Grant Process

2025 Timeline:

  • February 3rd-March 31st: Draft application consultation period.
    Eligible organizations seeking input or advice on strengthening a draft application are encouraged to schedule a 1-hour consultation with Martha J. Miller, Assistant Town Manager & Board Member.     Click here to schedule your pre-application consultation. Consultations are not available prior to or after this time period and consultation does not guarantee that your application will be awarded funding by the Ashland Foundation.

  • February 3rd: Submission period opens. CLICK HERE TO APPLY.
    1) Create a new account or login to your organization’s existing account with the Community Foundation.
    2) Take The Ashland Fund eligibility quiz.
    3) If deemed eligible, click “Apply” next to “FY2026 Ashland Fund Community Grants” to be taken to the application.

    Applications must be submitted in the Community Foundation’s portal. Applications submitted via other means (email, mail) will not be considered. For technical support in completing your application, please contact the Community Foundation’s tech support team at:     grants@cfrichmond.org

  • March 31st: Deadline to submit grant applications.
    Late and/or incomplete applications will not be eligible for consideration. For technical support in completing your application, please contact the Community Foundation’s tech support team at:     grants@cfrichmond.org

  • April-May: Application review by Ashland Foundation Board of Directors.
    Board of Directors reviews applications based on the criteria outlined below. Not all applications will necessarily receive funding in a given year and the Ashland Foundation is not required to disburse 100% of available funding annually. Grant award decisions will be made on the strength of the application and how closely it aligns with specified criteria (see below) and the Ashland Foundation’s mission.

  • By June 1st: Applicants notified of funding decision.
    All applicants will be notified by email regardless of funding decision. Funding decisions are final and at the discretion of the Ashland Foundation. Awarded applicants will also receive additional instructions on grant reporting requirements and be required to sign an agreement acknowledging the terms of the grant funds before funds will be disbursed.

  • July-August: Grant funds disbursed.
    Upon notification by the Ashland Foundation, the Community Foundation administers all grants directly to awardees.

Grant Application Criteria

The Ashland Foundation distributes grants on an annual basis. Below is an overview of the favorable and unfavorable criteria that the Ashland Foundation considers when reviewing all applications.

Eligibility

  • Must be a registered, operating 501(c)(3) non-profit organization or other charitable organization providing services to Town of Ashland residents.

Not Eligible

  • Political advocacy: Grants for activities that promote partisan political agendas.

  • Individual benefits: Funding requests primarily focused on individual needs rather than community impact.

Favorable Criteria

Project Alignment:

Project Impact:

  • Measurable outcomes and clear impact on the target population. 

  • Potential for long-term sustainability beyond the grant period. 

Organizational Capacity:

  • Proven track record or clear plan for future successful program implementation. 

  • Strong financial management practices and reporting capabilities. 

  • Qualified staff and/or volunteers to execute the proposed project. 

Application Quality:

  • Complete application with clear objectives, budget, and evaluation plan. 

  • Demonstrated community engagement and collaboration. 

Funding Considerations:

  • Reasonable budget request that aligns with the project scope. 

  • Potential for leveraging additional funding sources. 

Less Favorable Criteria:

  • Operational funding: General requests for operational funding, especially those that lack specifics around building future capacity and diversifying fundraising streams to ensure financial sustainability for a minimum of 3-5 years.

  • Duplication of services: Projects that replicate existing programs in the community. 

  • Poor financial management: History of financial instability or mismanagement. 

Still have questions? Click here to schedule a pre-application consultation between February 1st-March 31st with Assistant Town Manager, Martha J. Miller.