Grant Guidelines
The Community Foundation of Wabash County, Inc. considers grant applications three times a year. Applications must be postmarked or received by the dates listed below.
Application Deadline
March 15
July 15
November 15 |
Grants Awarded
April 15
August 15
December 15 |
The Community Foundation staff and the grants committee review all grant applications. The grants committee is made up of citizens of Wabash County including Community Foundation board members.
All grant applicants will be notified in writing with respect to grant decisions. Applicants whose proposals are denied will receive a written explanation of the basis for the denial.
Most grants are one-year awards. All grants of more than one year are subject to review of performance at the end of each year before funds for the subsequent year are released.
Though there is no stated maximum grant award, 80% of grants awarded through the Community Foundation's grant program over the past ten years have been $3,000 or less.
The Community Foundation, as a grant maker, endeavors to enrich the quality of life in Wabash County by responding to emerging and changing needs and by sustaining existing organizations and institutions through grants in support of the following categories:
- Arts and Culture
- Community and Civic Development
- Education
- Environment
- Health and Human Services
- Recreation
The Community Foundation welcomes grant proposals from organizations serving Wabash County that are defined as tax exempt under Section 501(c)(3) of the Internal Revenue Service code or have comparable status and charitable causes. Faith-based organizations may apply for program funding, provided there is not a requirement to participate in religious instruction and/or take part in religious activities.
The following are not eligible for funding through the Foundation's grant program:
~National organizations (except for local chapters serving Wabash County)
~Annual fund campaigns
~Programs or products produced for resale
Though a single grant application may include requests for more than one type of support, it is expected that the application will fall into one of the following primary categories listed below in descending order of priority:
PROGRAM/PROJECT GRANT - A grant used to fund the expenses associated with a specific activity of an organization, usually a part of its ongoing programming. Associated expenses include equipment and supplies needed to implement the program.
ORGANIZATIONAL DEVELOPMENT GRANT - A grant used to strengthen or enhance core functions of an organization through non-recurring activities. Examples include the use of consultants for special projects, technology upgrades, or staff and board training. Capital improvements and equipment upgrades may also fall under this category.
GENERAL SUPPORT GRANT - A grant to an organization for recurring operational expenses. Types of general-purpose grants may include equipment and supplies, building maintenance, and general operating expenses (i.e., rent, utilities).
PROGRAM/PROJECT GRANTS
In reviewing grant proposals for program and project grants, the Community Foundation considers the following set of criteria:
The proposed program or project provides a service or opportunity or addresses a need that is widely agreed upon within the community as being of significance or importance.
The proposed program is a logical and reasonable response to the issue or need and is likely to produce the desired results.
The benefits are clearly stated and include the provision of access to a group that would otherwise be less likely to participate in such an activity.
The number of people likely to benefit directly from the program justifies its cost.
a) The program is consistent with the mission, purpose, and expertise of the organization; b) The proposal shows awareness of other organizations providing similar programs; c) The organization is in good standing* with the Community Foundation grants program.
ORGANIZATIONAL DEVELOPMENT AND GENERAL SUPPORT GRANTS
In reviewing proposals for organizational development and general-purpose grants, the Community Foundation considers the following set of criteria:
The organization provides a service or addresses a need that is well documented and widely agreed upon within the community as being of significance or importance.
The proposed activity will strengthen the ability of the organization to carry out its mission by enhancing its core skills and capabilities.
The organization is in good standing with the Community Foundation grants program.
* "Good standing" means that the organization has not been delinquent in submitting reports from previous grants or in returning unused portions of grants in accordance with the stated guidelines.
Proposals selected for funding are subject to the following terms of administration:
Grantees must submit a final narrative and financial report at the end of the grant period.
Unspent grant money in an amount equal to or greater than 5% of the total grant money must be returned to the Community Foundation. A lesser amount of unspent grant money can be expended by the grantee for purposes consistent with the grant and must be accounted for in the grant financial report.
The Community Foundation will periodically review each grant award and may require evaluation report(s) from some grantees.
Grantees are asked to recognize the Community Foundation in press releases and printed material related to their grant.
We welcome inquiries when considering whether to develop a grant proposal or as questions arise when actually writing the grant proposal. Inquiries to the Community Foundation can be made at (260) 982-4824.
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