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Delaware County Commissioners' Community Enhancement Grant Program - 2026

If you are unable to submit your application using this online portal, please contact us at media@co.delaware.oh.us or call 740-833-2109 to obtain a printed version of this application.

While you should be able to save your work on this application and return to it later to complete, we would advise you to review the full application, compose your answers offline, and assemble the needed files before starting on its completion.

The deadline is 4:00 p.m. on July 9, 2026. This is a FIRM deadline. Please note that once a grant is approved, its purpose can NOT be changed or redirected to another project. If the money awarded is not used for the approved purpose, the grant will be forfeited. This program follows a reimbursement format: Grant monies will be released only AFTER submission of paid invoices.
1.Name of your organization:(Required.)
2.Your organization's mailing address (street, town, zip code):(Required.)
3.Name of a contact person for the organization and this application:(Required.)
4.Phone number for this contact person:(Required.)
5.Email address for this contact person:(Required.)
6.Optional - Secondary contact name/email:
7.ABOUT THIS PROGRAM - Part 1

WHAT IS THE CEG PROGRAM? The Delaware County Commissioners voluntarily created the Community Enhancement Grant (CEG) program in 2014. It is not a program that is mandated by state law. The intention is to enhance the quality of life in Delaware County by awarding limited grants from the county’s general fund to eligible charitable agencies that are located and operating within the county. These grants are intended to provide nonprofit organizations with an additional financial resource to complete projects or activities that serve the residents of Delaware County.

HOW MUCH MONEY IS AWARDED? The total amount available for grants each year changes based on the current financial resources of the county government. There is no guarantee or requirement that grants will be awarded each year.

HOW ARE GRANTS AWARDED? The awarding of grants is at the sole discretion of the Board of Commissioners and is subject to the requirements and criteria set forth below. Please note:
· Application for a grant is not a guarantee of funding.
· Priority will be given to projects that can be considered a “one-time” project, activity, event, or capital improvement.
· Monies requested cannot be used to fund ongoing operating expenses.
· Priority also will be given to those organizations that have not received funding in the past.
· Applications are limited to one (1) project per agency.
· Applications for multiple projects with the intent for the Commissioners to choose one project or multiple projects will not be considered.

HOW DO WE FIND OUT WHEN APPLICATIONS ARE BEING ACCEPTED? Information about the program, including access to its application form, will be distributed to local media, on the Commissioners’ website, and on our social-media channels (Facebook, Instagram, Threads, LinkedIn).

In addition to these public notices, if an email or mailing address is provided to the Commissioners’ Office, notification will be sent when the application period opens. This date changes each year. Contact information can be sent to media@co.delaware.oh.us or to: Communications Department, 91 N. Sandusky St., Delaware, OH 43015.

Do you acknowledge that you have read and understand Part 1 of the "About This Program" statement for the Delaware County Commissioners' Community Enhancement Grant program?(Required.)
8.ABOUT THIS PROGRAM - Part 2

WHAT HAPPENS AFTER WE APPLY? The application period will last three (3) weeks. When this period is over, our staff collects the applications and confirms that each is complete. The applications are then presented to a review committee of senior staff members, which reviews the applications and determines if they meet the eligibility criteria. If the committee has any questions for applicants or requires additional documentation, the program manager will contact the applicant and provide them with a deadline to submit the additional information. The review committee will then prepare and present its grant-award recommendations to the Commissioners at a public session. The Commissioners will review these recommendations and vote to approve or disapprove them. All applicants will be notified of the Commissioners’ decision first by email, then by mail.

WHAT HAPPENS IF WE RECEIVE A GRANT? Your agency will be required to enter into a grant agreement with the Commissioners. Please note that once a grant is approved, its purpose can NOT be changed or redirected to another project. If the money awarded cannot be used for the approved purpose, the grant will be forfeited.

CEG grants are reimbursement grants. A project or activity must be completed and documentation of expenses must be submitted before you can receive the grant monies.

You will receive a mailed check AFTER you submit adequate documentation of the expenses that were incurred to complete your agency’s project or activity. This documentation can include copies of paid invoices, cancelled checks or bank statements.

Please note: the Commissioners’ Office will not pay contractors or other payees directly. Funds will only be dispersed after your agency has paid the appropriate payee. All documentation of expenses must be submitted within the time period set forth in the grant agreement, which is not to exceed twelve (12) months from the date on the completed grant agreement.

