Hancock County Community Foundation (HCCF) Grant Opportunities

Annual Grant Cycle

This grant cycle offers 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 one (1) application in one of the following areas from February 1 to March 22:

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:
   • Fundraising: Includes costs associated with developing a fundraising plan, executing an annual campaign, etc.
   • Marketing: Includes development of new marketing materials, website design, advertising, social media enhancement, etc.
   • 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.
   • 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. These funds are not meant to sustain recurring operating costs from year to year.
4. Maximum request: $10,000
5. Minimum request: $1,000

Program & Project Support Funding

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

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

Capital Improvement Funding

A grant to support 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.

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

Endowment-Building Match Funding

A grant to seed a new agency endowment with HCCF that will provide perpetual operating support for the organization.

1. Request amount: $7,500
2. Award must be matched 1-to-1 in order to receive grant.
3. Organization must be in conversation with HCCF’s development team to apply for this grant.

This application will open February 2019

This application will open February 1, 2019

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.

This application will open March 11, 2019

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.

Connecting Community Grants

The purpose of the Connecting Community Fund is to encourage residents to meet each other, socialize, and enjoy nature in public places.

Funding considerations may include but are not limited to:
• Entertainment opportunities like community concerts, art exhibitions, movies, outdoor public instruments
• Pop-up events like community arts and crafts activities, food tasting, garden parties
• Fellowship activities like community picnics, ice cream socials, walks, dances, game tournaments, outdoor public game boards
• Components of area festivals that build local relationships

Maximum request is $1,000 per organization. This is a rolling grant cycle that will remain open for the remainder of 2018. Funds will be awarded on a first-come, first-served basis until the fund balance is depleted and will open again in 2019.

If you believe your organization has a project or an idea that would meet the spirit of this fund, 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.

2018 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. These are the true attributes of the woman whom the award honors. The award recipient will select a Hancock County nonprofit organization or agency to receive a $1,000 grant in his or her name, donated by the Hancock County 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.

This application is now closed

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 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.

Spring Cycle, Animal Welfare, and White Family grant reports
Mini Grant report
Overdue grant reports from 2015 and 2016
Big Impact and Community Impact grant reports – coming soon

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.

2018 Spring and Animal Welfare Grant Cycles

This spring, HCCF granted $175,785.42 to more than 40 organizations serving Hancock County!

The 2018 Spring Grant 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. This grant cycle had a total of $128,532.42 available to grant from a collection of HCCF’s unrestricted resources and field of interest funds.

The 2018 Animal Welfare Grant Cycle was open to four domestic animal welfare organizations in Hancock County – Frenzy Animal Rescue, Greenfield Hancock Animal Management, Hancock County Humane Society, and Partners for Animal Welfare (PAWS). These organizations were invited to apply for Program and Project Support and Capital Improvement. This grant cycle was funded by three donor-founded field of interest funds dedicated to the care of domestic animals. Collectively, these organizations received $47,253 from these animal welfare field of interest funds:

• The William Harold and Mary Katherine Kingery Friends of Domestic Animals Endowment Fund
• Animal Welfare Fund of Hancock County
• Sharon Yates Endowment Fund for the Care of Animals

To see a list of all grantees from these cycles, please click here.

2018 Women’s Fund of Hancock County Grants

Members of the Women’s Fund of Hancock County were invited to nominate an organization that has a program that invests in a woman’s journey to self-sufficiency so she can best support and/or sustain herself and her family. Of those nominees, three eligible nominated organizations were randomly selected to receive grant funding. Each member could vote for one organization, and the funds were distributed at the Power of the Purse event on August 23 based on the percentage of votes received.

White Family Foundation Grants

The Hancock County Community Foundation (HCCF) recently awarded six grants from the White Family Foundation Fund, a component fund of HCCF, totaling $25,000.  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.

Stephanie White-Longworth and Keith White, previous owners of GasAmerica Services, Inc., lead the family’s philanthropic efforts. They now own Pride Investment Partners, LLC (formerly K&S Holdings, LLC), which is operating under a corporate brand reflecting the company’s growth in real estate and private equity investments. Since 2012, Pride Investment Partners has operated out of Greenfield with a variety of investments throughout Indiana and Ohio, including investments in retail – such as hotels, strip centers and retail stores – and in residential and commercial real estate.

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.

Last June, we awarded the largest one-time gift in HCCF history. 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.

2018 Connecting Community

HCCF Issues Connecting Community Grant

The Hancock County Community Foundation (HCCF) recently awarded the Hancock County Historical Society a grant from the Connecting Community Fund, a component fund of HCCF. The $1,000 grant allowed the Historical Society to bring the Sammy Terry Show to the HJ Ricks Centre for the Performing Arts in Greenfield.

