About Us

For more than 20 years, The Conneaut Foundation has changed lives in Ashtabula County by investing in local people, their communities and their dreams.

The Foundation has granted over $950,000, supporting ideas and building bridges to the future. Our grants have literally built foundations and put roofs over the heads of area residents; have supported educational initiatives, technology, safety services and the arts. School children, Eagle Scouts, senior citizens, student athletes, those in peril and those in need have seen improvement in their lives because of The Conneaut Foundation.

Civic Partnerships

We seek out partners for projects and initiatives that make a real impact in our area. In 2018, The Conneaut Foundation finalized a partnership with The City of Conneaut and the Conneaut Port Authority to bring professional economic development expertise to the City. Each entity has commited $20,000.00 to hire an economic development specialist to assist in management of current development projects and aid in the creation and management of new projects. Current projects include: development of a lakefront hotel, installation of a high pressure gas line, construction of the I-90 Truck World, remodel of the old Conneaut Fisheries Building and extensive improvements to the marina including dock and retail additions.

In October 2018, The Conneaut Foundation and The Ashtabula 503 Corp announced a partnership to support entrepreneurs and growing businesses in Conneaut.

Grant Making

The Conneaut Foundation offers two grant cycles which directly impact thousands of area residents by improving education, health care, safety and the arts. Grant recipients must have a 501(c)(3) IRS status and submit an application before the published deadline.

Conneaut High School Youth Philanthropy Board

The Youth Philanthropy Program was launched by The Ashtabula Foundation in 2010 at Grand Valley High School. In 2014, The Conneaut Foundation partnered with The Ashtabula Foundation to bring this program to Conneaut High School.

The Youth Philanthropy Program provides students with hands-on experience in grant making. The process introduces students to philanthropy, allowing them to learn about the role of foundations within the community and also about the services provided by local non-profits. The Foundation provides $10,000.00 in grant funds to be distributed by a committee of students under the guidance of advisor Stephanie Chase.

The Conneaut Area Chamber of Commerce Fund of The Conneaut Foundation

Established through a generous gift, The Conneaut Area Chamber of Commerce Fund makes grants to qualified non-profits and government entities in the greater Conneaut area. Grants are made in partnership with The Conneaut Area Chamber of Commerce Board of Directors.

Community Endowment

With a permanent endowment entrusted in financial institutions, we’re helping assure the resources needed for our community to continue growing and improving.