Do you acknowledge that you have read and understand Part 2 of the "About This Program" statement for the Delaware County Commissioners' Community Enhancement Grant program?
9.Does your organization meet the following definition for a charitable agency:

An eligible charitable agency for this program is defined as an organization that the IRS recognizes as exempt from taxation OR an organization whose funds are managed by The Foundation for Delaware County which maintains a 501(c)(3) status for other organizations to take advantage of to support their charitable causes. This definition includes organizations that are tax-exempt under section 501(c)(3) of the Internal Revenue Code or other applicable provisions of the Internal Revenue Code.

“To be tax-exempt under section 501(c)(3) of the Internal Revenue Code, an organization must be organized and operated exclusively for exempt purposes set forth in section 501(c)(3), and none of its earnings may inure to any private shareholder or individual. In addition, it may not be an action organization, i.e., it may not attempt to influence legislation as a substantial part of its activities and it may not participate in any campaign activity for or against political candidates.” (https://www.irs.gov/charities-non-profits/charitable-organizations/exemption-requirements-section-501c3-organizations)

The exempt purposes set forth in section 501(c)(3) are charitable, religious, educational, scientific, literary, testing for public safety, fostering national or international amateur sports competition, and preventing cruelty to children or animals. The term charitable is used in its generally accepted legal sense and includes relief of the poor, the distressed, or the underprivileged; advancement of religion; advancement of education or science; erecting or maintaining public buildings, monuments, or works; lessening the burdens of government; lessening neighborhood tensions; eliminating prejudice and discrimination; defending human and civil rights secured by law; and combating community deterioration and juvenile delinquency. (https://www.irs.gov/charities-non-profits/charitable-organizations/exempt-purposes-internal-revenue-code-section-501c3).(Required.)
10.Does your organization comply with all Ohio laws applicable to charitable agencies?(Required.)
11.This Community Enhancement Grant program does not provide funds to levy-supported agencies. Is your organization a levy-supported agency?
12.Does your organization and the proposed project qualify to receive funds appropriated by the Commissioners in accordance with one of more of the following sections of the Ohio Revised Code (check all that apply)? (Required.)
13.Does your organization provide programs or services that benefit the Delaware County community as a whole, without regard to any recognized protected class?(Required.)
14.Is your organization structured to support a need within the Delaware County community? Examples include: health, safety, nutrition, families, children, education, senior citizens, finance, transportation, environment, culture, and neighborhood enhancement.(Required.)
15.Will your organization be able to maintain its tax-exempt status with the IRS for the duration of the grant period?(Required.)
16.Is your organization directed by an active board of trustees who have no material conflicts of interest?(Required.)
17.Has your organization been in existence for at least three (3) years prior to application?(Required.)
18.Does your organization have a stated policy of non-discrimination and comply with all federal and state laws and regulations on non-discrimination and equal opportunity?(Required.)
19.The operating revenue of the organization, as reported on the most recent 990 report, must be less than $2.5 million. Does your organization meet this standard?(Required.)
20.Does your organization agree to be subject to audit to the extent necessary to ensure compliance with these eligibility criteria?(Required.)
21.Does your organization understand and agree to meet these specific criteria for this grant program:

1) Project or activity must be ready to be completed within the period of the grant award, not to exceed twelve (12) months.

2) Monies requested must not be used to fund operating expenses.

3) Requests are limited to one (1) project per agency. Requests made for multiple projects with the intent for the Commissioners to choose one project or multiple projects will not be considered.(Required.)
22.Please enter a 2-3 sentence summary of the project you would like to complete and an estimate of the start and finish times for the project:(Required.)
23.In 2-3 sentences, please explain how this project will help and or enhance the Delaware County community:(Required.)
24.Amount requested in $ (this should be an estimate of the project cost or, if available, an actual quote from a vendor or contractor):(Required.)
25.To complete this application, we require the following attachments:

1) Proof of tax-exempt status
No file chosen
26.2) Copy of three (3) most recent 990 reports (or comparable tax form) - please include all three reports in one file
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27.3) List of board members and their professional and/or other volunteer affiliations
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28.4) Copy of your organization’s policy of non-discrimination
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29.5) A detailed estimate of project cost or, if available, a quote from a vendor or contractor
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30.6) Presentation materials (can be a PowerPoint presentation and/or a PDF handout about the project or activity)
No file chosen
Current Progress,
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