Greater Toledo Community Foundation

Quick Stats

Annual Giving: $25 million (approximately)
Total Assets: $510+ million
Grant Range: $1,500 - $500,000
Most Common Grant: $10,000
Geographic Focus: Northwest Ohio and Southeast Michigan, with emphasis on greater Toledo area
Decision Time: Approximately 3.5 months from deadline
Total Grants (2023): 371 awards

Contact Details

Address: 300 Madison Ave., Suite 1300, Toledo, OH 43604

Phone: 419.241.5049

Grant Portal: https://www.grantinterface.com/Home/Logon?urlkey=toledocf

Pre-Application Support: All prospective applicants are encouraged to contact the Program Officer listed on grant guidelines to discuss proposals prior to submission. Program staff available at 419.241.5049.

Overview

Founded in 1924 and reactivated in 1973, the Greater Toledo Community Foundation is the area's largest philanthropic institution serving northwest Ohio and southeast Michigan. With over $510 million in assets across more than 1,000 funds, the Foundation invests approximately $25 million annually to strengthen education, health, arts, and social services throughout the region. Over its history, the Foundation has granted more than $370 million total to the community. The Foundation is a signatory to Philanthropy's Promise, committing to allocate the majority of its grantmaking dollars to marginalized communities and at least 25 percent to social justice strategies. In August 2024, Kate Sommerfeld was named President and CEO, succeeding Keith Burwell who led the organization for over 20 years and oversaw growth from $80 million to more than $400 million in assets.

Funding Priorities

Grant Programs

Community Builder Grants (up to $25,000) - Deadline typically January 15 Supports three categories: seed money for new, innovative programming addressing unmet community needs; expanding successful programming to reach unique audiences; or capacity-building benefits to existing nonprofit organizations. Application method: online portal, competitive basis.

Community Impact Grants (up to $25,000) - Deadline typically July 15 Provides support for innovative programming and community development initiatives. Recent awards have ranged from $10,000 to $96,000. Application method: online portal, competitive basis.

Toledo Neighborhoods Foundation Grants (up to $25,000) Supports programs in land reuse, neighborhood improvement, job preparation, safety, and youth engagement. Application method: online portal with specific guidelines.

Stranahan Supporting Organization Grants (varies) Provides support for programs enhancing access to education opportunities, health care, and cultural opportunities. Recent awards have included grants of $50,000.

Oswald Supporting Organization Grants (varies) Supports programs furthering the growth of women and children of all ages. Recent grants totaled $166,954 distributed to 10 organizations.

Sisters of St. Francis Fund (varies) Focuses on human trafficking prevention, immigrant support, social justice, and environmental preservation. Recent grants totaled $530,058.

Toledo Mud Hens Baseball Club's Helping Hens Fund (varies) Awards to area nonprofit organizations, with recent distribution of $138,966 to 19 organizations.

Specialized Funds (varies) Multiple specialized funds with individual guidelines and deadlines, including the Bill Rowles Youth Foundation Fund, Katherine R. Smith Funds for Youth, Toledo Rotary Club Foundation, and others. Check website for current opportunities.

Priority Areas

Education: Access to educational opportunities, innovative programming, arts education
Social Services: Human services, immigrant support, social justice initiatives
Health: Physical and mental health services, healthcare access
Neighborhood Development: Urban affairs, neighborhood revitalization, land reuse
Environmental Preservation: Natural resources, ecological well-being, environmental conservation
Arts and Culture: Artistic expression, cultural heritage preservation, arts access, supporting local artists and cultural institutions

Among local projects, those that have an impact in the City of Toledo or throughout northwest Ohio are preferred.

What They Don't Fund

Based on grant guidelines, the Foundation generally does not fund:

Individuals (except through separate scholarship programs)
Computer hardware/software
Vehicles
Conferences
Capital expenses
Research projects

Note: Each fund has specific eligibility criteria and restrictions. Always review the particular grant guidelines for the opportunity you're pursuing.

Governance and Leadership

Current Leadership Team

Kate Sommerfeld - President & CEO (appointed August 2024) Prior to joining the Foundation, Sommerfeld owned Social Impact Consulting Solutions LLC and served as Corporate Vice President of Community Relations and Social Investment at ProMedica and as President of the Social Determinants of Health Institute.

Key quotes from Sommerfeld:

"I'm excited to work with stakeholders and work with our team here internally, but really to bring folks together, figure out what are the key issues in Toledo, and then figure out how we raise the resources and get them done."
"The community foundation must collaborate, identify key tables at which we need to be, and pursue effective solutions together. It's not about the foundation acting alone but about forming strong partnerships and engaging deeply with the community."
"These grants represent our commitment to strengthening our region's nonprofit sector and addressing critical community needs. We're particularly proud that this funding supports initiatives ranging from environmental conservation to healthcare access, youth development and social services."

