Hancock County Community Foundation (HCCF) Grant Opportunities

Annual Grant Cycle

Organizations MUST have attended a grant workshop on either 2/5/19 or 2/13/19 to be eligible to apply.  Register for a workshop here. 

This grant cycle offers tax-exempt 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. Only one (1) application from each organization will be considered.

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
6. If your organization received a Strategic Operating Support grant in 2018, you are not eligible to apply in this category in 2019.

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.

Click here to begin your 2019 application

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

1. Requests must be for $1,000 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 implementation of Mini Grant requests should fall outside the Annual Grant Cycle timeframe. Mini Grant requests received during the Annual Grant Cycle application cycle must either be 1) an emergency request where funding is needed immediately or 2) a request for a small, one-time project under $1,000.
5. Organizations may only receive one (1) Mini Grant 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 kottinger@givehcgrowhc.org to request an application.

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.

2018 and previous Spring Cycle, Animal Welfare, and White Family grant reports
2018 and previous 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.

2018 Connecting Community

HCCF issues grants from Connecting Community Fund

The Hancock County Community Foundation (HCCF) recently awarded $620 grants from the Connecting Community Fund, a component fund of HCCF, to four Hancock County organizations for 2019 activities. 

HCCF supports opportunities that encourage residents to enjoy community gathering spots and activities where people can play, eat, learn, and socialize.

New Palestine Main Street has plans to use the grant to help fund their upcoming Summerfest which will include a festival, 5k run, car show, free concert stage, entertainment, children’s play area, and fireworks on June 22, 2019. 

Fortville Action, Inc. will use their grant to help fund an ArtBattle and two other arts festivals this year, as well as a summer concert series at Landmark Park. 

Greenfield Main Street will use their grant to help fund the Shamrock the Block on March 15 and Boos and Brews on October 25 as well as expenses for a public Stellarbration Celebration later this year.

Shirley Community Visionaries will use their funds to help cover expenses for the Shirley Sounds of Summer Outdoor Concerts on the third Saturday of each month this summer. 

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.

2019 Mini-Grants

HCCF issues grants from Agricultural Heritage Fund

The Hancock County Community Foundation (HCCF) recently awarded two grants from the Agricultural Heritage Fund, a component fund of HCCF.

The Greenfield Central School Foundation received a $1,000 grant for the Greenfield-Central High School FFA to use for crop production practices, management and merchandising.

The Mt. Vernon Education Foundation received a $1,000 grant to expand the Mt. Comfort Elementary learning garden project. Funding from this grant also came from the Hancock County Enrichment Funds.

A member of HCCF’s Spirit of Community fund family, Agricultural Heritage Fund grants sustain the spirit and rich history of our agricultural heritage by supporting activities associated with agriculture education, youth organizations, and other related agriculture programs in Hancock County.

The Hancock County Enrichment Fund, created by HCCF, is a comprehensive, unrestricted fund that addresses a broad range of needs–including future needs that often cannot be anticipated at the time your gift is made. 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.

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.