Community Foundation of Hancock County (CFHC) Grant Opportunities

Online Grant Portal

Questions about grants should be directed to Katie Ottinger, Community Investment & Grants Officer, at 317.533-6012 or Katie@CelebrateHancock.org.

2023 Annual Grant Cycle

This grant process is now closed.

This grant cycle will begin with a letter of intent (LOI). The deadline to submit an LOI is Jan. 27, 2023 at noon. No LOIs will be accepted after this time. Organizations must submit an LOI to be considered for funding in this grant cycle. After the LOI period, organizations that are invited to continue in the process will submit a full application that will be due in the Spring.

Organizations may submit one (1) LOI only in this grant cycle in 2023 in either of the following areas:

1. Program and Project funding

• A proposal to support or expand an existing charitable program/project or to create and launch a new charitable program/project. 

2. Capital Improvement funding

• Capital purchases with an expected useful life of 12 months or more, such as building repairs or additions, purchase of new equipment, purchase of technology (hardware & software), vehicles, and furniture. 

Maximum request amount is $10,000. Minimum request amount is $1,500.

Organizations participating in Education Foundation Grants and Animal Welfare Grants will not be eligible to apply.

Mini Grant Requests

1. Requests must be for $1,500 or less.
2. Requests for emergencies or immediate needs will be given priority.
3. Requests should be for a one-time expense. Mini Grants will not sustain operating or programming costs from year to year. Mini Grant requests to cover a portion of a new ongoing expense must explain the plan for future sustainability.
4. The applicant must be the organization that will benefit from the proposed use of the funds.
5. Organizations may receive up to $1,500 in Mini Grants per calendar year.
6. Mini Grants are administered on a rolling cycle each calendar year. Applications are accepted and evaluated on a first-come, first-served basis until funds available for the calendar year are gone.

If you have a request that falls within these parameters, please contact Katie Ottinger at Katie@CelebrateHancock.org to request an application.

Martha Beckenholdt Youth Philanthropy Award

Click here to learn more and apply.

The Community Foundation of Hancock County will be accepting applications for the 2023 Martha Beckenholdt Youth Philanthropy Award. This award, named in honor of long-time Hancock County resident and philanthropist Martha Beckenholdt, recognizes a Hancock County high school junior who has contributed outstanding time, talent, and energy to philanthropic endeavors. The award recipient will select a Hancock County nonprofit organization or agency to receive a $1,000 donation in his or her name, donated by the Community Foundation.

Applicants must be Hancock County high school juniors with a recommendation from a high school staff member or nonprofit organization leader located in Hancock County. Applications must be complete and submitted online by 4 p.m. on Friday, February 17. Please encourage young volunteers for your organization who may be eligible! You can direct them to apply at this link beginning Jan. 4. Questions can be directed to Janet White, CFHC’s Education Officer by email at Janet@CelebrateHancock.org or by phone at 317-533-6011.

White Family Foundation Grant Cycle

This process is closed until March 2023.

The purpose of the White Family Foundation Fund, a fund of the Community Foundation of Hancock County, is to assist local community development and support initiatives that enhance the desire to live, work and play in Shirley, Indiana, and nearby surrounding communities.

Eligible requests include projects that may include but are not limited to beautification projects, building façade improvements, recreational enhancements and accessibility, public safety and transportation.

Eligible applicants must serve Shirley, Indiana and nearby surrounding communities which may include but are not limited to Wilkinson, Knightstown, Charlottesville, Kennard, Carthage, Willow Branch, Greensboro, and Grant City.

For years, one of HCCF’s philanthropic roles has been to serve as a funder for charitable causes in the community. We are humbled by this role and honored to play a small part in the important work carried out by our tireless nonprofit leaders.

Over the years, this role has evolved to include offering support services specific to nonprofit needs, such as networking events and workshops, an online resource page, and a monthly newsletter.

During HCCF’s year-long strategic planning work in 2016, the board of directors determined it was time for the foundation’s grantmaking approach to grow to include a dedicated focus on capacity-building.

Capacity-building work is different from traditional responsive grantmaking in that it allows HCCF as a funder to engage with grantees on a deeper level. Instead of solely funding programs, capital improvements, or “things” through a grant cycle, capacity-building funding invests in the organizational health of our grant partners.

This addition necessitated creating a brand to encompass all this work into a cohesive nonprofit support initiative. To capture our intent to come alongside our grant partners and grow together in our effort to build a stronger Hancock County, we chose the name Partners in Excellence.

Partners in Excellence will continue the work we have been doing – workshops, online resources, annual responsive grant cycles – and it will include two new programs: the LevelUp Grant Program and Excellence Academy.

We look forward to this next step and the challenge to provide even stronger support to the organizations that do the hard work every day.

