The Troy Foundation

Quick Stats

• Annual Giving: $7.5 million (2022)
• Assets: $123.4 million
• Grant Range: $500 - $50,000 (average $1,000, can reach $2.5 million)
• Decision Time: Within 10 days of quarterly review meeting
• Geographic Focus: Troy, Ohio and surrounding areas
• Grants per Cycle: Approximately 24 grants per quarter from general fund
• Total Grants (2022): Over 1,900 grants distributed

Contact Details

Address: 216 West Franklin Street, Troy, OH 45373

Phone: 937-339-8935

Fax: 937-339-8992

Email: info@thetroyfoundation.org

Website: www.thetroyfoundation.org

Hours: Monday-Friday, 9:00 AM - 4:00 PM

Grants Manager: Contact via email or phone for grant-specific inquiries

Overview

The Troy Foundation is one of Ohio's top 10 community foundations, established in 1924 with an original bequest of $151,640. Over the past century, the foundation has grown exponentially to manage over 440 individual, family, corporate, and nonprofit agency endowment funds with assets exceeding $123.4 million. The foundation has granted more than $57 million to nonprofit organizations throughout its history, with recent annual giving of approximately $7.5 million.

The foundation's mission is "to improve the quality of life for our community by connecting donors to charitable causes for growing a greater tomorrow." Under the leadership of President & CEO Melissa Kleptz, who has dedicated 27 years to the organization, The Troy Foundation has earned a 4-star rating (98%) from Charity Navigator, reflecting its strong financial health and commitment to accountability and transparency. In 2022 alone, the foundation distributed over 1,900 grants to diverse organizations across multiple sectors.

Funding Priorities

Grant Programs

Quarterly Grants ($500 - $50,000, average $1,000) The foundation's primary grant program accepts applications on a rolling quarterly basis. Grants support projects and programs across seven key areas. Recent examples include $50,000 to CASA/GAL of Miami County for office renovations, $65,006 to Lincoln Community Center for their Summer Youth Program, and $30,000 to the City of Troy for Independence Day fireworks.

Mini Grants (up to $2,000) Projects with an overall budget of $2,000 or less may use the simplified Mini Grant application process, which requires less supporting documentation but follows the same deadlines and review schedule.

Emergency Grants (variable amounts) Emergency grants address immediate needs that cannot wait for the next regular quarterly grant schedule.

Apple Grants for Teachers (up to $1,000) Supports K-12 teachers in Troy City School District, St. Patrick School, and Troy Christian School with funding for projects, equipment, and classroom needs to enhance educational experiences.

Project G.I.F.T. - Microgrants (up to $500) Awards microgrants to area nonprofits with programs that address community needs. Maximum $5,000 available annually. This program is part of the Troy Area Chamber's Teen Leadership Troy program and provides teens experience with the grant selection process.

Scholarship Funds Administers numerous scholarships for graduating high school seniors in Miami County and surrounding areas pursuing higher education at accredited institutions.

Priority Areas

Grant requests are considered for projects and programs in:

• Arts and Culture: Performing arts centers, museums, civic theater, cultural centers, arts institutes
• Community and Economic Development: Community development, beautification, economic development initiatives
• Education: Schools, libraries, early childhood programs, educational support
• Environment: Wildlife and environmental conservation, park programs
• Health: Health services, free clinics, medical programs
• Human Services: Family services, emergency aid, social services, abuse shelters
• Recreation: Community recreation programs, youth development

Funded programs must benefit residents of Troy, Ohio. Applications from outside this area may be considered if the funded program supports a substantial population within the City of Troy.

What They Don't Fund

• Multi-year commitments: The foundation does not provide multi-year support, though it does regularly return to many of the same nonprofits it has previously funded
• Non-U.S. organizations: Grants can only be made to tax-exempt organizations in the United States (though many international organizations have U.S. affiliates that may be eligible)
• Individuals: Grants are made to organizations, not individuals (except through scholarship programs)

Governance and Leadership

Executive Leadership

Melissa Kleptz, President & Chief Executive Officer Melissa Kleptz has had a 27-year career with The Troy Foundation and serves as its chief executive. She has been recognized for her leadership in philanthropy and emphasizes the foundation's role in supporting vulnerable populations and building community partnerships.