The event took place on Oct. 6, and the evening of listening to the Sammy Terry character reminisce about his TV run included a costume contest and a viewing of the 1968 classic, “Night of the Living Dead” movie.

Created by HCCF, the Connecting Community Fund is a fund that provides support to opportunities that encourage residents to meet each other, socialize, and enjoy nature in public places.

HCCF Partners with Fellow Funders to Bring Newest Mural to Greenfield

The Hancock County Community Foundation (HCCF) recently established the Hancock County Mural Fund as a vehicle to receive gifts to support murals and art projects throughout the community. HCCF’s $5,000 grant combined with gifts from fellow funders supported the first benefactor of the fund, Greenfield’s newest hand-painted mural. The mural captures the elements of the James Whitcomb Riley poem titled “A Barefoot Boy.” The internationally acclaimed artist, Andrew Heim, did his homework to bring the boy and his friends to life.

“I gravitated towards barefoot boy out of the rest (of the poems) because it resonated with me. I could relate with the boy because I was always a kid who didn’t have a care in the world, always the first to jump out of my Dad’s car, shoeless, to the park and beach. I loved jumping into the water and trying to swim for hours, getting lost and having my parents look frantically for me. I guess every boy could relate to this poem in some shape or form.”

While the mural committee asked that Heim incorporate more children into the mural to emphasize a sense of community, he shared, “I wanted the mural to showcase the boy. I wanted him to have the spotlight. I knew adding two other figures could take away from that spotlight, so the solution for me was to lower the lighting and change the hue so they weren’t fighting for attention. I wanted the first read of the mural to be strictly on the boy because he is the star of the poem. The other figures are just there to support the main character, not to distract from him. The background is inspired by the creek at Pennsy Trail. I wanted to stay true to the colors of the water and the color of the trees, but I wanted to push the stylization of the shapes and make them more playful.”

The mural, completed on September 19, is located on the west wall of 20 W. Main St., adjacent to the North Street Living Alley. HCCF awarded a $1,000 “Connecting Communities” grant to the City of Greenfield to support a pop-up event called “Rock Party” on September 21. People of all ages decorated and painted the creek bed rocks to adorn the base of the mural. Face painting, selfies, and refreshments complimented the fun. Mural visitors are invited to take a rock as a souvenir during Riley Days.

2018 Unified Signage

HCCF Celebrates County Schools with Uniform Signage Grants

The Hancock County Community Foundation (HCCF) awarded the Greenfield-Central Community School Corporation a grant of $15,000 to place identification signage at the school district boundaries. The school system completed the placement of 12 signs this fall with the help of the grant.

In 2017, Mt. Vernon Schools inspired this HCCF initiative when they partnered with the Towns of Fortville, McCordsville, and Cumberland to install signage across the school district. Both new and replacement signs were designed with the help of an HCCF grant. The signage celebrates the school and the communities it serves.

This spring, HCCF invited Eastern Hancock, Greenfield-Central, and Southern Hancock schools to do the same.

“All schools shared their appreciation for the design of the Mt. Vernon school signs and will use the same concept for the sake of uniformity,” says Mary Gibble, HCCF president. “To further the impact, an additional panel will be added proclaiming ‘A Proud Part of Hancock County.’”

HCCF has earmarked $30,000 in 2019 for Eastern Hancock and Southern Hancock schools to install uniform signage.

2018 Mini-Grants

HCCF Announces Youth Philanthropy Award Recipient

The Hancock County Community Foundation is honored to announce the 2018 Martha Beckenholdt Youth Philanthropy Award recipient, Rachel Bates of New Palestine High School. 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. These are the true attributes of the woman whom the award honors.

Each year, the award recipient selects a Hancock County nonprofit organization or agency to receive a $1,000 grant, donated by the Hancock County Community Foundation, in his or her name. Bates chose the Hancock County 4-H Agricultural Association to receive this year’s grant. A presentation of the award to Bates and the check to the 4-H Agricultural Association took place Nov. 6 at New Palestine High School.

The applicants for this award each gathered a letter of recommendation from a local nonprofit leader or Hancock County high school staff member. Bates’ recommender was a teacher who spoke highly of her strong work ethic, enthusiasm toward her work and strength of character. Bates has been involved in show choir, track and field, 4-H, church activities, AWANA student leadership and has volunteered for a variety of community service opportunities.

