"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.

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Funding Opportunity

 

Seeking funding for a new or existing program that aligns with the focus of the fund? 

 

Not sure if you have the right criteria to apply?

 

READ THE GRANT GUIDELINES HERE

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.

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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.

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A timeline for the application process is provided below.

• Application opens May 2
• Application deadline is July 2
• Equity & Access Advisory Committee reviews submitted applications and presents funding recommendations
• 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.

• National Council of Nonprofits: https://www.councilofnonprofits.org/tools-resources/why-diversity-equity-and-inclusion-matter-nonprofits
• Grassroots Associations: https://www.toledocf.org/wp-content/uploads/2021/06/Effective-Grassroots.pdf
• Racial Equity Tools: https://www.racialequitytools.org/
• Greenlining: https://greenlining.org/
• NGO & Grassroots Definitions: Nongovernmental Organizations (NGOs) - Document - Gale eBooks
• Living Cities: https://livingcities.org/
• National Equity Atlas: https://nationalequityatlas.org/research#reindex
• Small Capacity Nonprofit: https://www.irs.gov/charities-non-profits/annual-electronic-filing-requirement-for-small-exempt-organizations-form-990-n-e-postcard

Other Resources Available:

Grantwriting

• Library catalog link: Select Reads | Reading House (nextgoodbook.com)
• The Only Grant Writing Book You’ll Ever Need (recommended by library): Toledo-Lucas County Public Library / All Locations (toledolibrary.org)
• Introduction to Proposal Writing | Training | Candid Learning
• Introduction to Project Budgets | Training | Candid Learning
• Introduction to Project Budgets - The Center for Nonprofit Resources (c4npr.org)
• REPLAY - First Steps: Nuts and Bolts of Grant Writing - The Center for Nonprofit Resources (c4npr.org)

What is a 501(c)(3) and how to clarify status

• Fundamentals of Starting a Nonprofit Toledo Library workshop.
• Exemption Requirements - 501(c)(3) Organizations | Internal Revenue Service (irs.gov)
• Starting a Nonprofit - The Center for Nonprofit Resources (c4npr.org)

How to incorporate a nonprofit

• How to Start a Nonprofit | National Council of Nonprofits
• 3 Tips To Consider If You Want To Start A Nonprofit - Idealist

Link to existing Foundation resources

• Nonprofit Q&A section: https://www.toledocf.org/donors/nonprofit/nonprofit-faq-nonprofit/
• GTCF Funding Opportunities: https://www.toledocf.org/grants-2/
• Grant Seeker FAQ: https://www.toledocf.org/grants-2/
• 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.

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Grants Awarded to Date

Greater Toledo Community Foundation has invested a total of $551,160
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”.
• Arts Commission of Greater Toledo, Inc. was awarded a $47,850 grant to support a pilot leadership track and professional development program in collaboration with Issue Box Theatre, Toledo Opera and The University of Toledo School of Social Justice.
• Believe Center was awarded $15,000 to defray costs to train and employ minority umpires and coaches to increase opportunities for youth sports.
• Cherry Street Mission Ministries was awarded $25,000 to support vocational training and coaching for immigrants and refugees in collaboration with Water for Ishmael.
• Equality Toledo was awarded $15,000 to support and expand the Rainbow Education program that addresses implicit bias towards the LGBTQIA+ community.
• Families for Fitness was awarded $15,000 to support capacity building tools an professional development training.
• GreaterGenerations was awarded $30,000 to support youth-focused work experience opportunities in collaboration with CityPark League Resource Group.
• Hope’s Landing was awarded $15,000 support workforce development training and employment stipends for women who have survived human trafficking or domestic violence.
• Inclusive for Women, Inc. dba Women of Toledo was awarded $15,000 to support a special recognition event that aims to address networking gaps of women-owned businesses.
• Ivy Entrepreneur Institute, Inc. was awarded $15,000 to support personalized coaching and networking opportunities for local minority start-up business owners and entrepreneurs.
• Jumpstart was awarded a $50,000 grant to increase access to capital for minority-owned businesses and entrepreneurs in collaboration with Economic and Community Development Institute, Inc.
• La Conexion was awarded $15,000 to support consultant-led sessions to strengthen donor relations and board development.
• Maumee Bay Club was awarded $20,000 to support a specialized organizational-level cohort format professional development training in collaboration with National Sorority of Phi Delta Kappa, Inc., Beta Gamma Chapter, New Leaf Group, Inc., New Life Church of God in Christ, Toledo Urban Youth Sports League and Toledo Elite Student Athletics.
• Midstory was awarded $14,300 to create a visual series that highlights the voices of local Asian Americans and Pacific Islanders to address discrimination.
• Poohs Kidz Coats was awarded $14,360 to support capacity building and professional development training.
• Reinvest Toledo was awarded $15,000 to elevate advocacy resources through a series of community building opportunities in collaboration with neighborhood leaders.
• Reinvest Toledo was awarded $15,000 to support the education and recruitment of residents from low voter turnout zip codes to increase voter turnout.
• St. Martin de Porres Parish was awarded $40,000 to launch a resident-driven leadership training program and a job-readiness program for the Englewood neighborhood in collaboration with Community Reinvestment Coalition and Robinson Community Hub.
• The Movement Team Lucas County was awarded $25,000 to support targeted community building to address emerging needs in collaboration with Lucas County Children Services.
• The Program, Inc. was awarded $20,000 to collaborate with Junior Achievement of Northwest Ohio to provide professional soft skill training and job readiness led by industry professionals.
• 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.
• Wilbur A. Williams Community Life and Technology Center was awarded a $5,330 grant in support of virtual board development training.
• 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.

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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.

Learn more about Greater Toledo Community Foundation here.