Encova Foundation of Ohio – Community Grants (February 2027 Deadline)

Grants Supporting Children, Education, Health, Safety, and Community Well-Being

The Encova Foundation of Ohio provides charitable grants to nonprofit organizations working to improve communities and strengthen families. The Foundation focuses on helping children succeed, expanding educational opportunities, promoting health and wellness, and supporting initiatives that improve community safety and quality of life.

Preference is given to organizations with meaningful connections to Encova employees and those serving communities where Encova associates live and work.

The next application deadline is February 1, 2027, with funding decisions expected by March 15, 2027.

Organization: Encova Foundation of Ohio / Encova Insurance
Support Type: Corporate foundation grants
Geographic Focus: Communities where Encova associates live and work, with a focus on Ohio
Funding Amount: Not publicly specified
Application Deadline: February 1, 2027
Decision Notification: By March 15, 2027

About the Funder

Encova Insurance is a property and casualty insurance company headquartered in Columbus, Ohio. The company supports community initiatives through employee volunteerism, charitable partnerships, and two corporate foundations: the Encova Foundation of Ohio and the Encova Foundation of West Virginia.

The Encova Foundation of Ohio invests in nonprofit organizations whose missions align with the company’s commitment to strengthening communities and supporting individuals and families.

The Foundation emphasizes partnerships that reflect the interests and values of Encova employees, agents, and policyholders.

Through its charitable giving activities, Encova seeks to support organizations that create meaningful and lasting community impact.

What This Program Supports

The Encova Foundation of Ohio prioritizes organizations addressing the following areas.

Children & Youth Development

Programs that help children succeed and provide opportunities for healthy development.

Potential initiatives include:

• Youth development and mentoring
• Educational enrichment
• Programs supporting children and families
• Positive youth engagement
• Activities improving children’s well-being
• Initiatives addressing barriers to youth success

Organizations should demonstrate how their programs contribute to improved outcomes for children and young people.

Education

Programs that expand access to educational opportunities and strengthen learning.

Potential initiatives include:

• Academic enrichment
• Educational access and achievement
• Career exploration
• Youth mentoring
• Community education
• Programs helping students develop skills for future success

The Foundation values initiatives that help individuals build knowledge, confidence, and opportunities.

Health & Wellness

Programs that improve health and well-being for individuals, families, and communities.

Potential initiatives include:

• Community health education
• Wellness and prevention programs
• Family health initiatives
• Programs supporting vulnerable populations
• Services improving access to health resources
• Community-based initiatives promoting healthier lives

Applicants should demonstrate a clear connection between the proposed activities and improved community well-being.

Safety & Community Improvement

Programs that contribute to safer, stronger, and more resilient communities.

Potential initiatives include:

• Community safety education
• Injury prevention
• Public safety initiatives
• Programs addressing community needs
• Family and neighborhood support
• Collaborative efforts to improve local quality of life

The Foundation particularly values organizations making a positive impact in communities connected to Encova employees.

Eligibility & Preferences

Applicants must be organizations recognized as charitable under Section 501(c)(3) of the Internal Revenue Code.

The Foundation gives preference to organizations that:

• Provide meaningful volunteer opportunities for Encova associates
• Have an Encova employee serving as a board member, committee member, long-term volunteer, or active partner
• Demonstrate strong financial management and governance consistent with Better Business Bureau accreditation guidelines
• Serve communities where Encova employees live and work
• Address needs involving children, education, health, safety, or community well-being

An existing relationship with Encova employees is a preference rather than a published universal eligibility requirement.

Geographic Focus

The Encova Foundation of Ohio is based in Columbus and supports causes connected to the communities where Encova employees live and work.

Ohio is the primary geographic focus for this listing.

However, the Foundation does not publish a definitive list of eligible counties or states on its charitable giving webpage.

Organizations should demonstrate a connection to Encova’s employee communities and verify geographic fit through the application process.

Encova’s broader insurance business operates across multiple states, but that commercial footprint should not be interpreted as automatic grant eligibility.

Ineligible Requests

The Encova Foundation of Ohio does not support:

• Political candidates
• Political committees or political organizations
• Organizations that are not recognized as charitable under IRS Section 501(c)(3)
• Organizations that discriminate on the basis of legally protected characteristics
• Organizations serving only their own membership, such as fraternal, labor, social, or religious membership organizations

Applicants should review the online application for any additional requirements or restrictions.

Funding Amounts

Encova does not publish standard minimum or maximum grant amounts for the Encova Foundation of Ohio.

Awards are determined through the Foundation’s review process.

Applicants should prepare a clearly defined request that explains:

• The community need being addressed
• The proposed program or initiative
• The populations and communities served
• The requested funding amount
• Expected outcomes and community benefits
• Opportunities for Encova employee involvement, where applicable

Timeline & Review

The Encova Foundation of Ohio accepts applications through four quarterly review cycles.

📅 Next Application Deadline: February 1, 2027
📅 Decision Notification: By March 15, 2027
📅 Review Frequency: Quarterly

2027 Application Schedule

Applications submitted after a deadline are considered in the following review cycle.

Applicants should choose a cycle that allows sufficient time for a funding decision before the proposed activities begin.

Application / Request Process

Applications must be submitted through the Encova Foundation of Ohio’s online application process.

Step 1: Confirm Organizational Eligibility

Applicants should verify that their organization:

• Has qualifying 501(c)(3) charitable status
• Aligns with the Foundation’s funding priorities
• Serves communities relevant to Encova’s philanthropic interests
• Complies with the Foundation’s nondiscrimination requirements

Step 2: Prepare the Request

Applicants should be prepared to provide information about:

• Organizational mission and background
• Tax-exempt status
• Proposed program or initiative
• Communities and populations served
• Funding amount requested
• Expected outcomes
• Organizational financial management
• Existing Encova employee relationships or potential volunteer opportunities

Applicants should follow the online application for exact documentation requirements.

Step 3: Submit by February 1

Applications submitted by February 1, 2027, will be considered during the first review cycle of the year.

Requests received after the deadline will move to the next cycle.

Step 4: Await Funding Decision

The Foundation will communicate decisions for the February cycle by March 15, 2027.

Apply / Learn More: https://www.encova.com/our-story/encova-cares/

Why This Opportunity Is a Good Fit

This opportunity is particularly well suited for organizations that:

• Serve children, youth, and families
• Provide educational enrichment or mentoring
• Promote community health and wellness
• Support community safety
• Operate in communities where Encova employees live and work
• Have established relationships with Encova employees or can offer meaningful volunteer opportunities
• Demonstrate strong nonprofit governance and financial management
• Seek corporate foundation support for locally focused charitable programs

The Encova Foundation of Ohio offers a recurring funding opportunity for nonprofits working to strengthen families and communities.

Its emphasis on employee involvement makes it especially attractive for organizations that can develop meaningful partnerships with Encova associates.

Corporate Grants Guide Notes

Review Type: Quarterly
Next Deadline: February 1, 2027
Decision Date: By March 15, 2027
Best Suited For: Nonprofits focused on children, education, health, safety, and community improvement
Geographic Priority: Communities where Encova employees live and work, particularly Ohio
Competitive Preference: Existing Encova employee involvement and volunteer opportunities