Hancock County Community Foundation (HCCF) 2018 Grant Opportunities

Spring Grant Cycle

This grant cycle will offer 501(c)3 nonprofit organizations four types of grant opportunities to address different areas of need in their operations, programming, capital, and sustainability. Organizations may submit up to one (1) application in any or all of the four categories between February 5 and March 29, 2018.

Strategic Operating Support Funding

1. A grant to help nonprofits formulate and/or implement resource development efforts for a strategic purpose as it relates to their operations.
2. Examples of eligible Strategic Operating Support Funding proposals include but are not limited to:
   1. Fundraising: Includes costs associated with developing a fundraising plan, executing an annual campaign, etc.
   2. Marketing: Includes development of new marketing materials, website design, advertising, social media enhancement, etc.
   3. Staff, Board, and Volunteers: Includes capacity-building efforts associated with staff training and development (ex. conference or workshop), internship program development and hiring, board training, volunteer recruitment and training, and strategic plan development. Staff salaries will only be considered with proof of program enhancement and must be accompanied by a written sustainability plan.
   4. Technology: Includes information technology support, website maintenance, etc. Does not include purchase of equipment (see Capital Improvement).
3. Requests for cost of office space rent, utilities, travel expenses, and staff benefits will not be considered.
4. Maximum request: $10,000
5. No minimum request
6. Once an organization has received an HCCF Strategic Operating Support Funding grant, they will not be eligible to apply for another HCCF Strategic Operating Support Funding grant the next year. They may apply for other Annual Grant Opportunities or during additional HCCF grant cycles in that time period.

Program & Project Support Funding

1. A grant to support or expand an existing charitable program/project or to create and launch a new charitable program/project.
2. Maximum request: $10,000
3. No minimum request

Capital Improvement Funding

1. 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.
2. Maximum request: $10,000
3. Minimum request: $500

Endowment-Building Match Funding

1. A grant given to seed an agency endowment with HCCF that will provide perpetual operating support for the organization or to build an existing agency endowment with HCCF.
2. Seed grants for new agency endowment funds:
   1. Maximum request: $10,000
   2. Minimum request: $7,500
   3. Award must be matched 1-to-1 by the organization in order to receive grant.
3. Funds to build existing endowment fund:
   1. Maximum request: $10,000
   2. No minimum request
   3. Award must be matched 1-to-1 by the organization in order to receive grant.

This application is now closed

 

White Family Foundation Grant Cycle

The purpose of the White Family Foundation Fund, a fund of the Hancock County Community Foundation, 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 projects 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.

Apply Now

 

Mini Grant Requests

Grant requests up to $1,000 that are received outside the 2018 Grant Opportunities defined above will be reviewed by staff and shared with the Grant Committee. These grants are designed to support one-time immediate needs that come up outside our regular grant cycles.

To request more information about the Mini Grant Opportunity, please contact Katie Ottinger, using the contact information below.

 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.

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. Current HCCF grant opportunities can be found here.

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 origination defined by Section 501(c)(3) of the IRS Code.* Government agencies, municipalities, and churches are eligible under this requirement.
• 501(c)(3) status is in good standing with the IRS.**
• Must serve Hancock County
• Must be in good standing with HCCF, meaning evaluation reports on all previous grants have been filed.

*Exception – If you do not have a 501(c)(3) status, you may enter into an agreement with a qualified non-profit that will act as your fiscal sponsor.

**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 unexpended 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 which 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.
  • Provide a reasonable, detailed budget of the project seeking funding. Grant 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 also 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.

For grants received in 2017, the Grant Evaluation Report is available online here: https://goo.gl/tChbNt. The following is the reporting due date schedule for grants received in 2017:

• If your organization received a grant between January 1, 2017 and July 31, 2017, the Grant Evaluation Report is due by July 31, 2018.
• If your organization received a grant between August 1, 2017 and December 31, 2017, the Grant Evaluation Report is due by December 31, 2018.

For grants received in 2016, the Grant Evaluation Report is overdue, and is available here: https://goo.gl/tChbNt.

For grants received in 2015, the Grant Evaluation Report is overdue, and is available here: https://goo.gl/l3XUoH.

Please remember, the Grant Evaluation Reports can be submitted as soon as the grant dollars are expended.

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.

Big Impact Grants

In celebration of its 25th anniversary, the Hancock County Community Foundation (HCCF) invited organizations to apply for a $25,000 grant for a program, project or capital improvement project that will have a positive impact on the Hancock County community. All 501(c)(3) organizations serving Hancock County were invited to apply in March, including but not limited to organizations providing human services, animal care, quality of life, and arts and cultural enhancement. On December 2, 2017, HCCF awarded three organizations Big Impact grants of $25,000 each. Three additional finalists were awarded $2500 each. Congratulations to the $25,000 award winning programs!

