Owens Corning Foundation Inc

Quick Stats

• Annual Giving: $2.4 million
• Decision Time: Not publicly disclosed
• Grant Range: Varies (examples range from smaller grants to $1 million+)
• Geographic Focus: Communities with Owens Corning facilities across 16+ U.S. states

Contact Details

• Email: OCFoundation@owenscorning.com
• Phone: 419-248-8000
• Address: 1 Owens Corning Parkway, Toledo, OH 43659

Overview

The Owens Corning Foundation Inc, established in 1979 as a 501(c)(3) private grantmaking foundation, manages approximately $18.6 million in assets and distributes around $2.4 million annually in grants. The foundation serves as the philanthropic arm of Owens Corning, supporting nonprofit organizations in communities where the company has manufacturing facilities across the United States. With a focus on housing and shelter, basic health, and education for underserved populations, the foundation emphasizes strategic partnerships and long-term commitments rather than one-time grants. The foundation combines financial support with product donations of roofing materials and insulation products, particularly for projects that provide shelter for the homeless and safe, affordable housing for those in need.

Funding Priorities

Grant Programs

The foundation provides both financial grants and product donations. While specific grant tiers are not publicly disclosed, recent commitments have included:

• Major Strategic Partnerships: $1 million+ (multi-year commitments)
• Community Investments: Varying amounts based on project scope
• Product Donations: Roofing materials and insulation products

Priority Areas

Primary Focus Areas:

• Housing and Shelter: Critical needs shelter, safe and efficient housing, veterans' housing programs
• Basic Health: Health programs for underserved populations
• Education: Educational opportunities for underserved communities, particularly in architecture and construction fields

Secondary Support Areas:

• Arts and culture
• Civic betterment
• Diversity, equity, and inclusion initiatives

What They Don't Fund

While not explicitly stated, the foundation focuses exclusively on 501(c)(3) organizations in communities where Owens Corning has facilities. Organizations outside these geographic areas or those not aligned with the foundation's core focus areas are unlikely to receive support.

Governance and Leadership

President: Don Rettig

The foundation operates as the philanthropic arm of Owens Corning, with close alignment to the company's community investment strategy. President Don Rettig emphasizes the foundation's commitment to community impact: "One of the most important benefits of community investment is the positive impact it has on our employees and the communities where they live and work... Engaging our people and products in support of [our partners'] mission brings safe, affordable housing to people in our own communities, providing safety, stability and an opportunity to thrive."

Application Process & Timeline

How to Apply

This funder does not have a publicly documented formal application process. Grants appear to be awarded through strategic partnerships and relationships in communities where Owens Corning operates. Organizations should contact the foundation directly at OCFoundation@owenscorning.com or 419-248-8000 to inquire about funding opportunities and eligibility.

Getting on Their Radar

Based on the foundation's grant history and approach, organizations can increase visibility by:

• Building relationships with local Owens Corning facility leadership in their community
• Participating in community initiatives where Owens Corning employees volunteer
• Demonstrating strong alignment with the foundation's focus on housing, health, and education
• Showing capacity for long-term strategic partnership rather than one-time support
• Having a proven track record in serving underserved populations in Owens Corning communities

Decision Timeline

Not publicly disclosed. Organizations should inquire directly with the foundation about typical decision timeframes.

Success Rates

Application numbers and success rates are not publicly available.

Reapplication Policy

No information available regarding reapplication policies or waiting periods.

Application Success Factors

Based on the foundation's documented partnerships and stated priorities, successful grant recipients typically demonstrate:

• Geographic alignment: Located in or serving communities where Owens Corning has manufacturing facilities (Toledo, OH; states including Alabama, Arkansas, South Carolina, North Carolina, New York, Missouri, and others)

• Mission alignment: Projects that directly address housing/shelter needs, basic health services, or education for underserved populations

• Partnership potential: Capacity for multi-year strategic partnerships rather than one-time grants, as evidenced by their $1 million commitments to Toledo Museum of Art, Bowling Green State University, and Gary Sinise Foundation

• Employee engagement opportunities: Projects that allow Owens Corning employees to volunteer and participate, such as their Roof Deployment Project for veterans

• Proven impact: Organizations with established track records, like their long-term partnership with Habitat for Humanity supporting 2,000+ homes

• Product utilization: For organizations seeking product donations, clear plans for using roofing or insulation materials for shelter, housing, or neighborhood revitalization projects

Key Takeaways for Grant Writers

• Focus on long-term strategic partnership potential rather than one-time funding requests
• Emphasize geographic connection to Owens Corning facility locations
• Highlight opportunities for employee engagement and volunteerism
• For housing projects, consider requesting both financial support and product donations
• Veterans' programs appear to be a particular priority, especially housing-related initiatives
• Direct outreach via email or phone is necessary as there is no public application portal
• Be prepared to build relationships over time rather than expecting immediate funding decisions

References

• ProPublica Nonprofit Explorer - Owens Corning Foundation Inc Form 990-PF filings (Accessed March 2024)
• Owens Corning Corporate Website - Community Investment and Foundation pages (Accessed March 2024)
• Toledo Museum of Art Press Release - $1 Million Gift Announcement (2015)
• Bowling Green State University - $1 Million Scholarship Gift Announcement (2020)
• Gary Sinise Foundation - R.I.S.E. Program Partnership Documentation
• Habitat for Humanity Partnership Reports (2012-2017)
• Candid Foundation Directory Online - Grant recipient data
• GuideStar Profile - Owens Corning Foundation Inc (EIN: 34-1270856)