Guidelines

We consider grant applications three times a year. Applications must be postmarked or received by the dates listed below:

Application Deadlines Grants Awarded
March 15                               April 15
July 15                                  August 15                            November 15                        December 15

Final Report Due
April 14 (1 yr later)
August 14 (1 yr later)
Dec. 14 (1 yr later)

The Community Foundation staff and the grants committee review all grant applications. Wabash County citizens, including Foundation board members, make up the grants committee.The Foundation will notify all applicants in writing regarding grant decisions. The Foundation makes grants with the understanding it has no obligation or commitment to provide additional support to grant recipients. All grants awarded are for a one-year period. Approved grants must be used within the grant period or funds will be forfeited.

The Community Foundation’s goal as a grant maker is to enrich the quality of life in Wabash County by responding to emerging and changing needs and by sustaining existing organizations and institutions. Our competitive grants program supports applications in the following categories:

• Arts & Culture
• Community & Civic Development
• Economic Development
• Education
• Environment
• Health & Human Service
• Recreation

The Community Foundation welcomes grant proposals from organizations serving Wabash County defined as tax exempt under Section 501(c)(3) of the Internal Revenue Service code or non-501(c)(3) organizations with charitable causes. Faith-based organizations may apply for program funding provided there are no requirements to participate in religious instruction and/or take part in religious activities.

National organizations (except for local chapters serving Wabash County), annual fund campaigns, and programs or products produced for resale are NOT ELIGIBLE for funding through the Foundation’s grant program.

Grant recipients must complete the following requirements to remain in good standing with the Foundation. Grant recipients must:

• Sign and return the grant agreement that accompanies the approval letter. Funds will not be disbursed until a completed grant agreement is on file.
• Submit a final narrative and financial report at the end of the grant period (Within one year from the grant approval date).
• Return unspent money in an amount equal to or greater than 5% of the total grant money to the Community Foundation. Grant recipients can spend a lesser amount of unspent grant money for purposes consistent with the grant, with permission from Foundation staff. These grant recipient must be account for these expenses in the financial section of the final report.

The Foundation periodically reviews grant awards and may require evaluation report(s) from some grant recipients.The Foundation asks grant recipients to recognize funding from the Community Foundation of Wabash County in grant-related publicity materials (programs, press releases, electronic, communications, etc.).

• Program Focus: The proposed program or project provides a service or opportunity or addresses a need that is widely agreed upon within the community as being significant or important.
• Program Design: The proposed program is a logical and reasonable response to the issue or need and is likely to produce the desired results.
• Benefits: The unique benefits are clearly statements.
• Reach: The number of people likely to benefit from the program justifies its cost.
• Organizational Profile: The program is consistent with the mission, purpose and expertise of the organization. The proposal shows the grant applicant is aware of other organizations providing similar programs. The organization must be in good standing* with the Foundation.

• Organizational Focus: The organization provides a service or addresses a need that is well documented and widely agreed upon within the community as being significant or important.
• Effectiveness: The proposed activity will strengthen the ability of the organization to carry out its mission by enhancing its core skills and capabilities.
• Organizational Profile: The organization is in good standing* with the Community Foundation grants program.

*Good standing means that the organization has submitted reports from previous grants and has returned unused portions of grants in accordance with the stated guidelines.

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For grant-related questions, contact Executive Assistant Laura Hand by phone at 260-982-4824 or by email at This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it .

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