initiative is further divided to rank certified organic operations and transitioning to organic operations separately. Producers exempt from certification are considered under the transitioning category.

Working Lands for Wildlife: This category targets conservation efforts to improve agricultural and forest productivity which enhance wildlife habitat on working landscapes. Target species are used as barometers for success because their habitat needs are representative of healthy, functioning ecosystems where conservation efforts benefit a much broader suite of species.

Statewide Urban Agriculture Initiative: This category assists people in urban areas across Ohio establish urban agriculture practices to give people an opportunity to grow fresh vegetables longer while managing water and pests effectively.

Cleveland/Akron Urban Agriculture Initiative: This category assists people in the Greater Cleveland area establish urban agriculture practices to give people an opportunity to grow fresh vegetables longer while managing water and pests effectively.

Cincinnati Urban Agriculture Initiative: This category assists people in the Greater Cincinnati area establish urban agriculture practices to give people an opportunity to grow fresh vegetables longer while managing water and pests effectively.

Great Lakes Restoration Initiative (GLRI): GLRI protects and restores watersheds to combat invasive species, protect watersheds and shorelines, reduce non-point source pollution, and restore wetlands and other habitat areas. This GLRI project is for producers in Ohio’s Western Lake Erie Basin (WLEB) in the following sub watershed: Blanchard, Lower Maumee, Upper Auglaize, Cedar-Portage, Sandusky, St. Marys, Ottawa, St. Joseph, Tiffin, and Upper Maumee.

Northern Bobwhite In Grasslands: This category assists eligible producers implement conservation practices to address habitat loss without taking land out of production. 

WLEB Tri-State Initiative Special Project: This category assists WLEB producers implement a broad set of conservation practices to address water quality concerns. A screening worksheet is required in this category. To be eligible for this initiative, you must be located in Ohio WLEB counties identified on the project map.

Oak Management Special Project: The project will assist woodland owners implement conservation measures recommended by foresters. The project area includes the Wayne National Forest and Ohio State Forests, as well as privately held forest land in Adams, Athens, Gallia, Hocking, Jackson, Lawrence, Meigs, Scioto, Vinton, Morgan, Monroe, Muskingum, Noble, Perry, Pike, Ross and Washington Counties.

Conservation Enhancement and Outreach Special Project: The project is designed to assist landowners implement conservation practices to protect natural resources while enhancing pasture, crop, and forestland through targeted funding in Morgan and Guernsey Counties.

Pasture Improvement Special Project: The project is designed to assist landowners implement conservation practices through progressive planning on pasture land in Adams, Athens, Fayette, Gallia, Jackson, Lawrence, Meigs, Pike, Scioto, and Vinton Counties.

Southern Ohio Appalachian Outreach Special Project: The project will promote best management practices in Adams, Athens, Coshocton, Gallia, Guernsey, Harrison, Highland, Jackson, Jefferson, Lawrence, Meigs, Monroe, Morgan, Muskingum, Noble, Perry, Pike, Scioto, Vinton, and Washington Counties.  Special emphasis will be placed on grassland management, planned grazing systems, nutrient management and winter-feeding management to address water quality and soil erosion concerns. 

Mississippi River Basin Initiative (MRBI): This project will assist agricultural producers to protect and improve water quality in the Headwaters of Loramie Creek Watershed(s).

National Water Quality Initiative (NWQI): This project will assist agricultural producers to protect and improve water quality in the Gladys, Solomon, and Five Mile Watersheds.

Ohio Department of Natural Resources (ODNR)

The history of the Ohio Department of Natural Resources (ODNR) is rich and varied, beginning with its creation by the Ohio Legislature in 1949.

At that time, the department was charged with the responsibility of formulating and putting into execution a long-term comprehensive plan for the development and wise use of the natural resources of the state, to the end that the health, happiness and wholesome enjoyment of life of the people of Ohio may be further encouraged.

