How to Apply for a Grant
The selection committee will evaluate grant proposals that conform to the application process as described below:
The Submission Process
Please read the full formatting requirements and tips for the concept paper and full proposal before submitting.
Step One:
Concept Paper Submission:
Initial concept papers must follow below requirements. Concept papers must be submitted in a one-page PDF form and will only be accepted via this form.
Concept Paper Requirements:
1. One-page concept papers should have standard 1-inch margins and a minimum font size of 12 points.
2. In the opening paragraph of the concept paper, please state the following:
- The name of your organization
- Your mission
- Who your organization serves generally
- Who will be specifically served by this grant
- How much funding you are seeking
- For what purpose will the funding be used
3. Naming the file name of the concept paper. The file name should be formatted as follows: “Organization name”_”Round (Fall 2021 or Spring 2022)”_”Concept Paper”_Callahan Foundation.
Example: “Free Clinic_Spring 2021_Concept Paper_Callahan Founadtion.PDF”
4. In order for the foundation to consider each submission on an unbiased basis, the concept paper submittor should be the first and only point of contact to the foundation. Please do not email or call with questions. If your concept paper is advanced to the full proposal round, the foundation will contact you and request more information at that time.
For more information on what constitutes a successful concept paper, read these tips. Concept papers will only be accepted via this form.
Step Two:
Full Proposal Submission:
A select number of concept papers will be invited to submit full proposals. Candidates will be notified and required to submit full proposals via email only. Full proposals MUST follow the below requirements.
Full Proposal Requirements:
1. Full proposals should have standard 1-inch margins and a minimum font size of 12 points. Proposals must not exceed 3 pages.
2. In the opening paragraph of the full proposal, please state the following:
- The name of your organization
- Your mission
- Who your organization serves generally
- Who will be specifically served by this grant
- How much funding you are seeking
- For what purpose will the funding be used
3. Naming the file name of the proposal. The file name should be formatted as follows: “Organization name”_”Round (Fall 2021 or Spring 2021)”_”Full Proposal”_Callahan Foundation.
Example: “Free Clinic_Spring 2021_Full Proposal_Callahan Foundation.PDF”
4. Instructions for submitting full proposals will be included in the notification email. In order for the foundation to consider each proposal on an unbiased basis, the submittor should be the first and only point of contact to the foundation. Please do not email or call with questions. If selected to receive a grant from the Callahan Foundation, we will contact you.
The Submission Cycles
Spring Submission:
Concept Paper Submission:
The first step is sending us an initial concept paper. Spring concept papers are due on March 31st.
Approval
Full Proposal Submission:
From this group, a limited subset will be invited to submit a full proposal, which will be due May 15th.
Funding Notification:
Applicants will notified of funding by June 30th.
Fall Submission:
Concept Paper Submission:
The first step is sending us an initial concept paper. Fall concept papers are due on September 30th.
Approval
Full Proposal Submission:
From this group, a limited subset will be invited to submit a full proposal, which will be due November 15th.
Funding Notification:
Applicants will notified of funding by December 31st.
Callahan Foundation Funding Guidelines
Applications will only be accepted from non-profits organizations operating within the following counties: Cuyahoga, Lorain, Medina, Summit, Portage, Geauga and Lake. No applications from individuals will be accepted.
The Callahan Foundation will consider grants for capital projects, general operating support, and project specific funding. A separate allocation will be made to support organizational and leadership development including: strategic planning, succession planning, executive leadership coaching and development, and fundraising leadership and development.
Grants will be awarded to selected non-profits that demonstrate superior leadership. While some quantitative measures, such as the percentage of revenue direct to programs will be used, an additional effort will be made to incorporate qualitative measures from site visits and interviews.
Our current focus is on the following program areas:
- Education with an emphasis on access to higher education and special needs support programs in K-12.
- Social services that emphasize access for disadvantaged populations to healthcare or extended independent living situations.
- Arts organizations with innovative audience engagement and outreach programs.
- Local, cost-effective economic development efforts.
Frequently Asked Questions
When was the Callahan Foundation established?
The Foundation was established in 1968.
Who is the founder of the Callahan Foundation?
The Foundation was founded by Francis Joseph Callahan and his wife, Mary Elizabeth Callahan.
Where was the Callahan Foundation established?
The Foundation was established in Northeast Ohio.
Who leads the Callahan Foundation?
The Foundation is led by Tim J. Callahan, F.J. and Mary Callahan’s son, who serves as the President and Executive Director of the Callahan Foundation.
What are the values of the Callahan Foundation?
Transparency. Accountability. Effectiveness. Innovation.
What does the Callahan Foundation do?
The organization awards grants to non-profit organizations, primarily in Northeast Ohio, demonstrating superior entrepreneurial leadership and a track record of value creation.
Why entrepreneurial leadership and value creation?
Joe Callahan’s education at the United States Naval Academy and submarine school gave him the life skills to be successful in life and business. The training to endure the rigors of life aboard a submarine taught him the importance of organization, accountability, leadership and trust in the abilities of his fellow submariners. His legacy is to contribute to the community, who he felt gave so much to him, by encouraging these values in deserving non-profits throughout the area.
What is the Callahan Foundation’s focus?
The focus of the Callahan Foundation is in the areas of higher education, the arts and social services.
How many grants has the Callahan Foundation awarded?
The Foundation has awarded over $15 million in grants since its inception.
What organizations have benefitted from the Callahan Foundation in the past?
The Cleveland Clinic, Cleveland Orchestra, Cleveland Institute of Music, Lake Erie Ink, Karamu House, Towards Employment and Case Western Reserve University have all been awarded grants by the Callahan Foundation.