Abigail Aldrich - Executive Vice President, Operations & Special Projects

Kurstyn Loeffler - Vice President, Philanthropic Services

Patrick Johnston - Vice President, Community Investments

Kim Cryan - Chief Financial Officer

Tammy Sprow - Controller

Sarah Ronau - Director, Marketing & Communications

Milva Valenzuela Wagner - Director, Center for Nonprofit Resources

Board of Directors

Michael C. Gibbons - Chair, President & CEO of Mainstreet Ventures, Inc.

Jay Morgan - Vice Chair, Chief Operating Officer of ReNew

Brandi R. Carson - Treasurer, Director of Finance & Accounting at La-Z-Boy, Inc.

Tiffany E. Cavanaugh - Secretary, Magistrate and Court Mediator

Nathan Anderson - President of InSitu Foods, Inc.

Dr. Bina Joe - Distinguished University Professor

Spencer D. Stone, Jr. - Senior VP Wealth Management, UBS Financial Services

Brian A. Valentine - EVP & CFO, The Andersons, Inc.

Legacy Leadership

Keith Burwell - Former President & CEO (retired 2024 after 20+ years) Under his leadership, Foundation assets grew from $80 million to more than $400 million, added more than 1,000 new funds, and produced investment of more than $270 million in community grants.

Application Process & Timeline

How to Apply

Review Guidelines: Read the Guidelines or Request for Proposals document carefully for each grant opportunity to determine if there is a "fit" for your specific project.
Contact Program Officer: All prospective applicants are encouraged to contact the Program Officer listed on the guidelines to discuss the proposal prior to application submission. Call 419.241.5049 with questions.
Access Online Portal: Click the link under the grant opportunity that states "To apply, click here" to access the Foundation's online application portal at https://www.grantinterface.com/Home/Logon?urlkey=toledocf
Complete Application: Log in (new and returning applicants), click "Apply," and complete the application for grants currently accepting applications.
Submit Required Attachments: Organizational due diligence documents must be submitted with every grant application:
- Board list (with names and affiliations)
- IRS determination letter showing 501(c)(3) status
- Financial statements (audit or balance sheet/income statement)
- Current fiscal year organizational budget
- Project budget (if required by specific grant guidelines)

Important Notes:

Only proposals submitted using the online application process will be considered - no hard copies accepted
Proposals and all required attachments must be received by midnight of the application deadline date
First-time applicants should view system tutorials on the logon page
Test your system well in advance to ensure no technology issues
Clearly name files before uploading (e.g., include organization name and attachment type)
Acceptable file types: Word, Excel, and PDF only

Eligibility: Grants made to tax-exempt 501(c)(3) nonprofit organizations, religious congregations, or government agencies proposing to provide services benefitting residents of northwest Ohio or southeast Michigan.

Decision Timeline

Board Review: Board of Trustees meets approximately 3.5 months after each application deadline
Notification: Applicants notified in writing within one week after the Board takes action
Grant Period: Grants are generally funded for one year
Reporting: Some grants require interim and/or final reports as specified in grant agreements

Example Timelines:

January 15 deadline → Board meeting late April/early May → Notifications early/mid-May
July 15 deadline → Board meeting late October/early November → Notifications early/mid-November

Success Rates

While specific success rate percentages are not publicly disclosed, the Foundation:

Received applications from over 2,500 students annually for scholarships (separate from nonprofit grants)
Awarded 371 grants to nonprofits in 2023
Describes its competitive grants as having "limited funds awarded on a competitive basis"
Acknowledges that multiple awards are made for most programs

The Foundation describes itself as "accessible" and "welcoming and inclusive," supporting nonprofits of all types and sizes.

Reapplication Policy

Specific reapplication policies for unsuccessful applicants are not detailed in public materials. The Foundation offers multiple grant opportunities throughout the year with different deadlines, allowing organizations to apply to various programs as appropriate. Contact the Foundation at 419.241.5049 for guidance on reapplication after an unsuccessful submission.

Application Success Factors

Direct Contact is Valued: The Foundation explicitly encourages all prospective applicants to contact Program Officers before submitting applications. As stated in their guidelines: "Prior to submitting a proposal, applicants are encouraged to call the Foundation at 419.241.5049. The Foundation's program staff is available to answer questions you may have regarding the grant application process."

Request What You Actually Need: According to Foundation guidance: "There is a wide range in the amount of grants awarded. Grantees are encouraged to request the amount actually needed to successfully complete the proposed project." Don't artificially cap your request below actual needs.

