GPD Employees' Foundation (Ohio Grants)

Eligible organizations for this grant include:

• K-12 public schools (teachers, principals, superintendents, counselors, etc.)
• Non-profits working with at-risk children or those with special or medical needs

Ineligible organizations include:

• Religiously affiliated organizations or schools
• Charter and private schools outside public school districts
• Large organizations with no local connections
• Organizations seeking general funding, teacher salaries, building maintenance, or training programs

Location: The grant is available to organizations within locations connected to GPD’s mission and employee interests. While the specific geographic areas are not detailed, the eligibility generally includes:

• K-12 public schools within local districts
• Non-profits that work with at-risk or special-needs children, with a focus on those with local connections

Organizations outside the local region or without direct ties to the community may not be eligible for funding.

Project Scope: The project scope for this grant includes initiatives that support K-12 public school programs or projects and non-profits serving at-risk children or those with special or medical needs. Eligible projects may focus on:

• Learning technology
• STEAM programs
• Literacy programs
• Music therapy
• Classroom supplies
• Arts programs
• Field trips
• Animal-assisted therapy
• Hospital therapy programs
• Life skills programs

The grant aims to support programs with a direct impact on children, particularly those that align with the foundation's mission and employee interests.

The exact amount of funding provided by this grant is not specified in the information available. However, the foundation emphasizes that the grant amount should be sufficient to make a meaningful impact on the project. Applicants are encouraged to ask for the amount they need but be willing to accept a lesser amount if necessary. The foundation aims to support initiatives where its funding can create a direct and significant difference for children.

Funding restrictions for this grant include:

• General funding for organizations
• Teacher salaries or overtime pay
• Religiously affiliated organizations or schools
• Charter schools and private schools outside public school districts
• School scholarships
• Building maintenance
• Training programs for teachers
• Large organizations with no local connections
• Kickstarter programs for non-profits

The grant should be used for specific programs or projects with direct impact on children, rather than general operational costs.

Project Description: Clearly explain the project or program, its goals, and how it will impact children.

Cost Breakdown: A detailed explanation of how the grant funds will be used.

Eligibility Confirmation: Ensure the project supports a K-12 public school program or a non-profit serving at-risk children or those with special or medical needs.

Impact Statement: Focus on the direct impact the project will have on children (e.g., how many books a literacy program will provide, or how it will improve skills).

Volunteer Opportunities: Indicate if there are opportunities for community involvement through volunteering.

Program Need: Justify the need for the grant and its expected outcome, aligning with the foundation's mission.

Applicants should ensure their proposal aligns with the foundation’s focus areas and funding priorities.

The deadline for this grant application is currently January 17, 2025. Applications must be received online or at GPD’s Akron office by 5 p.m. on the deadline to be eligible for review at the corresponding meeting. The grant cycle runs annually from October to January, with the application period for 2024-2025 starting on October 7, 2024.

The specific reporting requirements for this grant are not outlined in the available information. However, it is common for grant recipients to provide the following types of reports:

• Progress Report: Updates on how the grant funds are being used and the progress of the funded project.
• Financial Report: A detailed breakdown of expenses, demonstrating that the grant was used as intended.
• Impact Report: An assessment of the project's outcomes, including how it impacted the children or community it served.

Recipients may also be asked to provide photos, testimonials, or other documentation to showcase the impact of the grant. It’s advisable to check with the grant provider for detailed reporting requirements.

The evaluation criteria for this grant focus on the following factors:

• Alignment with Mission: The project should align with the foundation's mission, supporting K-12 public schools or non-profits serving at-risk children or those with special or medical needs.
• Impact on Children: The project must clearly explain how it will directly impact children and improve their lives (e.g., through literacy programs, STEAM, music therapy).
• Cost Breakdown: A clear and reasonable explanation of how the grant funds will be used.
• Feasibility and Sustainability: The project should be achievable within the grant period and demonstrate lasting impact.
• Community Engagement: Indicate any opportunities for volunteer involvement or broader community support.
• Need and Justification: The project should demonstrate a clear need for funding, focusing on the direct outcomes of the program rather than broader organizational goals.

Projects that align with the foundation’s interests and are feasible, impactful, and well-planned are more likely to be favorably evaluated.