Bath Community Fund

The Bath Community Fund is a philanthropic initiative administered through the Akron Community Foundation, designed to strengthen the Bath, Ohio community for both current and future generations. The fund operates with a mission centered on leadership, collaboration, and the cultivation of long-term charitable giving. Its priorities reflect a commitment to preserving the township’s historical and environmental assets, enhancing arts and cultural opportunities, supporting youth through educational and recreational programming, and addressing social service needs within the community. This funding opportunity supports a broad range of community-based projects that align with these focus areas. Eligible programs may include those that protect local heritage and natural resources, expand access to arts and cultural engagement, provide educational enrichment or recreational opportunities for young people, and deliver essential services to residents. The fund is designed to be flexible in scope, supporting both programmatic initiatives and, where applicable, general operating support, provided the request aligns clearly with the fund’s priorities. Applicants are required to submit proposals through an online application system, which opens approximately 30 days prior to the annual deadline. The application process includes detailed project and organizational information, such as a project description, requested funding amount, organizational mission, and financial data. Applicants must also provide a comprehensive program or project budget, including revenue sources and expense categories, and indicate the number of individuals to be served. Additional narrative components include descriptions of partnerships, goals and measurable outcomes, and alignment with the Bath Community Fund’s mission. The application also requires documentation of funding plans, including other funders approached or secured, and sustainability strategies for ongoing projects. Required attachments include a list of key staff and board members, and if applicable, a fiscal sponsor letter of support outlining oversight and financial management responsibilities. The fund places emphasis on clarity, conciseness, and alignment with community impact goals throughout the application. Evaluation criteria are centered on how well the proposed project aligns with the fund’s mission and core areas of interest, the feasibility and clarity of goals and outcomes, the demonstrated need within the Bath community, and the organization’s capacity to deliver the proposed activities. Applicants are expected to articulate measurable outcomes and will be required to report on progress if funding is awarded. The application window is annual, with submissions accepted from September 1 through October 1. Grant distributions are typically made approximately six to eight weeks following the proposal deadline. Funded projects must expend awarded funds within a two-year period. For additional information or assistance, applicants may contact Akron Community Foundation staff or the designated program contact, Brian Reitz, via phone or email. This recurring opportunity provides consistent support for initiatives that contribute to the vitality and sustainability of the Bath community.

Ensure strong alignment with Bath community priorities; clearly define measurable outcomes; provide concise but compelling project descriptions; demonstrate partnerships and community integration