A department of incredible diversity, ODNR owns and manages more than 800,000 acres of land, including 75 state parks, 24 state forests, 140 state nature preserves and 150 wildlife areas. The department also has jurisdiction over more than 120,000 acres of inland waters; 7,000 miles of streams; 481 miles of Ohio River; and 2.25 million acres of Lake Erie. In addition, ODNR licenses all hunting, fishing and watercraft in the state and the department is responsible for overseeing and permitting all mineral extraction, monitoring dam safety, managing water resources, mapping the state's major geologic structures and mineral resources and providing multiple outdoor grant programs to local communities.

Each division and office is unique in how they operate to fulfill the main mission of ODNR. The ODNR Division of Wildlife receives more than 97% of its funding through the sale of licenses, permits, federal reimbursements and donations. With the increase in oil and gas production since 2012, the ODNR Division of Oil and Gas Resources Management has grown from a staff of 44 to more than 130, including inspectors, engineers, geologists and hydrogeologists. Divisions and offices also change over time to improve efficiency. For example, in 2016 the Division of Parks and Recreation merged with the Division of Watercraft since they had overlapping responsibilities.

Natural Areas Research Grant - Allison Cusick and Daniel Rice Research Grant Program

The mission of the Ohio Department of Natural Resources Division of Natural Areas and Preserves (DNAP) is to preserve Ohio’s unique natural heritage by protecting and restoring our finest land and water resources for future generations.

The Allison Cusick and Daniel Rice Research Grant Program is named in honor of the Division’s first Chief Zoologist Daniel Rice and first Chief Botanist Allison Cusick, who have greatly contributed to the knowledge of Ohio’s flora and fauna.

The Research Grant Program funds research that will increase our understanding of Ohio’s aquatic and terrestrial biological resources and aid in their conservation. These resources include animals, plants, and fungi, and processes related to Ohio’s ecological systems.

Grant Objectives

• To obtain scientific information on Ohio’s habitats, geology and ecosystems.
• To learn more about the occurrence, distribution, and ecology of the plants, fungi and animals in Ohio for education, conservation and science.

Examples of Projects

• Habitat use and reproduction of the spotted turtle in southwestern Ohio.
• A dendrological and successional analysis of the three major vegetation types of the Davey Woods State Nature Preserve, Champaign County, Ohio, with implications for management and preservation.
• Inventory of Carolina willow (Salix caroliniana) in southwestern Ohio.
• Mapping non-native invasive plants for setting management priorities at Hueston Woods State Nature Preserve, Butler County, Ohio.
• A survey of Unionid mussel species of the Grand River’s Wild and Scenic sections.

Evaluation Criteria

• Project supports mission and objectives of DNAP.
• Methods, timeline and budget are reasonable.
• Proposal is well written and concise.

Funding

Grant requests may be made for up to $5,000.

The Nature Conservancy

The Nature Conservancy is a global environmental nonprofit working to create a world where people and nature can thrive.

Our Mission

To conserve the lands and waters on which all life depends.

Connectivity, Climate, Communities Fund

To make the highest possible impact on the climate and biodiversity crises, The Nature Conservancy (TNC) is committed to advancing solutions and supporting partners throughout the Appalachians to connect and conserve vital wildlife habitat, build resilience to the impacts of climate change, and generate new job and recreation opportunities for communities.

Approximately one-third of the U.S. population lives in or within 100 miles of the Appalachians, including an estimated 36 million people that rely on the region for sources of drinking water. The landscape contains the world's largest remaining expanses of temperate broadleaf mixed forest and provides habitat to a wide diversity of plants of animals, many of which are listed as rare, threatened, or endangered. Conserving this landscape is critical for nature and for the people that live and work there.

However as climate change drives ecosystem instability, plants and animals are shifting their ranges northward, and people are having to find ways to adapt to complex and intertwined challenges. TNC and many others have been working to conserve vital Appalachian habitats for decades. Now we must ramp up our efforts and coordinate with partners across the Appalachians for maximum impact.

