Sylvania Franciscan Foundation Fund

The Sylvania Franciscan Foundation Fund is a philanthropic initiative administered through a partnership between the Greater Toledo Community Foundation and the Sisters of St. Francis of Sylvania, Ohio. Rooted in the mission of the Sisters of St. Francis, the fund seeks to promote human dignity, serve marginalized populations, and care for creation. The Sisters’ guiding principles emphasize joyful servanthood, peacebuilding, and respect for all people and the environment. This partnership leverages the administrative capacity and regional leadership of the Community Foundation to deliver grant funding aligned with these values. The primary purpose of the Sylvania Franciscan Foundation Fund is to support nonprofit programs and initiatives that address critical social and environmental challenges. Funding is directed toward four major focus areas: combating human trafficking and supporting survivors; assisting immigrants and refugees; advancing social justice and equitable access to opportunity; and promoting environmental stewardship in alignment with Laudato Si’, Pope Francis’ call to care for the planet. Within these areas, the fund supports a wide range of activities, including direct services, education, workforce development, legal aid, health supports, and systemic advocacy efforts that aim to produce long-term, sustainable impact. Grant funding is typically awarded for programmatic purposes, though limited support may be available for general operations or capital expenses when justified. Awards range from 5000 to 50000 dollars and are generally intended for one-year project periods. The fund prioritizes projects that demonstrate a systems change approach, utilize evidence-based models, and incorporate partnerships or collaborations. Additional consideration is given to organizations that involve members of the Sisters of St. Francis community or are led by individuals with lived experience related to the issues being addressed. Geographic priority is given to organizations operating within a 100-mile radius of Sylvania, Ohio. Eligibility is restricted to nonprofit organizations that have obtained tax-exempt status under section 501(c)(3) of the Internal Revenue Service code. Applicants must demonstrate alignment with the fund’s mission and program priorities. Certain uses of funds are explicitly prohibited, including support for individuals, political or lobbying activities, debt reduction, general fundraising campaigns, and projects that include proselytizing or restrict services based on religious belief. Faith-based organizations may apply only if their programs serve the broader community without religious conditions. The application process occurs annually, with proposals due by August 15 at 1159 PM Eastern Time. Applications must be submitted through the Foundation’s online grant portal. Required components include a detailed description of the project’s purpose and need, implementation plan, evaluation strategy, sustainability plan, and a comprehensive project budget. Applicants must also submit due diligence documentation such as a board list, IRS determination letter, organizational background, financial statements, and a current operating budget. All applications are reviewed by professional staff and the Board of Trustees of the Community Foundation. Evaluation criteria focus on alignment with mission priorities, evidence of impact, feasibility of implementation, and organizational capacity. Applicants are notified of funding decisions in December, and expenses incurred prior to notification are not eligible for reimbursement. For additional guidance or to discuss a proposal prior to submission, applicants may contact the program officer directly. The grant operates on an annual cycle, with consistent deadlines and review timelines each year. This recurring structure allows organizations to plan for future submissions and align their program development accordingly. The fund continues to play a significant role in supporting community-based solutions that address systemic inequities, promote human dignity, and foster environmental sustainability across the region.

Emphasize systems change approaches evidence based models and partnerships and demonstrate alignment with mission priorities