OCCF accepting scholarship and grant applications

        The Ottawa County Community Foundation (OCCF) is accepting grant and scholarship applications for 2023-24. Last year, the Foundation provided more than $82,000 in grants to 35 local nonprofit organizations and more than $152,000 in scholarships to 121 deserving area students seeking further education.
        “In this environment and economy, there is a greater need to help those who are struggling to make ends meet,” said OCCF Grants Chair Mary Coffee. “OCCF looks forward to partnering with our county nonprofit agencies in 2023, to address this need as well as others in our communities.”
        The Foundation awards community grants in the fields of education, health and social services, economic development, natural resources, and the arts. Nonprofit organizations located in or serving Ottawa County are invited to submit a request for grant funding to support their unique needs.
        OCCF Community Grant applications will be accepted via the online application portal until the deadline of March 1. Alternatively, applicants may also download the guidelines and forms and submit a written application by mail. To access the application portal, as well as “Guidelines for Grant Seekers” and a training video, visit ottawaccf.org/grants.
        In addition to grants, the Foundation also annually distributes scholarships to students interested in furthering their career and academic goals.
        “We rely on the guidance department staff to help connect students with the many scholarships that are available to those seeking further education,” said OCCF Scholarship Chair Dave Slosser, who partners with local guidance counselors at each of the county high schools. Slosser adds, “Counselors are invaluable in helping us throughout the scholarship selection process.”
        It is anticipated that more than 125 individual scholarships (ranging from $400 to $3,500) will be awarded in 2023. Each scholarship has its own set of unique requirements established by the fund donor’s wishes.
        “It’s important for high school seniors to finish and submit their scholarship applications now to meet the March deadlines determined by their high school guidance department. Students are encouraged to work closely with their school guidance office,” said Slosser.
        While the majority of OCCF scholarships are for graduating high school seniors, there are several scholarships available for non-traditional students, college students seeking to study abroad, and students at a specific college. The range of scholarships is available at ottawaccf.org/scholarships.
        Questions about applying for OCCF grants or scholarships and/or establishing a fund may be directed to 419-635-7750 or ottawaccf@gmail.com. Interested parties may also visit the Foundation office, 306 Madison St., Port Clinton, from noon-3 p.m. any Wednesday.