The recipient of the 2018 award was chosen via a two-step process. The blinded applications were evaluated first by HCCF staff who used a scoring rubric to narrow the field to four finalists. These finalists then were interviewed by the HCCF Y-GIVE Board consisting of four members from each of the four county public high schools. The interviews were conducted in a round-robin format with a scoring rubric. The Y-GIVE Board then met privately to discuss their scorings and determine the recipient. This format gave the applicants an opportunity to practice their interview skills. It also gave the Y-GIVE Board training in best-practices for conducting interviews, using rubrics and making difficult decisions as a group.

HCCF Issues grant to Town of Spring Lake

The Hancock County Community Foundation (HCCF) recently awarded the Town of Spring Lake a grant from the Hancock County Enrichment Fund, a component funds of HCCF. The $1,000 grant will help the town pay for a valve in the small dam that controls the water level of Spring Lake. The installation of a new valve will help preserve and maintain the prosperity of the lake for all that it serves.

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.

HCCF issues grant for I CAN program

The Hancock County Community Foundation (HCCF) recently awarded the Hancock County Extension Homemakers a grant from the Hancock County Enrichment and Humanitarian Endowment Funds, component funds of HCCF. The $550 grant will allow them to conduct the I CAN program, which consists of classes over the course of four weeks for skills such as crocheting, painting on canvas, feeding a family of four for less than $125 and making homemade bread. Each class is hands-on with participants trying all the different skills. Participants will receive a recipe book, meal planning notebook, stainless steel bowl, wooden spoon, skein of yard, crochet hook and the canvas they create.

These classes fit with the Homemakers Creed: “We believe in the present and its opportunities, in the future and its promises, in everything that makes life large and lovely, in the divine joy of living and helping others, and so we endeavor to pass onto others that which has benefited us, striving to go onward and upward, reaching the pinnacle of economic perfection, in improving, enlarging and endearing the greatest institution in the world – the home.”

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 Humanitarian Endowment Fund is a member of the Spirit of Community fund family, with grants supporting physical and mental health, rehabilitative services, and crisis intervention. It also promotes housing and shelter services, services supporting the elderly, youth, families, and people with disabilities, economically disadvantaged, minorities, and other special groups in Hancock County.

HCCF issues grant to American Military Heritage Foundation

The Hancock County Community Foundation (HCCF) recently awarded the American Military Heritage Foundation (AMHF) a grant from the Hancock County Enrichment Fund, a component fund of HCCF. The $1,000 grant will allow AMHF to continue its re-branding process by paying for attorney’s fees for the application of a new trademark set for the organization and aircraft.

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 AMHF is dedicated to flying, maintaining, and restoring a rare 1945 Lockheed PV-2 Harpoon aircraft. Approximately 1,000 Hancock County or central Indiana residents visit the aircraft annually through school tours, various events held at the Indianapolis Regional Airport, and private requests.

HCCF issues grant to the Town of Cumberland

The Hancock County Community Foundation (HCCF) recently awarded The Town of Cumberland 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 grant for $1000 will help the Town of Cumberland create a plaque for the dedication of the new Buck Creek Trail System which connects almost all of the neighborhoods in Cumberland.

The mission of the Town of Cumberland is to make the town the best it can be for their residents. By connecting their neighborhoods, they hope to have a more involved and closer community that gets out and explores what the town has to offer. They also hope this new trail system will lead to better health for their community members.

HCCF issues grant for College and Career Fair marketing

The Hancock County Community Foundation (HCCF) recently awarded Hancock County Leaders in Navigating Knowledge (LINK) 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 grant for $1,000 will assist LINK in marketing the September 10 College and Career Expo through the purchase of materials such as signs, banners, and flags. The College and Career Expo provides information for those going to college and those interested in going directly into the workforce.

LINK’s mission is to provide unlimited information and resources to students and adults who have a desire to go to college, return to college, or better themselves in their chosen career field. LINK strives for every person to have unlimited access to educational resources for college, career, and individual success. LINK is a guidance counselor for adults as well as an extension of the high school guidance counselors.

HCCF issues grant for homeschool robotics team

The Hancock County Community Foundation (HCCF) recently awarded Cornerstone Robotics 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 grant for $500 will help the homeschool robotics team add a high school team. In the 2017-18 school year, Hancock County had its first Cornerstone Robotics team, 323A Apex, which achieved success at the state championships and at VEX Worlds. They plan to continue Apex as a middle school VEX IQ team and to expand the program by adding a second team that will compete in the high school VEX Robotics Competition program.

