"Our efforts as they relate to equity and access for marginalized groups in northwest Ohio are being more formalized, and will continue to support the Foundation's ongoing mission of creating a better community and achieving sustainable prosperity for all people across our region." - Keith Burwell, President
This Initiative will continue through 2024 with funding in the amount of $100,000 per year, bringing the Foundation's investment in Equity & Access up to $600,000 over five years.
Funding Opportunity
The Foundation will award grants that address four focus areas to nonprofit organizations which are located in and providing services for residents of northwest Ohio. Click here to apply.
Advocacy
Economic Development
Employment
Nonprofit Capacity
Priority will be given to proposals that:
Support collaboration among organizations;
Incorporate grassroot associations; and/or
Incorporate minority-led nonprofits.
Seeking funding for a new or existing program that aligns with the focus of the fund?
And call us! That’s what we’re here for. If we don’t know what your ideas and needs are, we can’t help you. Let’s start with a conversation. 419-241-5049.
How to Apply for Equity & Access Initiative Funds
All nonprofit organizations, from small capacity nonprofits, grassroots associations and established nonprofits, are encouraged to apply for funding for new and existing projects that align with the focus of the fund.
Provided here is a short presentation and Q&A with Artisha Lawson, Program Officer.
Provided here is a 12-minute tutorial on how to complete the GTCF application for the Equity & Access Initiative Fund.
If you're ready to start your application, click here.
A timeline for the application process is provided below.
GTCF Grants & Distribution Committee reviews submitted recommendations
GTCF Board approves final funding recommendations
Equity & Access grantees notified in October
Equity & Access Resource Links - Fund Related Definitions, Terms and Links
Below are some resources to assist with further research. These links provide background on the type of organizations and programs GTCF would consider for funding. The list is not exhaustive and the definitions provided within are not necessarily endorsed by the Foundation. This is provided simply as a launching point for organizations and individuals interested in learning more about equity and access.
The Center for Nonprofit Resources: https://www.c4npr.org/ (specifically check out the “Getting Help” section)
Watch Pariss M. Coleman and Artisha Lawson speak more about the Equity & Access funding opportunity here.
Grants Awarded to Date
Greater Toledo Community Foundation has invested a total of $451,800 through the community-driven Equity & Access Initiative
Toledo DEI Webinar Series - active response to the community's request to provide access to Diversity, Equity and Inclusion training for nonprofit staff members, board members and volunteers. 436 individuals attended. Series conducted in partnership with: Philanthropy Ohio, Racial Equity Institute, ThirdSpace Action Lab and Rev. John Jones.
African American Legacy Project of Northwest Ohio was awarded a $16,000 grant to support a series of interviews between five top local law enforcement officials and five intuitive rising young African American leaders, called “Voices”.
Hope’s Landing was awarded $15,000 support workforce development training and employment stipends for women who have survived human trafficking or domestic violence.
La Conexion was awarded $15,000 to support consultant-led sessions to strengthen donor relations and board development.
Midstory was awarded $14,300 to create a visual series that highlights the voices of local Asian Americans and Pacific Islanders to address discrimination.
Reinvest Toledo was awarded $15,000 to elevate advocacy resources through a series of community building opportunities in collaboration with neighborhood leaders.
The University Church was awarded $15,450 to support an advocacy and empowerment program for Rogers High School to address systemic barriers through collective action.
The University of Toledo Foundation was awarded $25,000 to pilot a program that aims to increase the success rate of minority students completing their freshman year of college.
YWCA of Northwest Ohio was awarded a $15,000 grant to increase access for local businesses to implicit bias and racism training through a virtual platform.
An independent committee comprised of current GTCF board members and community-minded individuals is working to develop a long-term strategy that will proactively address social determinants of health and nonprofit capacity.
Community Members Lisa Hawker John Jones Kay Jones Judge C. Allen McConnell Doni Miller Desmond Strooh Craig Teamer
GTCF Board Members Parris Coleman
Assigned GTCF Staff Artisha Lawson, Program Officer
Learn more about Greater Toledo Community Foundation here.