Community grants available

NORWALK — The 2026 Huron County Community Foundation Round 1 grants application portal is officially open. Round 1 grant applications are due by 11:59 p.m. Feb. 15. The application can be found at huronccf.org/grants along with a description of the foundation's grant priorities. The Huron County Community Foundation's mission is to improve the quality of life in Huron County, now and for generations to come through charitable giving and connecting donors to community needs. The foundation continues a tradition of mindful, effective grant-making addressing a variety of needs throughout Huron County. Through community grantmaking, the Huron County Community Foundation seeks projects that will serve each corner of Huron County in the areas of: • Animal welfare • Arts and culture • Education • Economic development • Environmental causes • Health • Social services • Youth services While, through its grantmaking, the foundation seeks a healthy and thriving Huron County for all, the foundation is especially concerned with our community's children. The foundation prioritizes grants that provide educational enrichment opportunities; create safe spaces for learning and development; encourage physical activities and the opportunity to enjoy the outdoors; nurture budding artists and musicians along with teaching appreciation to all for the musical, visual and dramatic arts; and provide access to nutritious food and help alleviate family food insecurity. A year in review In 2025, the foundation awarded grants totaling $48,095 to 18 organizations. Organizations awarded in 2025 • Back to the Wild • Bellevue Schools • Bellevue Historical Society • Citizens Ambulance Service • Future Innovators • Huron County Youth Soccer Club • Julie Roth Memorial Foundation • Lefty Grove Baseball League • Monroeville Eagles Fastpitch Association • New London Ruritan Club • Norwalk Area Visitors Bureau • Norwalk Arts Center • OHgo • Reach Our Youth • Second Harvest Food Bank of North Central Ohio • The Society • Trinity Lutheran Church • Wakeman Township - Dalton Park Preserve Grant cycles currently occur twice each year with applications due Feb. 15 and Aug. 15. Organizations, grant seekers and individuals wishing to leave a legacy in Huron County through charitable giving should visit huronccf.org or call 419-621-9690 for more information.