On community support, Kleptz has stated: "It is our hope that other organizations, businesses and individuals contribute to the Fund to increase the amount of funds available to the organizations providing services to our most vulnerable residents."

Regarding the foundation's collaborative approach, she noted: "The Troy Foundation is excited to partner with Habitat for Humanity of Miami and Shelby Counties for the Rock the Block event to complete needed home repairs and beautification projects."

Board of Trustees

The foundation's governing board includes:

• Joe Dickerson, Chair
• Tom Giere, Vice Chairman
• Brent Black, Governing Board
• Colleen Gilardi, Governing Board Distribution Committee
• Craig Wise, Governing Board
• Dave Fisher, Governing Board Trustees Committee
• Doug Lins, Governing Board
• Ed Purvis, Governing Board
• Kathy Kerber, Governing Board
• Maurice Sadler, Governing Board
• Susan Behm, Governing Board
• Tom Kleptz, Governing Board Trustees Committee

Application Process & Timeline

How to Apply

Applications must be submitted through The Troy Foundation's online portal, accessible at www.thetroyfoundation.org/grants.

Application Requirements:

• Completed and signed application form
• All necessary supporting documentation
• Organizations must be tax-exempt 501(c)(3) entities

For Mini Grants (projects under $2,000): Use the simplified application process with reduced documentation requirements.

For Standard Grants: Follow the detailed Grant Application Guidelines available on the foundation's website, which provide a comprehensive outline of grant proposal requirements.

Decision Timeline

Quarterly Review Schedule: The Troy Foundation Distribution Committee meets quarterly on the third Thursday of:

• March
• June
• September
• December

Application Deadlines: Applications must be submitted by 4:00 PM on the 15th of:

• February (for March review)
• May (for June review)
• August (for September review)
• November (for December review)

Important: Incomplete applications and applications submitted past the deadline will not be considered.

Notification: Grant applicants will be notified in writing of the Distribution Committee's decision within 10 days of the grant review meeting.

Post-Approval Requirements:

• Approved grant recipients must complete a Grant Acceptance Form before funds can be disbursed
• Grantees must submit a Final Report Narrative within 90 days of receiving the grant or at the completion of the project/program

Success Rates

The foundation typically awards approximately 24 grants per cycle from its general fund, though in 2025 quarterly meetings have approved between 26-28 grants per quarter. In 2022, the foundation distributed over 1,900 grants total (including scholarships and all fund types), demonstrating a broad commitment to community support.

Recent quarterly grant distributions have ranged from approximately $330,000 to $630,000, depending on the size and scope of approved projects.

Reapplication Policy

Specific reapplication policies for unsuccessful applicants are not publicly documented. However, the foundation notes that while it does not provide multi-year support, it "regularly returns to many of the same nonprofits it has previously funded," suggesting that reapplication is welcomed. Organizations should contact the foundation directly at info@thetroyfoundation.org or 937-339-8935 for guidance on reapplying after an unsuccessful attempt.

Application Success Factors

Based on the foundation's funding patterns and organizational priorities, successful applications demonstrate:

1. Strong Troy Community Benefit The clearest pattern in funded grants is direct benefit to Troy residents. The foundation emphasizes that "funded programs must benefit the residents in Troy, Ohio." Even if your organization is located outside Troy, clearly articulate how the project will serve a substantial population within the City of Troy.

2. Alignment with Established Funding Categories Review the foundation's seven priority areas (arts and culture, community and economic development, education, environment, health, human services, and recreation) and explicitly connect your project to one or more of these categories.

3. Specific, Well-Defined Projects Funded grants show support for concrete projects with clear outcomes. Examples include specific equipment purchases (furnishing a building expansion), discrete programs (Summer Youth Program), and defined events (Independence Day fireworks). Avoid vague or overly broad requests.

4. Realistic Budget Matching Grant Size With an average grant of $1,000 and typical awards ranging from $500-$50,000, ensure your request matches the foundation's giving patterns. Consider the Mini Grant process for projects under $2,000 to streamline the application.

5. Collaborative Community Approach The foundation values partnerships and community-wide impact. CEO Melissa Kleptz's emphasis on collaborative efforts and supporting vulnerable populations suggests applications that demonstrate partnerships or serve underserved community members may be viewed favorably.

