Grants that Strengthen Our Community
The Defiance Area Foundation awards grants twice a year to support projects and programs that enhance the quality of life in Defiance County.
BEFORE YOU APPLY
Watch
the Video
All applicants are required to watch the video on this page prior to submitting their application.
Review the Grant Guidelines
Applicants must review all grant guidelines and eligibility requirements prior to submitting application.
Maximum Grant Request
The maximum request for our bi-annual grant is $25,000. If your project requires funding above $25,000, please contact our office before applying.
Large Capital Projects
For projects with a total cost exceeding $10,000, applicants should request no more than 25% of the total project cost
Repeat
Requests
Preferences will be given to organizations that have not submitted a grant request for the same project or purpose within the previous 12 months.
More
Questions?
Contact our office before submitting your application. We can help determine if your project is a good fit for Foundation funding.
GRANT APPLICATION VIDEO
Watch this short video to learn about our grant priorities, what we look for in a strong application and the grant process.
FUNDING GUIDELINES
- Demonstrate a clear community benefit
- Serve residents of Defiance County
- Show collaboration with other organizations or community partners
- Have a realistic budget and implementation plan
- Demonstrate additional sources of funding or local support
- Create sustainable impact beyond the grant period
Please note that grant funding is competitive and requests often exceed available funding.
Check out our helpful tips, on our blog, to strengthen your proposal and put your best food forward this grant season!
GRANT DEADLINES
SPRING GRANT CYCLE
Application Due March 31
(Approved by trustees in April)
FALL GRANT CYCLE
Application Due September 30
(Approved by trustees in October)
Applications must be submitted online through our grant portal.
Where do Grant Dollars Come From?
Our grants are made possible through the generosity of our donors and the careful stewardship of their charitable funds.
Community Fund
Donor Advised Funds
Designated Funds
Field of Interest Funds
Together, these funds allow us to invest in projects and programs that strengthen our community today and into the future.
Grants Awarded During Fiscal Year 2024-2025
123
Organizations
Received Gifts
$1,481,165
Grant Dollars
Awarded
$1,081,377
Granted Through
DAFs
The Defiance Area Foundation awards grants from a variety of funds that reflect the charitable interests of its donors and the diverse needs of Defiance County. Since inception, over 10.9 million dollars has been distributed to local charitable organizations making life better in our area. Over the past year alone, we awarded 262 grants to 123 organizations plus 86 scholarships.
Before You Click Apply
Please confirm the following:
I have watched the grant application video.
I have reviewed the grant guidelines.
My request follows the Foundation’s funding guidelines.
You will be taken to our secure grant portal (GoApply).
Frequently Asked Questions
Who is eligible to apply?
The Defiance Area Foundation provides grants to nonprofit organizations, schools, churches, and community programs serving Defiance County. Funding supports projects and programs that strengthen the quality of life in our community through education, health and human services, arts, recreation, and other charitable initiatives.
When is the grant application deadline?
The Defiance Area Foundation offers two competitive grant cycles each year. Spring grant applications are due March 31, and fall grant applications are due September 30. Organizations are encouraged to review eligibility guidelines and apply online before the deadline.
What types of projects does the Defiance Area Foundation fund?
Grant funding supports a wide variety of community projects and nonprofit programs throughout Defiance County. Requests may include educational programs, capital improvements, equipment purchases, workforce development initiatives, youth opportunities, community services, arts and culture projects, and health and wellness programs.
How do I apply for a grant from the Defiance Area Foundation?
Organizations can apply for grants through the Defiance Area Foundation’s online grant portal. Applicants should prepare information about their organization, project goals, budget, and community impact before submitting their application. Grant guidelines and application materials are available on the Foundation’s grants webpage.
How do I submit my grant request?
Grant requests must be submitted through the Foundation’s Go Apply portal. This portal can be found on our website by clicking Apply Now. Applicants must register first and then submit their information. Repeat applicants, can log in with their previous information to submit a new grant request.
When will I hear a decision?
Decisions are made in the month following the application deadline. The Grants Committee will meet and make their decisions. Then the final approval will take place at the Board of Trustees meeting that month. Expect to hear back by the end of the month following your request submission.
How much funding can I request?
The maximum request for the Defiance Area Foundation’s bi-annual grant cycles is $25,000. If your project requires funding above $25,000, please contact the Foundation office to discuss your project before applying.
For projects with a total cost exceeding $10,000, applicants should generally request no more than 25% of the total project cost from the Defiance Area Foundation.
Example:
Project Cost: $40,000
Maximum Recommended Request: $10,000
If you do not see your question here, please contact (419) 782- 3130 or connect@defianceareafoundation.org.