Community Grant Program

The City of Oberlin Community Grant Program supports nonprofit and community‑based organizations that provide services and programs to the Oberlin Community not currently provided by the City, and that advance Oberlin’s Social Equity Plan and align with Oberlin’s Comprehensive Plan goals. Funding is provided to benefit Oberlin residents across three focus areas:

Human Services
Youth and Recreation
Community Development

Application Deadline: Friday, March 6, 2026 at 4:30 PM

Click HERE to complete the online application

Grant Structure

Tier 1: Major Community Grants

Grant Amount: $5,001 and above
Project Duration: Up to 12 months (multi-year projects may be considered with annual reporting and reauthorization)
Intended For: Established organizations proposing larger-scale or higher-impact programs, pilot initiatives, or service expansions
Reporting Requirements: Quarterly progress report and final outcome report

Tier 2: Small Community Grants

Grant Amount: Up to $5,000
Project Duration: Up to 12 months
Intended For: Smaller organizations, new initiatives, or small projects with a defined scope
Reporting Requirements: Final outcome report

Note: Requests may be partially funded.

Eligible Applicants

Nonprofit organizations (501(c)(3) or fiscal sponsor)
Community-based organizations serving Oberlin residents
Organizations in good standing with the City

Ineligible Applicants/Uses:

Individuals
Political organizations or lobbying activities
Programs duplicating services already provided by the City
General operating support (unless clearly tied to an eligible program or service)

For more information, download the following documents:

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Organizations may also attend the Virtual Community Grant Program Information Session with City Manager Greg Holcomb:
Monday, February 23 at 3:00PM
Join Zoom Meeting Here

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Or contact City Manager Greg Holcomb directly:
440-775-7206 | gholcomb@cityofoberlin.com