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City outlines 2026 community grant round; applications due April 13
Summary
City grants director previewed the fourth year of Gahanna's community grant program, reported 43 projects funded to date, described eligibility (IRS‑registered nonprofits serving ≥51% of the Gahanna community) and timelines (notice Mar 16, info session Mar 24, applications due Apr 13, awards ~Apr 23).
Director Wyveninger presented an update on the city’s community grant program, now entering its fourth year. He said the program began with ARPA funding in 2023–24 then transitioned to local funding in 2025. Through prior rounds the program has funded 43 projects across 25 nonprofit organizations.
Wyveninger said the 2026 round will again award reimburseable grants up to $10,000 and described three program priorities: (1) human necessities including food and clothing assistance; (2) mental‑health and counseling services and general safety/health/welfare needs such as transportation and housing assistance; and (3) general community improvement projects. He said applicants must be IRS‑registered nonprofits and must serve at least 51% of their beneficiaries within the defined Gahanna community (the city and Gahanna‑Jefferson school district).
Key dates: the city plans to post the notice of funding opportunity on March 16, host a virtual information session March 24 (with an additional session possible), close applications April 13, and issue notices of award around April 23. The application portal is the city’s OpenGov site; paper or email submissions will be accepted in exceptional cases. Wyveninger said staff will do an initial eligibility screen before the grant review committee evaluates projects and makes award recommendations.
Council members asked about the ability to correct clerical errors after portal close, the committee’s ability to request applicant interviews for clarification, and standardized final reporting; Wyveninger said the city will work with applicants, may request clarifications, is developing a more uniform final‑report template, and reiterated that grants are disbursed on a reimbursement basis.
