In general, the Foundation will not award grants for the following purposes:

  • Annual appeals or membership drives
  • Capital requests (see note below)
  • Computers
  • Debt reduction
  • Endowments
  • Grants to individuals
  • One-time events that are not part of an ongoing program
  • Ongoing operating costs for free medical and dental clinics
  • Scholarships
  • Vehicles

  In general, the Foundation does not support the following in nonpublic or public school districts: 
  • Computers
  • Curriculum-related expenses
  • Equipment
  • Field trips
  • Faculty salaries
  • Playground equipment
  • Scholarships
  • Staff development
  • Vehicles 

Note: Capital requests will only be considered if the organization’s mission closely aligns with that of the Foundation and (a) the request is recommended as a priority by the Stark County Capital Campaigns Committee for projects of $500,000 or more, or (b) the request is recommended as a priority in collaboration with other local foundations for projects below $500,000.

The Stark County Capital Campaigns Committee is made up of community volunteers who provide advisory support to grantmaking foundations in Stark County. These committee members leverage their expertise and knowledge of the community to assist the foundations in making informed capital investment decisions that benefit Stark County residents. 

The committee evaluates the level of local support for proposed projects, the sustainability of the organization, the lasting value of the project, and its capacity to address significant community needs. They prioritize projects based on these criteria. The staff of the Stark Community Foundation coordinates all activities of the Stark County Capital Campaigns Committee.

* The Foundation reserves the right to change or modify grant guidelines as determined by its Distribution Committee and the Board.