The LevelUp Grant Program’s goal is to support leaders so they can more effectively advance the mission and vision of their nonprofit organizations. LevelUp is an expression of HCCF’s profound respect and support for the nonprofit leaders who are doing the hard work that is vital to improving the quality of life in Hancock County.

LevelUp starts with a simple question: Where does your organization want to go, and what support and resources does it need to get there? The program engages executive directors, senior staff, and board members to think strategically about their goals and the skills, infrastructure, and organizational systems needed to carry out their work.

Program Structure

PLANNING

• Complete an application
• Complete a capacity assessment
• Complete a pre-survey for baseline
• Identify greatest opportunity for growth
• Select a consultant

GRANT

• Up to $15,000 grant to hire a consultant
• Complete post-survey as part of grant report

PEER LEARNING

• Bi-monthly roundtables with LevelUp grantees
• Discuss what is developing in organizations
• Share experience working with consultant

MENTOR

• Previous LevelUp grantees will attend roundtables
• Provide guidance and advice
• Serve as a sounding board

Focus Areas

The LevelUp Grant Program is designed to walk organizations through assessing their capacity in the following areas of organizational health, ultimately selecting one area to focus on taking to the next level under the guidance of a professional consultant.

• Mission & Strategy
• Board Development
• Financial Management
• Human Resources Management
• Fundraising & Donor Relations
• Program Outcome Measurement
• Governance & Administration
• Communications & Marketing
• Transition & Succession Planning
• Leadership & Organizational Culture

Eligibility

Participation in the LevelUp Grant Program is by invitation.

Eligible organizations must be public, tax-exempt organizations by Section 501(c)(3) of the IRS Code, who serve Hancock County and have received at least one previous grant from HCCF. LevelUp grantees will NOT be eligible for the Annual Grant Cycle for the year they are participating in the LevelUp Grant Program.

The Excellence Academy provides an in-depth curriculum and learning community for small and mid-size nonprofit organizations that serve Hancock County. Participants learn together about leadership, board engagement, resource development, and nonprofit management. Each session will cover questions such as:  

• What are the priorities, perspectives, and capabilities of successful nonprofit leaders?
• What are some great ways to recruit, prepare, and engage board members?
• What strategies and techniques can generate gifts and grants?
• What management practices lead to high performance across a nonprofit’s team?

Participation in the Excellence Academy Class of 2022 is by invitation.

Class of 2022 Portal (password protected)

Program Structure

• Five local nonprofit organizations (“Academy Owls”) will participate
• Half-day sessions quarterly in August, November, February, and May
• Classes led by Aspen Impact’s nonprofit consulting team
• In-depth curriculum and learning community
• $500 unrestricted grant each year throughout the three-year commitment
• Every three years, a cohort graduates and a new cohort begins

In each session, Academy Owls will discuss concepts together; ask challenging questions of each other; encourage each other; write and tell stories — real and imagined; and sketch diagrams about resources, processes, and possibilities.

Additional Details

There is no monetary cost to participate in the Excellence Academy. HCCF only asks for participants’ time and dedication to learning and growing. HCCF will make a $500 unrestricted grant to participating organizations each year throughout the three-year commitment.

Questions

Contact Katie Ottinger, Community Investment & Grants Officer, who can be reached at 317.462.8870 extension 233 or kottinger@giveHCgrowHC.org.

What is a grant?

For the purpose of Hancock County Community Foundation grants, a grant is a monetary award to a nonprofit organization for a specific project or purpose. Organizations interested in receiving a grant from Hancock County Community Foundation should read below to learn about eligibility and requirements for HCCF’s grants.  Grants are generated from endowment funds administered by HCCF.  To learn more about our many types of funds including Nonprofit Operating Funds, please click here.

How To Apply

The Community Foundation establishes an annual grantmaking program that is available on a competitive basis to qualified nonprofit organizations serving Hancock County. Each grant opportunity has its own criteria used to evaluate applications.

We welcome and encourage contact from organizations that are considering applying for a grant and are happy to clarify and respond to questions concerning policies, guidelines, or application procedures.

We require that organizations use the Community Foundation’s application forms. More information can be found on the Grant Opportunities tab.

HCCF Grantee Eligibility and Award Criteria

Due diligence is the process of review and assessment of an organization to determine grant eligibility. Grants will not be awarded from any fund type until HCCF staff completes due diligence to assure the below grantee eligibility and award criteria are followed. Each grant opportunity may have additional eligibility requirements and award criteria.

 Eligible Organizations:

• • A public, tax-exempt organization defined by Section 501(c)(3) of the IRS Code or a mutual benefit organization as defined by the IRS applying for a charitable purpose. Government agencies, municipalities, and churches are eligible under this requirement.
  • 501(c)(3) status is in good standing with the IRS, if appropriate.*
  • Must serve Hancock County
  • Must be in good standing with HCCF, meaning evaluation reports on all previous grants have been filed.