6. Complete and Timely Submissions The foundation explicitly states that "incomplete applications and applications submitted past the deadline will not be considered." Submit well before the 4:00 PM deadline with all required documentation.

7. Track Record with Reporting The foundation requires Grant Acceptance Forms before disbursement and Final Reports within 90 days. Organizations with a history of strong reporting to the foundation will likely have an advantage in repeat applications.

Key Takeaways for Grant Writers

• Plan around quarterly deadlines: With only four opportunities per year (February, May, August, November 15th deadlines), timing is crucial. Submit by 4:00 PM on the 15th to be considered at the next quarterly meeting.

• Troy focus is non-negotiable: Every competitive application must clearly demonstrate benefit to Troy, Ohio residents. If you're outside Troy, explicitly explain how your work serves the Troy population.

• Fast turnaround is possible: With decisions made within 10 days of quarterly meetings, you can receive funding relatively quickly compared to many foundations. This makes The Troy Foundation a good option for time-sensitive projects.

• Consider the Mini Grant option: If your project budget is under $2,000, use the simplified Mini Grant process to reduce administrative burden while maintaining the same timeline.

• Long-term relationships matter: The foundation "regularly returns to many of the same nonprofits," suggesting that building a relationship through successful initial grants can lead to ongoing support, even though multi-year commitments aren't made.

• Scale your request appropriately: With an average grant of $1,000, most awards are modest. Don't overlook this foundation for smaller needs that might not warrant applications to larger funders. However, grants can reach $50,000+ for substantial community projects.

• Emergency needs have a pathway: If your need is urgent and can't wait for the quarterly cycle, inquire about Emergency Grants as an alternative option.

Recent Grant Examples

First Quarter 2025 (Total: $332,297.02 to 26 programs)

• City of Troy: $30,000 for annual Independence Day fireworks show
• CASA/GAL of Miami County: $50,000 for renovations to new office space at the Hobart Building
• Lincoln Community Center: $65,005.59 for Summer Youth Program support

Second Quarter 2025 (Total: $631,933.68 to 28 programs)

• Arbogast Performing Arts Center: $25,000 to support 2024-2025 performance season
• Isaiah's Place: $28,302.10 to furnish new building expansion
• Troy Mayors' Concert, Inc.: $5,000 to continue providing free, high-quality musical performances

Other Notable Recent Grants

• Overfield Early Childhood Program: $301,304
• Lincoln Community Center Association: $396,154
• Health Partners Free Clinic: $120,886
• UVMC Foundation: $184,789
• Pink Ribbon Good: $145,300
• Donor Advised Charitable Giving: $161,571

References

1. The Troy Foundation official website - www.thetroyfoundation.org (accessed February 2026)
2. The Troy Foundation Grants page - https://thetroyfoundation.org/grants (accessed February 2026)
3. Charity Navigator - Troy Foundation Profile - https://www.charitynavigator.org/ein/316018703 (accessed February 2026)
4. Inside Philanthropy - Troy Foundation - https://www.insidephilanthropy.com/find-a-grant-places/ohio-grants/troy-foundation (accessed February 2026)
5. Candid Foundation Directory - The Troy Foundation - https://fconline.foundationcenter.org/fdo-grantmaker-profile?key=TROY001 (accessed February 2026)
6. ProPublica Nonprofit Explorer - Troy Foundation - https://projects.propublica.org/nonprofits/organizations/316018703 (accessed February 2026)
7. Cause IQ - The Troy Foundation - https://www.causeiq.com/organizations/the-troy-foundation,316018703/ (accessed February 2026)
8. The Troy Foundation Q1 2025 Grants Press Release - https://thetroyfoundation.org/wp-content/uploads/2025/03/Q1-Grants-Press-Release.pdf (accessed February 2026)
9. The Troy Foundation Q2 2025 Grants Press Release - https://thetroyfoundation.org/wp-content/uploads/2025/06/Q2-Grants-Press-Release.pdf (accessed February 2026)
10. Troy Area Chamber of Commerce - Troy Foundation Profile - https://business.troyohiochamber.com/list/Details/troy-foundation-the-2155603 (accessed February 2026)