Organization: Crossroads of America Council, Boy Scouts of America
Program or Project Title: Career Exploring
Funds for: New Exploring Posts: 3 New in 2018 & 2 New in 2019

Career Exploring is a hands-on, real-world career exploration program for young men and women, ages 14 through 20. Exploring units have a focus on a single career field, such as police, fire/rescue, health, law, aviation, and engineering. Career Exploring, backed by an organization with 100+ years mentoring young people, will focus on workplace readiness for Hancock County young adults.

 

Organization: FUSE
Program or Project Title: Social Skills Development Program
Funds for: Program Expansion for After School (Grades 3-6) and County Wide

Students in grades 3 to 6 will receive direct instruction in the universal skills that all children need to have successful social interactions with their peers, teachers and neighbors. This program will provide the foundational skills children need during their school years and will enhance their ability to interact with others appropriately as they leave school to enter the work force or go to college, and as they establish their own households and families as adults.

 

Organization: Hancock County Senior Services
Program or Project Title: County Survey & Saturday Service Pilot
Funds for: Research and & Saturday Service Pilot

Hancock County Senior Services’ (HCSS) project has a goal to improve the county’s public transportation system. Any resident of Hancock County is eligible to use the public system, Hancock Area Rural Transit (HART). There are two parts that would work in tandem for this project. One part is a communitywide transportation survey and part two is a Saturday Service Pilot.

Programs receiving $2500 grants include Gleaners Food Bank of Indiana for their Healthy Food For Families program, United Way of Central Indiana for the launch of Center for Financial Empowerment in Hancock County (grant declined), and Weir Cook Memorial Project for their Col. H. Weir Cook Hancock County Veteran Center and Museum.

2017 Community Impact Grant

In order to continue the work of the Hancock County Community Foundation’s Celebrating Communities Initiative, HCCF invited entities to apply for a $25,000 grant that will enhance the Community’s assets and have a broad impact on the Community’s population.

We are SO excited to announce that in June we awarded the largest one-time gift in HCCF history! We are thrilled that all seven Hancock County municipalities came together to partner with the Hancock County Plan Commission and Hancock Regional Hospital Foundation to submit a proposal for a new, COUNTY-WIDE trails plan! We cannot wait to see the trails plan that will connect our entire county and enhance life in these great communities!  Cities and towns included: Greenfield, Fortville, McCordsville, Cumberland, New Palestine, Wilkinson and Shirley.

2017 White Family Foundation

The purpose of the White Family Foundation Fund, a fund of the Hancock County Community Foundation, 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:

Frenzy Animal Rescue Spay, neuter and medical needs $3,000.00
Knightstown Main Street Inc. Downtown beautification $1,500.00
Nameless Creek Youth Camp, Inc. Piece by Piece, completion of The Lodge at Nameless Creek Camp $2,000.00
Jane Ross Reeves Octagon House Foundation Community kitchen $5,430.00
The Landing Place Program expansion $3,000.00
Town of Kennard Town beautification $1,800.00
Town of Wilkinson Wilkinson Volunteer Fire Dept $4,000.00
Eastern Hancock Aquatic Club Eastern Hancock Swimming and Diving Equipment $2,000.00
Knightstown Board of Park and Recreation Playground Equipment Restoration $1,000.00
Greenfield Main Street Downtown Placemaking Blitz $1,200.00

2018 Mini-Grants

The Hancock County Community Foundation (HCCF) recently awarded the Exchange Club of Hancock County a grant from the W. H. and Lola Reason Endowment for Patriotism Fund, a component fund of HCCF. Established to celebrate the lives of William and Lola Reason, this fund supports programs and initiatives in an effort to educate the youth of Hancock County about the sacrifices men and women made in protecting the United States during World War II.

The $650 grant will purchase 38 flag kits on a Field of Honor at the Indianapolis Regional Airport in Mt. Comfort. In June 2018, the Exchange Club of Hancock County will be posting nearly 1,000 3’x5’ American flags to honor police officers, firefighters, paramedics, dispatchers, and current and past military members in appreciation of their service.

The Exchange Club of Hancock County is offering sponsorships to those who wish to honor these servicemen and women. The program is open to all of Central Indiana with emphasis on local heroes. The purpose of this display is to share the commitment of serving with parents, children, and grandchildren of those service people.

Currently there are 650 Exchange clubs throughout the United States and Puerto Rico with approximately 19,000 members. The programs of service include community service, youth projects, and Americanism. Since 1979, the major project has been the prevention of child abuse. The focus of the Exchange Club is to follow the mission of the National Exchange Club, and to make the community a better place to live. For the third year, the Hancock County Exchange Club has received the National Service award. The 14 projects completed in the past year have touched more than 500 Hancock County residents.

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HCCF issues grant for playground equipment

The Hancock County Community Foundation (HCCF) recently awarded McCordsville United Methodist Church a grant from the Hancock County Enrichment Fund, a component fund of HCCF. Created by HCCF, the Enrichment Fund is a comprehensive, unrestricted fund that addresses a broad range of needs, including future needs that often cannot be anticipated. It helps support long-term solutions, respond quickly to emergencies, and meet changing social, cultural, educational, and environmental needs in the community.