*Nonprofit status confirmed through GuideStar Charity Check and completed by HCCF Staff.

Grant Award Criteria:

• • The grant award supports a charitable purpose.
  • The grant award does not benefit the fund advisor(s) or members of the HCCF Grant Committee and Board of Directors.
  • The grant award does not fulfill a pledge.
  • To use funds granted solely for the stated purpose.
  • To repay any portion of the amount granted which is not used for the purpose of the grant or expended prior to the termination of the grant period.
  • To return any unspent funds if the grantee loses its exemption from federal income taxation as provided under Section 501 (c) (3) of the Internal Revenue Code.
  • To maintain program and financial records adequate to verify expenditures and activity related to the grant.
  • Submit a completed grant evaluation as outlined and described in the grant agreement.
  • To provide acknowledgement of Hancock County Community Foundation’s role in any publicity regarding the grant and to provide pictures of the project to HCCF.

Ineligible Organizations or Activities:

Applications for religious indoctrination or other religious activities, non-HCCF administered endowment building, deficit financing, fundraising, lobbying, electioneering, and activities of political nature will not be considered, nor will proposals for ads, sponsorships, and any proposals that discriminate as to race, gender, marital status, sexual preference, age, disability, creed or ethnicity.

Additionally, HCCF grants will not reimburse expenses committed for projects, programs, capital improvement, and/or equipment.

Exceptions:

In selected cases, projects undertaken by organizations that normally fall outside the above guidelines may be able to receive funding.  Examples include: religious organizations whose proposal impacts the broader community; or units of government whose proposal extends beyond the traditional governmental functions that impact the broader community.  No grants will be made solely to individuals, but can be made for the benefit of certain individuals for such purposes as scholarships and special programs through educational institutions and other sponsoring recipient organizations.

What does HCCF look for in a Grantee?

The Hancock County Community Foundation looks for grantees that align with our vision for Hancock County in which each person has the opportunity to pursue dreams, enjoy daily life, and invest in meaningful causes.

HCCF’s grant initiatives and opportunities change each year. We invite you to contact our office to learn about specific requirements and opportunities.

Grant Writing Tips

We strongly advise that you seek the assistance of the Hancock County Community Foundation staff if you have any questions or difficulties with the grant application process. We are here to help you with your grant application. Each grant opportunity may have additional grant writing tips for you to consider.

• • Include ALL required documentation with the Grant Proposal. Follow the instructions completely.
  • Keep a copy of your application for future reference. A copy of your application will always be available for your reference on our online grants portal.
  • Provide a reasonable, detailed budget of the project seeking funding. Grants Committee members will recognize under-budgeted or padded requests.
  • Do your homework on costs. Provide price lists or written estimates as attachments. Include competing estimates or bids if the work/project is to be contracted.
  • Statistics are helpful to justify your proposals, but statistics specific to Hancock County will provide better justification for funding. How many Hancock County residents will be served by your program? What is the source and relevance of your statistics?
  • Avoid jargon, abbreviations and acronyms. Ask someone who is not familiar with the project to read and critique your application. Will they be able to understand and clearly explain what your project is, the costs, the results of what you hope to achieve?

 Contact Information

Questions about grants should be directed to Katie Ottinger, Community Investment & Grants Officer, who can be reached at 317.462.8870 extension 233 or kottinger@giveHCgrowHC.org.

Reporting

The grantee must complete and submit to HCCF a Grant Evaluation Report based on the time frame outlined in the grant agreement document. Most HCCF grants require that the grant evaluation be submitted as soon as funds are expended or by the date given in the grant agreement based on the grant award date, whichever comes first. Failure to complete and submit the Grant Evaluation Report will have a negative impact on any future funding opportunities.

Please complete your grant report(s) from 2019-present through our online portal using the log-in information you established with the grant application. For previous years or if you have any questions about your account information, please contact Katie Ottinger at kottinger@givehcgrowhc.org or Carol Reynolds at creynolds@givehcgrowhc.org or call 317-462-8870.

Contact Information

Questions about grants should be directed to Katie Ottinger, Community Investment & Grants Officer, who can be reached at 317.462.8870 extension 233 or kottinger@giveHCgrowHC.org.

Heart for Hancock, a Community Relief Fund

The Hancock County Community Foundation, Inc. (HCCF) is prepared to respond to the rapidly developing situation in our community caused by COVID-19.

As the county’s lead charitable grantmaker, informant of community needs, and convener of funding resources, we ask you to join us in this effort by contributing to a new community relief fund.

Heart for Hancock is a fee-free pass-through fund, established by the HCCF Board of Directors, that will allow our foundation to quickly mobilize 100% of these charitable dollars to local organizations serving Hancock County.

