Traditional Grants

Grantmaking Focus

The Traditional Grants Program focuses on three areas:

• Basic Needs funds programs and projects that provide food, shelter, and clothing. Priority will be given to programs and projects that meet current needs and simultaneously integrate services designed to support long-term stability. 
• Disadvantaged Children funds programs and projects that meet the diverse needs of at-risk children. Priority will be given to programs and projects that are in the home, build relationships with the family, and create a support network around and for the families of disadvantaged children. 
• Developmental Disabilities funds programs and projects that address the needs of children and adults with physical or cognitive disabilities that impair functions or behavior and that occurred before a person reaches the age of 22. (Blindness/visual impairments and deafness/hearing impairments are not considered within this category.) 

*Please note: Operating support will only be considered when the applicant demonstrates continuous innovation that enhances services.

• Access, complete, and submit the Letter of Intent (LOI) online. The LOI form is accessible one month before the deadline.
• Applications must be submitted by the first Friday in February and September. Consult the event calendar for the specific deadline date.
• Only applications that best fit the Foundation's grantmaking interests and are strongly competitive will be asked to submit a Full Proposal. Applicants will be notified of the Full Application deadline by e-mail. 

Requirements

• A complete and up-to-date PowerPhilanthropy portrait is required for submission of the Full Application.
• Organization audits are included in PowerPhilanthropy portraits; please refer to the Foundation's audit requirement and audit exemption request form.
• If you are implementing your project in a Columbus City School building, or collaborating with the district on a project, and asked to submit a full application, you must request a letter of endorsement from the Office of Development. All letters of endorsement will be forwarded directly from the Columbus City Schools to The Columbus Foundation. Please contact Dr. John Farley, director, at jfarley@columbus.k12.oh.us.
• Final reports are due 30 days following the end of the grant period.

Publicity

• Examples of previous grants can be found in press releases.
• The Columbus Foundation asks all nonprofit organizations that receive funding to help promote the vital role philanthropy plays in strengthening our community, and the importance of charitable giving to your organization’s effort to carry out its mission.

For questions, contact Emily Savors, esavors@columbusfoundation.org.

For technical assistance, contact Rebecca Kraley, rkraley@columbusfoundation.org.