WHAT DOES GEOTRAC FOUNDATION FUND?
Geotrac Foundation partners with 501(c)3 organizations aligned with our Five Impact Pillars. We fund programs that expand worldview, build leadership and character, and create transformative opportunities for young people and communities within the greater Firelands.
We fund programs aligned with one or more of our Five Impact Pillars. We’re looking for work that is intentional, outcomes-focused, and rooted in the belief that young people deserve access to experiences that expand their horizons. If your organization is doing work that resonates with our mission, we want to hear from you.
Our Five Impact Pillars
Pillar I: Youth Development & Education
Academic enrichment, mentorship, skill-building, and responsibility-building experiences. Examples include STEM education, arts programs, literacy initiatives, and field-based learning experiences.
Pillar II: Leadership & Character Development
Programs that cultivate ethical decision-making, self-reflection, and the capacity to lead with integrity. Examples include character-focused retreats, service-learning, ethics seminars, and youth leadership training.
Pillar III: Civic Responsibility, Gratitude & Heritage
Programs connecting young people to local history, community service, and understanding of heritage and legacy. Examples include local history projects, heritage preservation, and community service initiatives.
Pillar IV: Arts, Culture & Life-Enriching Experiences
Programs using arts—music, theater, visual arts, cultural experiences—to cultivate empathy and imagination. Examples include visual arts programs, music education, cultural heritage projects, and museum experiences.
Pillar V: Global Perspective & Cross-Cultural Understanding
Programs helping young people understand themselves as members of a global community. Examples include international study programs, cultural exchange, global citizenship education, and cross-cultural dialogue.
What We Do Not Fund
We are intentional about what we support. The following are outside the scope of Geotrac funding:
- General operating expenses (rent, utilities, staff salaries)
- Capital improvements or facility renovations
- Organizations without 501(c)3 status
- Programs not serving young people or the broader community
- Work outside our Five Impact Pillars
If your organization is unsure if you meet eligibility requirements, we’re happy to review together before submitting an application.
Our Program Funding Application Process
We've designed our process to be straightforward and transparent. Here's what to expect:
STEP I —
REVIEW & ALIGN
First, review our Five Impact Pillars. Does your program align with one or more? Is it rooted in transformative learning, character development, or expanded perspective? If yes, move forward.
STEP II —
PREPARE YOUR APPLICATION
Next, gather your organization's information: mission statement, 501(c)3 status, program details, budget, learning outcomes, and any supporting materials. Think about what makes your program unique and why it matters.
STEP III —
SUBMIT YOUR APPLICATION
Third, complete our funding request form.
Include a clear description of your program, the young people or communities you serve, your intended outcomes, and your requested funding amount.
STEP IV —
BOARD REVIEW
Once submitted, applications are held until our next designated board review cycle. We assess alignment with our pillars, program quality, sustainability, and community impact.
STEP V —
NOTIFICATION
Once reviewed and voted upon, we notify applicants of decisions within 60 days. If approved, we'll discuss next steps and grant agreement details. If not approved, we provide feedback and welcome future reapplications.
WHAT MAKES A STRONG APPLICATION?
Successful applications include:
• Clear alignment: Explicit connection to one or more of our Five Impact Pillars
• Student-centered outcomes: Measurable, specific learning goals for young people
• Authentic experience: Programs rooted in real-world contexts, not classroom simulation
• Inclusive design: Intentional access for underrepresented or marginalized students
• Partner quality: Partnerships with experienced, credible organizations
• Fiscal responsibility: Clear budget, sustainability planning, evaluation methods
We fund programs, not organizations. Tell us specifically what young people will experience, learn, and become through your program.
Frequently Asked Questions
A: Typically no. We fund specific programs and projects aligned with our Five Impact Pillars. If you have a program within our scope and need funding to run it, we’re interested. General operating support falls outside our funding model.
A: We prioritize funding programs and agencies within Huron & Erie Counties but partner with organizations regionally and nationally, especially for our Global Scholars programs. If your program serves Huron or Erie County young people or aligns with our international work, let’s talk.
A: The spring grant cycle ends March 31st and the fall grant cycle ends August 31st. We notify grantees within 60 days.
A: You must be a registered 501(c)3 organization to receive Geotrac funding. If you’re in the process of obtaining status, contact us to discuss options.
A: We provide feedback on all applications. We encourage reapplication in future funding cycles. Many strong programs require multiple submissions. We also welcome conversations about how to strengthen your application. The board may request for an organization to come to a future meeting.
A: No, we do not fund individuals.