The Nord Family Foundation Grants

The Nord Family Foundation is a private philanthropic organization that provides grants to nonprofit organizations and selected public sector activities. The foundation focuses primarily on supporting initiatives that serve communities in Lorain County, Ohio, as well as select geographic areas where its board members reside, including Boston, Massachusetts; Columbia, South Carolina; Cuyahoga County, Ohio; Denver, Colorado; and Penn Yan, New York. The foundation’s mission centers on strengthening communities by addressing critical needs and supporting programs that create long-term, sustainable impact. The purpose of the grant program is to fund projects that align with the foundation’s core areas of interest, which include Arts and Culture, Civic Affairs, Education, and Health and Social Services. The foundation places particular emphasis on projects that address the root causes of social problems rather than temporary solutions. Most grants are awarded for program-related activities, although capital improvements and capital campaigns may be supported under specific conditions, particularly when they serve under-resourced populations or leverage additional community funding. Funding may be used for programmatic activities and, in some cases, capital-related expenses such as infrastructure or equipment, provided that the project meets specific criteria. However, the foundation explicitly excludes funding for debt reduction, academic research projects, event sponsorships, individuals, fiscal agents, and endowments. Capital funding is considered only when there is clear evidence of community need, strong local engagement, and the potential to attract additional funding from other sources. Eligibility for funding is limited to nonprofit organizations that are qualified under Section 501(c)(3) of the Internal Revenue Code, as well as selected public sector entities. Organizations must demonstrate a clear alignment with the foundation’s geographic priorities and programmatic focus areas. Preference is given to organizations that directly serve or impact the specified communities, particularly Lorain County. Projects should demonstrate measurable outcomes, sustainability, and a strong understanding of community needs. The application process is conducted entirely online through the foundation’s grant portal. Applicants must first create an account and complete an eligibility quiz to confirm that their organization meets the foundation’s basic requirements. Upon passing the quiz, applicants proceed to the full application, which includes questions related to organizational background, project description, community need, evaluation and impact, challenges, sustainability, and financial information. Required attachments include a cover letter, IRS determination letter, board member list, organizational budget, and project budget. Applications must be submitted by 5:00 PM Eastern Time on one of three annual deadlines: April 1 for June decisions, August 1 for October decisions, and December 1 for February decisions. If a deadline falls on a weekend, submissions are accepted until 5:00 PM the following Monday. Applicants receive confirmation upon submission, and foundation staff are available to provide guidance throughout the process. The review process evaluates proposals based on alignment with priorities, demonstrated need, feasibility, and potential for long-term impact. Award decisions are communicated according to the stated timeline, and funded projects are expected to adhere to reporting and accountability requirements.