To succeed in these efforts, TNC’s Connectivity, Climate, Communities Fund offers two grant programs for conservation and community organizations, municipalities, Federally Recognized Tribal Nations, and local and state agencies in the Appalachians who are working to protect and conserve this region:

• The Resilient and Connected Appalachians Grant Program
• The New York Climate Resilience Grant Program

Resilient and Connected Appalachians Grant Program

The Resilient and Connected Appalachians Grant Program provides grants of up to $100,000 for fee and easement acquisition projects throughout the Appalachians.

Equitable Conservation and Community Benefits

Conservation organizations are increasingly acknowledging the importance of incorporating social equity in their missions, partnerships, and projects and evolving how they work to have better outcomes for people and nature.

TNC defines community benefits as the positive outcomes that directly result from or are included within conservation projects as experienced by local communities and people. This is particularly important for historically marginalized communities, communities with limited access to nature, communities experiencing heightened impacts of climate change due to systemic underinvestment and poor infrastructure, and Indigenous communities. 

RCA program funding will support projects that demonstrate meaningful community engagement, work with those historically excluded from conservation, and lead to a fairer distribution of benefits for people and communities.

Some examples of community benefits include improved and greater access to nature, protection of drinking water sources, recreational and resource-based economic opportunities, flood mitigation, engagement in cross-cultural initiatives, or protection of lands that will meet community-defined conservation needs. We encourage projects with meaningful community benefits that are integrated with the land protection goals.

Project Evaluation

Projects will be evaluated  according to their capacity to deliver land protection outcomes aligned with the program goals, including:

• Location:
  • the project is located within TNC’s Appalachians Program boundary and is in or near a mapped focal area.  Projects outside of focal areas will also be considered.
• Resilience:
  • the percentage of the total project area that is part of the Resilient and Connected Network.
• Connectivity:
  • adjacency to protected lands or other attributes that will lead to landscape connectivity over time (e.g., the project is a necessary acquisition for advancing a local or regional plan that aims to protect a critical conservation corridor).
• Collaboration:
  • evidence of engagement with other organizations, community groups, or local governments (including, but not limited to, shared funding).
• Community:
  • project elements that directly engage and or benefit people, especially vulnerable or marginalized communities.
• Timeline:
  • the project will close within 12 months from the start of the grant agreement term.
• Feasibility:
  • likelihood that the project will close and the costs seem reasonable.

The Foundation is dedicated to providing financial assistance to organizations committed to improving our world. Solutions to the problems of today's world still lie in the values of innovation, practicality, hard work, and compassion.

The Foundation considers applications for grants in the following areas:

• Education
• Social Service
• Health care
• Civic and cultural
• Environmental

The categories above are not intended to limit the interest of the Foundation from considering other worthwhile projects. In general, the Foundation guidelines are broad to give us flexibility in providing grants.

The majority of our grants are made in the U.S. However, like Dr. Scholl, we recognize the need for a global outlook. Non-U.S. grants are given to organizations where directors have knowledge of the grantee.

Ohio Department of Natural Resources (ODNR)

The history of the Ohio Department of Natural Resources (ODNR) is rich and varied, beginning with its creation by the Ohio Legislature in 1949.

At that time, the department was charged with the responsibility of formulating and putting into execution a long-term comprehensive plan for the development and wise use of the natural resources of the state, to the end that the health, happiness and wholesome enjoyment of life of the people of Ohio may be further encouraged.

A department of incredible diversity, ODNR owns and manages more than 800,000 acres of land, including 75 state parks, 24 state forests, 140 state nature preserves and 150 wildlife areas. The department also has jurisdiction over more than 120,000 acres of inland waters; 7,000 miles of streams; 481 miles of Ohio River; and 2.25 million acres of Lake Erie. In addition, ODNR licenses all hunting, fishing and watercraft in the state and the department is responsible for overseeing and permitting all mineral extraction, monitoring dam safety, managing water resources, mapping the state's major geologic structures and mineral resources and providing multiple outdoor grant programs to local communities.