Alignment with Priority Areas: Recent successful grants demonstrate the Foundation's commitment to:

Innovation: Community Builder grants specifically seek "new, innovative programming that addresses unmet community needs"
Community Impact: Priority given to projects impacting the City of Toledo or northwest Ohio broadly
Marginalized Communities: As a signatory to Philanthropy's Promise, majority of grantmaking goes to marginalized communities with at least 25% to social justice strategies
Collaborative Approaches: President Sommerfeld emphasizes the Foundation must "collaborate, identify key tables at which we need to be, and pursue effective solutions together"

Recent Successful Projects (January 2025 grants):

Toledo School for the Arts: $96,000 for community venue space
Habitat for Humanity – Maumee Valley: $80,608 for neighborhood revitalization
Autism Model School, HOPE Toledo Pre-K, Partners for Clean Streams: Each received $50,000 from Stranahan Supporting Organization
Cherry Street Mission Ministries: Immigrant vocational training program
Justice for Migrant Women: Leadership development programs

Technical Requirements Matter: The Foundation emphasizes:

Clearly name all uploaded files with organization name and attachment type
Submit all required organizational documents with every application
Test the online system in advance of deadlines
View tutorials if you're a first-time applicant
Ensure all budget documents and financial statements are current

Read Guidelines Thoroughly: Each fund has unique criteria, and the Foundation stresses that applicants must "read the grant guidelines for all required details." Program-specific attachments and requirements vary.

Demonstrate Geographic Impact: Applications should clearly articulate how services will benefit residents of northwest Ohio or southeast Michigan, with particular emphasis on the greater Toledo area and/or City of Toledo.

Key Takeaways for Grant Writers

Make the call: The Foundation explicitly wants you to contact Program Officers before applying - take advantage of this accessible approach to discuss fit and get feedback
Think innovation and impact: Community Builder and Community Impact grants prioritize new approaches and programs that address unmet needs or expand reach
Don't underestimate your ask: Request the full amount needed for successful project completion - grants range from $1,500 to $500,000 with $10,000 being most common
Plan for 4+ month timeline: Budget 3.5 months from deadline to Board meeting, plus notification time, when planning project start dates
Geographic focus matters: Clearly articulate Toledo-area or northwest Ohio/southeast Michigan impact, with preference for citywide or regional reach
Equity lens is valued: As a Philanthropy's Promise signatory, demonstrate how your work serves marginalized communities or advances social justice
Multiple opportunities exist: With 1,000+ funds and various grant programs, explore multiple funding streams that align with your work throughout the year

References

Greater Toledo Community Foundation Official Website. https://toledocf.org. Accessed January 5, 2026.
Greater Toledo Community Foundation, "Grants." https://www.toledocf.org/grants-2/. Accessed January 5, 2026.
Greater Toledo Community Foundation, "Leadership & Staff." https://toledocf.org/leadership-staff. Accessed January 5, 2026.
Greater Toledo Community Foundation, "Grant Opportunities FAQ." https://toledocf.org/grant-opportunities-faq. Accessed January 5, 2026.
Greater Toledo Community Foundation, "Kate Sommerfeld named Greater Toledo Community Foundation President & CEO." https://toledocf.org/news/kate-sommerfeld-named-greater-toledo-community-foundation-president-ceo. Accessed January 5, 2026.
La Prensa Newspaper, "Greater Toledo Community Foundation Distributes Over $2.1 Million in Grants." January 22, 2025. https://laprensanewspaper.com/index.php/2025/01/22/greater-toledo-community-foundation-distributes-over-2-1-million-in-grants/. Accessed January 5, 2026.
13abc News, "Greater Toledo Community Foundation distributes over $2.1 million in grants." January 16, 2025. https://www.13abc.com/2025/01/16/greater-toledo-community-foundation-distributes-over-21-million-grants/. Accessed January 5, 2026.
Greater Toledo Community Foundation, "Over $2.1 Million in Community Foundation Grants Create Long-Lasting Change Across Our Region." https://toledocf.org/news/over-2-1-million-in-community-foundation-grants-create-long-lasting-change-across-our-region. Accessed January 5, 2026.
The Sojourner's Truth, "Shifting the Paradigm: Kate Sommerfeld's Diverse Future in Philanthropy." August 1, 2024. https://wordpress.thetruthtoledo.com/index.php/2024/08/01/shifting-the-paradigm-kate-sommerfelds-diverse-future-in-philanthropy/. Accessed January 5, 2026.
Cause IQ, "Greater Toledo Community Foundation." https://www.causeiq.com/organizations/toledo-community-foundation,237284004/. Accessed January 5, 2026.
Foundation Directory/Candid, "Greater Toledo Community Foundation." https://fconline.foundationcenter.org/fdo-grantmaker-profile?key=TOLE001. Accessed January 5, 2026.
Inside Philanthropy, "Greater Toledo Community Foundation." https://www.insidephilanthropy.com/find-a-grant-places/ohio-grants/toledo-community-foundation. Accessed January 5, 2026.
ProPublica Nonprofit Explorer, "Toledo Community Foundation." https://projects.propublica.org/nonprofits/organizations/237284004. Accessed January 5, 2026.