HCCF is and will continue to gather intel and collaborate with other funders to make grants:

*Thoughtfully
*Effectively
*In coordination with others
*In recognition that there are limited resources and that this situation will have long reaching effects

Our generous community is asking, “How can I help?” This is a wonderful time to use your local community foundation as a reliable resource to assist organizations that are serving neighbors in distress.

Grants issued to date:

2020 Education Foundations

The Hancock County Community Foundation (HCCF) recently awarded grants totaling $20,000 from the Hancock County Enrichment Fund to the four county public school education foundations:  Eastern Hancock Education Foundation, Greenfield Central School Foundation, Mt. Vernon Education Foundation, and Southern Hancock Education Foundation. Greenfield Central School Foundation will use their funds specifically to provide equipment and promotional materials for STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering and Math) activities at the intermediate, junior high and high schools. The remaining three foundations will use their funding toward teacher grants programs where classroom teachers can apply for funding from the school foundation for projects, supplies and professional development opportunities.  Created by HCCF, the Enrichment Fund addresses a broad range of needs. The Enrichment Fund helps support long-term solutions; respond quickly to emergencies; and meet changing social, cultural, educational, and environmental needs in our local community.

2020 White Family Foundation Grants

The Hancock County Community Foundation (HCCF) recently awarded nine grants from the White Family Foundation Fund, a component fund of HCCF, totaling $24,993.00.  The following organizations received funding: 

The White Family Foundation Fund is a donor-advised fund of HCCF. Donor-advised funds allow donors to simplify and consolidate all their charitable giving and provides the family the opportunity to make grant recommendations from their fund to HCCF in order to address community needs. HCCF assures the charitable qualifications of recommended grantees and handles all the administration details. As a way to give back, the White Family supports initiatives that enhance the desire to live, work, and play in the communities where they have provided business services. They consider applicants through thoughtful conversation as a multi-generational family. Due to the difficult circumstances nonprofits are facing this year, the White family extended their grant cycle and allowed applications for general operating support for the 2020 grant cycle.

The family’s primary business interest includes Pride Investment Partners located in Greenfield.  Pride was formed following the sale of GasAmerica Services in 2012 and holds investments in a variety of areas throughout the Midwest including investments in retail – such as hotels, strip centers and retail stores – and in residential and commercial real estate.  Their latest venture included the opening of Leo’s Market & Eatery.  They continue to keep a solid focus on charitable giving within the family and operating businesses. 

2020 Women’s Fund of Hancock County Grant

In 2012, the Women’s Fund of Hancock County created a task force to consider women’s issues.  From that task force, the Women’s Resource Center was born and opened its doors in 2014.  After the 2018 Power of the Purse, the Women’s Fund Committee made the thoughtful decision to grant to the Women’s Resource Center for the next 3 years.  This decision is to ensure that the WRC continues to grow and be successful. 

The Women’s Fund of Hancock County was able to grant more than $23,000 to the Women’s Resource at the 2020 Virtual Power of the Philanthropic Purse Tea Party event on Saturday, August 1, 2020. We appreciate the work WRC is doing to help women get back on their feet and onto a life of self-sufficiency and economic empowerment.

2019 Annual Grant Cycle

In the Spring 2019 Annual Grant Cycle, HCCF granted $128,585.54 to 36 organizations serving Hancock County!

The cycle was open to any 501(c)3 organization serving Hancock County. The available grant categories were Strategic Operating Support, Program and Project Support, Capital Improvement, and Endowment-Building. The funds for this grant cycle came from a collection of HCCF’s unrestricted resources and field of interest funds.

For a complete list of grant recipients, click HERE.

2020 LevelUp Grants

The LevelUp Grant Program’s goal is to support leaders so they can more effectively advance the mission and vision of their nonprofit organizations. The program provides grantees up to $10,000 to hire a consultant to work on an area of organizations development. The program engages executive directors, senior staff, and board members to think strategically about their goals and the skills, infrastructure, and organizational systems needed to carry out their work. Learn more about LevelUp here.

Kenneth Butler Memorial Soup Kitchen hired Good Seeds, LLC to work on board development and engagement. The Landing hired Aspen Impact to develop a strategic plan.

For news about all of our awarded grants, please visit our Press Release page!

Contact Information

Questions about grants should be directed to Katie Ottinger, Community Investment & Grants Officer, who can be reached at 317.462.8870 extension 233 or kottinger@giveHCgrowHC.org.

Nonprofit Resources

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Are you thinking about starting a 501(c)3 nonprofit organization in Indiana? Check out our step-by-step guide for how to incorporate in Indiana and file for federal tax-exempt status.

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Contact Information

Questions about accessing this page should be directed to Katie Ottinger, Community Investment & Grants Officer, who can be reached at 317.462.8870 extension 233 or kottinger@giveHCgrowHC.org.