Each division and office is unique in how they operate to fulfill the main mission of ODNR. The ODNR Division of Wildlife receives more than 97% of its funding through the sale of licenses, permits, federal reimbursements and donations. With the increase in oil and gas production since 2012, the ODNR Division of Oil and Gas Resources Management has grown from a staff of 44 to more than 130, including inspectors, engineers, geologists and hydrogeologists. Divisions and offices also change over time to improve efficiency. For example, in 2016 the Division of Parks and Recreation merged with the Division of Watercraft since they had overlapping responsibilities.

Ohio River Basin H2Ohio Wetland Grant Program

The H2Ohio Statewide Wetland Grant Program is a reimbursement grant program that provides up-to-100 percent project funding for high quality natural-infrastructure projects focused on nutrient reduction and water quality improvement across the state of Ohio. This grant program is state-funded through Ohio’s H2Ohio program and is administered by the Ohio Department of Natural Resources (“ODNR”).

Types of Eligible Ohio River Basin H2Ohio Wetland or Natural-Infrastructure Projects Includ:

• Wetland creation
• Hydrologic restoration of wetlands on hydric soils
• Hydrologic enhancement of existing wetlands, floodplains, and riparian corridors
• Stream, conservation channel design* and floodplain restoration
• Restoration of forested riparian buffers
• Acid Mine Drainage (AMD) Abatement Projects
• Dam removal and associated restoration
• Property acquisition if associated with water quality restoration project
• Stormwater retention and/or green infrastructure projects

Funding

Per-project budget must be justified in the application with a minimum funding request of approximately $50,000 with no maximum funding cap.

Community Partnership Award

The Mutual of America Foundation Community Partnership Award recognizes outstanding nonprofit organizations in the United States that have shown exemplary leadership by facilitating partnerships with public, private or social sector leaders who are working together as equal partners, not as donors and recipients, to build a cohesive community that serves as a model for collaborating with others for the greater good.

Each year, the Mutual of America Foundation sponsors a national competition in which hundreds of organizations demonstrate the value of their partnership to the communities they serve, their ability to be replicated by others and their capacity to stimulate new approaches to addressing significant social issues.

Six organizations are selected by an independent committee to receive the Community Partnership Award.

• The Thomas J. Moran Award is given to the national award-winning program and includes $100,000 and a documentary video about the program.
• The Frances R. Hesselbein Award is given to a partnership that is addressing social challenges in more than one community, or which demonstrates the potential to be replicated in other communities. This recipient receives $75,000.
• Four other organizations are named Honorable Mention recipients for their programs, and each receives $50,000.

Since its inception in 1996, the Community Partnership Award has recognized 262 partnerships from cities and towns across America. Like so many of our clients working in the nonprofit community, Mutual of America is dedicated to having a direct, positive impact on society.

Gupta Family Foundation is a private, nonprofit foundation headquartered in Herndon, Virginia, USA. Our mission is to support organizations that provide focused intervention in the lives of people who have been disadvantaged in some way to help them become self-reliant. We take a very broad view of “disadvantage” to include anything that holds a person back from realizing their potential, such as poverty, physical or mental disability, social alienation, etc. The foundation also supports relief agencies that serve people affected by emergencies such as natural disasters.

The foundation evaluates and awards annual and multi-year grants ranging from $5,000 to over $250,000 (USD). Our focus is on funding smaller organizations all around the world that are led by individuals with a deep personal commitment to their missions. 

Our selection criteria include:

• Mission alignment
• The organization is run by the founder or, if not, by a successor who embodies the original inspiration, passion and commitment of the founder.
• At least 90% of grant monies reaches the intended beneficiaries.
• The organization is non-sectarian, i.e.,
  • It does not, directly or indirectly, support or condone the proselytization of any religion,
  • It is not supported by or affiliated to a religious organization.