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Who We Are

Since 1984, area residents have been turning to the Community Foundation of Grant County, Indiana to make their philanthropic giving as effective as possible. We are a public charity serving thousands of people who share a common concern—improving the quality of life in Grant County.

Individuals, families, businesses, and organizations create permanent charitable funds that help our area meet the challenges of changing times. The Foundation invests and administers these funds. We then use the distributions to award grants each year to many of the humanitarian, educational and cultural organizations in this remarkable county we call home.

What We Fund

Although we expect to remain flexible in our grantmaking decisions, The Community Foundation of Grant County, Indiana intends to address needs that generally fall into the following fields of interest:

Community Development
Arts and cultural development
Community parks
Community beautification, improvement, and enhancement projects
Economic development efforts
Neighborhood associations

Education
Community education on relevant issues
Educational opportunities for local nonprofits
Post secondary, secondary, elementary, preschool, and special education
Youth philanthropy programs

Health
Community health services
Mental health services
Health services coordination

Human Services
Elderly services
Children and youth services
Family services
Youth advancement
Human services coordination

Special Considerations

Capital grants in support of building campaigns will only be made when there is compelling evidence that such support is vital to the success of a program meeting priority needs of the community. Payment of such grants will be made only after a significant percentage of the total campaign requirements have been raised.

Donor-directed scholarships or special project grants may be made to individuals. In distribution of donor advised funds, the Community Foundation will consider proposals for needs which are consistent with the specific charitable needs most deserving the Foundation’s support, and respect the donor’s advice where it is consistent with the Foundation’s charitable purposes.

What We Do Not Fund

Funding is not available for:

Profit making enterprises

Political activity

Operating budgets except for limited experimental or demonstration periods

Salaries

Sectarian or religious purposes

Endowment purposes unless for special promotions and/or matching challenges

Who May Apply

Nonprofit 501(C)(3) organizations, coalitions, community associations, and other civic groups may apply if it provides services in Grant County, Indiana. To be eligible for a grant, the project must be located in, or directly serve the people and natural resources in Grant County, Indiana and meet all other criteria in the guidelines and application.

How Much to Ask For

Requests for support far exceed the Foundation’s ability to fund them. Requests should be appropriate to the project and demonstrate a wise and prudent use of funds. For grant history, please see our website at www.comfdn.org .

What We Look For

The Board will only accept proposals for consideration after an applicant has consulted with the Foundation’s staff. Please call the Foundation before you submit a proposal and ask to speak with the Executive Director. An initial determination of whether your proposal fits within the Foundation’s guidelines will be made. If you are asked to submit a proposal for review, it should consider the following:

  • What is the purpose and definition of the project or program?
  • Who are the key people? Governing board, officers, staff personnel?
  • What is the background of the organization?
  • Include financial information including budgets and balance sheets
  • If a grant is not received, how will the project be affected?
  • Is the application complete and neatly prepared?
  • How many individuals will be served or affected by the proposed project or program?
  • Has an important need been shown, and is there data to verify the need?
  • Is this a duplication of services? If yes, then is it reaching a different segment of people?
  • Does the budget for the program/project make sense?
  • Is there a broad base of support?
  • Is there a viable plan presented for future financial support?
  • Are the stated objectives realistic and measurable?
  • Does the organization have the qualifications to carry out the project?
  • Does this program/project fall into the Foundation’s fields of interest?
  • Does the proposal meet the mission and the accomplishments of the organization?
  • Is there a procedure to measure the accomplishment of the objectives?
  • Is this a one-time project or need?
  • Will the Foundation be the sole funder of this project?
  • Is the program/project for a need other than ongoing program support or salary?

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The Community Foundation of Grant County, Inc. is a 501(c) (3) charitable organization.