Scholarship and grant application deadlines approaching
By MARCIA JESS
OCCF
A 4-H member having fun learning to paddle a boat at 4-H Camp on Kelleys Island.The Ottawa County Community Foundation is accepting grant and scholarship applications for 2022-2023. Each year the Foundation provides support to local nonprofit organizations and students. In 2021, the Foundation gave more than $53,000 in grants and more than $152,000 in scholarships.
“It’s important for high school seniors to finish and submit their scholarship applications now to meet the March deadlines determined by their school. Students may access details about Foundation scholarships and the application process through their high school guidance office,” said Dave Slosser, the OCCF’s Scholarship Chair.
Slosser gave kudos to guidance counselors at each of the high schools in the county. He works closely with them each year.
“We rely on the guidance department staff to help connect students with the many scholarships that are available to those seeking further education,” said Slosser. “Counselors are invaluable in helping us throughout the scholarship selection process.”
The Foundation anticipates that there will be over 120 individual scholarships awarded this year ranging from $400 to $3,500 each. Each scholarship has its own set of unique requirements established by the fund donor’s wishes. 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. You may check out the range of scholarships on the website ottawaccf.org/scholarships.
Lucas Kyle received the Peter B. and Jean C. Rutan scholarship for graduates of Port Clinton High School.In addition to scholarships, community grant applications are also being accepted until the March 1. According to grants chair Mary Coffee, an online application process was rolled out last year. Interested organizations can find a link to the application portal as well as Guidelines for Grant Seekers on the Foundation’s website ottawaccf.org/grants.
Questions regarding grants or scholarships may be directed to ottawaccf@gmail.com or stop at the Foundation office, 306 Madison St. in Port Clinton on Wednesdays between noon and 3 p.m.
Serving all of Ottawa County, the Ottawa County Community Foundation is a public charitable organization created in 1999, by the citizens of its community, to improve the quality of life for those who live and work in the Ottawa County area. OCCF has distributed more than $6 million in community grants and scholarships since its establishment. Current assets are $12 million. For more information about grants, scholarships, donating or OCCF updates, email ottawaccf@gmail.com, visit ottawaccf.org or call 419-635-7750. The OCCF office, 306 Madison Street, Port Clinton, is open from noon until 3 p.m. every Wednesday. Donations may be sent to the Ottawa County Community Foundation at P.O. Box 36, Port Clinton, Ohio 43452, or made online.