The $1,000 grant will help fund Matthew’s Memorial Playground, a larger playground to meet the needs of the McCordsville community. The estimated cost of the project is $30,000 with commercial equipment that will last for many years.

The McCordsville UMC congregation lost 7-year-old Matthew Clegg in 2016 to sudden illness. The playground project is a way to remember him and to heal from his tragic loss. The goal is to dedicate the playground on June 7, 2018, which would have been Matthew’s tenth birthday.

The mission of the McCordsville United Methodist Church is to offer help and care to all the people in need, especially those in their community, and to reflect the love and compassion of Jesus Christ in all they do.

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The Hancock County Community Foundation (HCCF) recently awarded the Hancock County Children’s Choir a grant from the Arts and Culture Endowment and Hancock County Enrichment Funds, component funds of HCCF. The Arts and Culture Fund is a member of the Spirit of Community fund family created to strengthen and enrich growth in the areas of performing, visual and oratorical arts in our community.  Created by HCCF, the Enrichment Fund is a comprehensive, unrestricted fund that addresses a broad range of needs, including future needs that often cannot be anticipated. It helps support long-term solutions, respond quickly to emergencies, and meet changing social, cultural, educational, and environmental needs in our community.

The $1000 grant will fund their Outreach and Financial Assistance Program, providing participation subsidies for socio-economically disadvantaged youth and for families experiencing short-term financial hardship.

Hancock County Children’s Choir is a choral performance and education program dedicated to create musical opportunities for youth through the performance of a variety of musical literature: classical, cross-cultural, folk, patriotic, pop, sacred, and secular genres of music. Students in the choir are taught vocal production, diction, music theory, music history and appreciation, poise, stage presence, public speaking, and etiquette. The choir’s interactive programs instill valuable life skills, challenging students to learn, grow, mature, develop self-confidence, and have an expanded view of future opportunities.

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.

Celebrating Communities Grant Projects

Historical Overview

2017

We are SO excited to announce that in June we awarded the largest one-time gift in HCCF history! We are thrilled that all seven Hancock County municipalities came together to partner with the Hancock County Plan Commission and Hancock Regional Hospital Foundation to submit a proposal for a new, COUNTY-WIDE trails plan! We cannot wait to see the trails plan that will connect our entire county and enhance life in these great communities!  Cities and towns included: Greenfield, Fortville, McCordsville, Cumberland, New Palestine, Wilkinson and Shirley.

2016

In 2016, HCCF granted a total of $65,000 to seven communities in Hancock County; Cumberland, Fortville, Greenfield, McCordsville, New Palestine, Shirley, and Wilkinson. Grants assisted these communities to complete projects that would enhance and enrich the quality of their community.

List of 2016 Celebrating Community Grants:

Town of Cumberland Unified Signage in Cumberland $4050
Town of Fortville Exterior Signs on the Fortville Community Center Building $4440
Town of Fortville Unified Signage in Fortville $4050
City of Greenfield Light Pole Banners $1500
City of Greenfield Interactive Art at North Street Living Alley $4000
Greenfield Parks & Recreation Second Pennsy Trail History Panel $4910
Greenfield Parks & Recreation Reading with Riley Statue $3000
Town of Wilkinson Town Speed Monitor Trailer $5000
Town of McCordsville Unified Signage in McCordsville $4050
Town of New Palestine Functional Street Art (Bike Racks) $8000
Shirley Centennial & Historic Society Replace old playground equipment & Refurbish the Octagon House $10000

2015

In 2015, HCCF granted a total of $65,000 to eight communities in Hancock County; Charlottesville, Cumberland, Fortville, Greenfield, McCordsville, New Palestine, Shirley, and Wilkinson. Grants assisted these communities to complete projects that would enhance and enrich the quality of their community.

List of 2015 Celebrating Community Grants:

Town of Cumberland Tennis Court Repairs in Lions Park $6855
Town of Fortville Acoustic Work in Community Center Gym $9500
Town of McCordsville McCordsville Town Hall Park $8300
Town of New Palestine Trails and Alternative Transportation Plan $7675
Town of Wilkinson Merry-Go-Round in Weir Cook Community Park $6300
Greenfield Main Street Painted Mural Along Pennsy Trail $2000
Greenfield Parks & Recreation Bicentennial History Panel $6000
Charlottesville Lions Club Replace Siding on Charlottesville Lions Club Building $9670

2014

In 2014, HCCF engaged the consulting services of Ball State University’s Primacy of Place.  In total, 18 meetings were held throughout the county to gather the input of community members.  We celebrated community assets, identified what makes each community authentic and unique, and learned about short and long-term dreams.

2013

In 2013, HCCF embarked upon a listening tour.   We learned that citizens of Hancock County towns and their surrounding communities are very involved in efforts to revitalize, enhance, and beautify…each in its own way and at its own pace.  We identified the benefit of communication between communities to share information and resources, but a forum for doing so had not been identified.  Above all, we determined that we wanted to help community efforts with responsible grantmaking, but needed to know more about how to prioritize funding with limited resources.

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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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.