Cornerstone Robotics is a homeschool robotics program with teams throughout central Indiana and across the state that compete in VEX Robotics. It is the mission of Cornerstone Robotics Academy, Inc. (“Cornerstone”) to promote science, technology, engineering and math (“STEM”) education through the use of robotics. Cornerstone Robotics accomplishes this through organizing robotics competitions, as well as mentoring, coaching and running competitive robotics teams for homeschool students.

HCCF issues grant to update accounting system

The Hancock County Community Foundation (HCCF) recently awarded Family Voices Indiana a grant from the Strong Families and Youth Fund, a component fund of HCCF. A member of HCCF’s Spirit of Community fund family, grants support programs that proactively strengthen and grow our youth and encourage the betterment of our families in Hancock County.

The grant for $650 will help Family Voices Indiana purchase an updated accounting software and engage an accountant to review and update their financial systems.

The mission of Family Voices Indiana is to equip and support families with children and youth experiencing complex care needs or disabilities. They do this by providing information, training and one-on-one support to these families and the professionals who serve them. They are the state affiliate organization for Family Voices (www.familyvoices.org), serve as Indiana’s Family-to-Family Health Information Center (F2FHIC) and are recognized as a partner and collaborator by state agencies and community organizations. FV Indiana provided one-on-one support to more than 50 Hancock County families in 2017.

HCCF partners with HHF for United Way project

The Hancock County Community Foundation (HCCF) recently partnered with the Hancock Health Foundation to award a grant of $2,490.08 to United Way of Central Indiana for a Hancock County Community Services Guide. This guide is designed to be a general community directory of health and human services, as well as a resource for people in need and those who help them.

The updated guide will be released later this year. The guide was last updated and printed in 2015.

The mission of United Way of Central Indiana is to fight for the education, financial stability, health and basic needs of every person in every community in Central Indiana.

HCCF awards grant to Shirley Police Department

The Hancock County Community Foundation (HCCF) recently awarded a grant for $1,000 to the Shirley Police Department to purchase new decals for their vehicles. The sight of a marked police car, even with just decals, can immediately indicate that an officer is on duty. They promote a sense of police presence and safety in the communities.

This grant was made 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 mission of the Shirley Police Department is to ensure a safer community by reducing crime, establishing relationships with the residents of the town and the county, enforcing the law while preserving the peace, and to adorn the quality of life for the residents of Shirley, Ind. and the surrounding communities.

HCCF issues grant to improve technology

The Hancock County Community Foundation (HCCF) recently awarded Alternatives Incorporated 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 grant for $1,000 will help Alternatives to upgrade their technology and equipment in the board room of their main office. They use that space for staff and community partners training and for staff and board meetings, as well as meetings with collaborators.

HCCF issues grant for foster child mentoring program

The Hancock County Community Foundation (HCCF) recently awarded Royal Family Kids a grant from the Prevent Child Abuse Endowment Fund, a component fund of HCCF. The Prevent Child Abuse Fund provides funding for support, prevention, and education programs for issues surrounding child abuse, domestic violence, and/or family nurturing.

The grant for $1,000 will help fund a one-on-one mentoring follow-up program as a support for the work that is done at Royal Family Kids Camp each summer.  Mentors will meet with campers a minimum of six hours each month and attend a club meeting one Saturday of each month. The one-on-one experience will provide the campers with direct attention by a devoted guide. Their time is spent reading, catching up on homework, talking about their life experiences at school and in the foster home, and just having fun going on outings.

The vision of the Royal Family Kids program is to impact the nightmare of child abuse and neglect in this area by providing a one week summer camp and a nine month mentoring program to as many abused and neglected children as possible. They have been operating the Central Indiana camp for 17 years.

HCCF issues grant for backpack storage

The Hancock County Community Foundation (HCCF) recently awarded Mental Health Partners of Hancock County a grant from the Humanitarian Endowment Fund, a component fund of HCCF. A member of the Spirit of Community fund family, this fund supports physical and mental health, rehabilitative services, and crisis intervention. It also promotes housing and shelter services, services supporting the elderly, youth, families, and people with disabilities, economically disadvantaged, minorities, and other special groups in Hancock County.

The grant for $713.25 will purchase shelving for supplies for Navigation Backpacks (previously Backpacks of Hope), now a program of Mental Health Partners. The purpose of this program is to distribute backpacks filled with personal care items to those in need.

The mission of Mental Health Partners is to collaborate with community partners to promote mental wellness and fight addiction. Mental Health Partners helps residents with counseling, suicide prevention training and support group. They also serve as a liaison in Mental Health Court in Hancock County Courts and helps area residents in need by assisting them with completing assistance applications.

HCCF issues grant for flags

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.

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.

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

Last June, we awarded the largest one-time gift in HCCF history. 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.

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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.