Generally, strategic grant opportunities and submission deadlines are communicated to the nonprofit community using:

– Requests for proposals (primarily for initiatives)

– Funding announcements

– Funding guidelines

– Invited proposals

Organizations may send a letter, email or call a program officer to introduce the foundation to their mission, goals and specific programs that fit within one of its program areas.

Eligible organizations are 501(c)(3) organizations or governmental agencies or units. The foundation does not make grants to individuals.

Depending on the program, grant funds may be used for program support, operating support, program-related capital support, planning or capacity building. The foundation does not make grants to support endowments, fundraising campaigns (including annual appeals), membership drives, debt retirement and individual scholarships.

The foundation does not support capital campaigns, except as a rare exception in its Catholic Ministries program area.

Organizations must primarily serve residents of Cuyahoga County. Policy organizations may be local, state or national, but they must propose a goal that will impact residents of Cuyahoga County.

There is an exception in the Catholic sisters focus area, which extends to ministries in Northeast Ohio (Dioceses of Cleveland and Youngstown) and South Carolina (Diocese of Charleston).

ach proposal to the foundation is submitted through an online system for grant applications. All proposals include program, budget and organization information. Depending on the program, a logic model and activity timeline may also be required.

The following supporting documentation must be uploaded with all proposals:

– Copy of IRS designation

– Most recent audited financial statement

– List of current board of directors or trustees (except for public agencies)

– Current year’s organizational budget

If you have questions or concerns about your organization’s capacity to submit an online application, please contact Ursula Craig, grants coordinator, at ucraig@socfcleveland.org or 216-357-4472.

Although each program area contains more specific criteria, the foundation generally reviews proposals for:

– Clear goals and objectives supported by data

– Solid organizational capacity

– Community input and connection

– Persuasive methodology (such as best practice or promising innovation)

– Collaborative approach

– Current or potential funding from other sources

– Sound and realistic budget