Search Through Grants for Youth Programs in Indiana in the U.S.

Many years ago, Carol and Ralph Haile established their Foundation to facilitate their annual giving. But they also wanted the Foundation to be the steward of their wealth, to ensure the funds would be used to improve the communities they loved and cherished. Upon Ralph’s death in 2006, the Foundation was funded by his estate and we began our journey of developing funding strategies that align with the Hailes’ passions in four areas of interest.

The Carol Ann and Ralph V. Haile, Jr. Foundation is an independent family foundation dedicated to enhancing the quality of life for residents in Greater Cincinnati and Northern Kentucky. As a private family foundation, we are honored and humbled to represent Carol and Ralph in helping to change our communities for the better through collaboration and innovation.

We are concentrating our efforts and resources in areas about which Carol and Ralph were most passionate:

• Arts and Culture

The Foundation values the advancement of the arts as both a vocation and as a contributor to the vibrancy and economic vitality of our communities. We support a broad variety of art forms, programs that support arts education, accessibility, capacity building, innovation in programming and audience development. We are always interested in new and bold ideas that enhance the spirit of our region. 

• Civic and Community

The Foundation’s investments include regional economic initiatives, neighborhood revitalization, entrepreneurship, workforce development, stable and affordable housing, and similar programs to foster community engagement and a sense of belonging which are the lifeblood of all neighborhoods.

• Education

We maintain a sharp focus on educational opportunities for underserved youth from their birth to workforce readiness. We believe in cross-sector collaboration and scaling of innovative solutions that drive long-lasting impact as well as ensuring that all have access to the rich variety of educational and cultural assets our region has to offer.

• Human Services

Since the Foundation’s beginning, we have supported services for women and children, food and shelter, the aging population and veterans. We understand and value the importance for everyone to live with dignity and invest in organizations who empower people to lead productive lives with a hopeful future.

Carol Ann and Ralph V Haile Jr Foundation Grant

Through supporting non-profit organizations with the Carol Ann and Ralph V Haile Jr Foundation Grant, we intend our work to have the greatest impact possible as we, in collaboration with our region’s stakeholders, help lead the way to a stronger and more vibrant community.

We welcome interested organizations that are in alignment with our funding priorities and operate within our geographic area of focus. This includes the 10 counties in the Greater Cincinnati region: Hamilton, Butler, Warren, Clermont and Brown in Ohio; Kenton, Campbell and Boone in Kentucky; Dearborn and Franklin in Indiana.

Our Work: Religion

A primary aim in religion is to deepen and enrich the religious lives of Christians in the United States, principally by supporting efforts that enhance the vitality of congregations. We value the broad diversity of Christian traditions and congregations today and endeavor to support them in a wide variety of contexts. We seek to ensure that all types of congregations have a steady stream of wise, faithful, diverse and well-prepared leaders. We work to strengthen theological schools as well as religious institutions and networks that nurture pastors and support the ministries of congregations. We support efforts that help Christians draw on the wisdom of their theological traditions as they strive to understand and respond to contemporary challenges and live their faith more fully. We are especially interested in efforts that nurture the religious lives of children, youth and young adults and share the beauty and vibrancy of Christian faith with a new generation.We also work to foster public understanding about religion. While we seek to lift up the contributions that people of all religious faiths make to our greater civic well-being, we also encourage fair and accurate portrayals of both the negative and positive effects of religion on the world.

Areas of Interest

We consider proposals in three main program areas: community development, education and youth, and religion. Detailed descriptions of these area of interest can be found here.

Community

Wolverine Worldwide has a heritage of engaging with and serving the communities in which we live and work. As champions for positive change, it is our responsibility to enrich our global communities by giving our time and resources to make the world a better place.

As a company providing innovative footwear, apparel and accessories to consumers around the world, Wolverine Worldwide takes seriously its commitment to make the world a better place.

Founded in 1959, the Wolverine Worldwide Foundation represents our commitment to societal betterment, based on the idea that intentional support fosters stronger communities and more inclusive futures. We believe it’s our responsibility to improve our worldwide communities through dedicated time and contributions.

The Foundation stands on three pillars reflecting our brands, consumers, and employees.

Healthy Lives & Outdoors

Promoting healthy lifestyles and fostering a deep connection with nature. We do this through community programs and outdoor activities, we empower individuals to lead healthier, more active lives while appreciating and experiencing life outside.

Diversifying Trades & Talent

Committed to fostering diversity in skilled trades and industry talent by providing opportunities and resources to cultivate belonging in the workforce. We do this through education, mentorship, and community partnerships, we aim to create a more inclusive workplace.

Industry & Community Giving

Advancing industry causes through community programs, we ensure access to proper footwear, promote dignity, and foster long-term positive change and development. While focusing on the communities and regions we are in, we achieve this through planned giving, sustaining and growing community programs, and engagement opportunities.

We are Stronger Together

2020 was a year like no other. It offered us a unique opportunity to demonstrate the strength of H.B. Fuller’s values, particularly the power of collaboration and courage. Our focus on taking care of employees, solving customers’ challenges in new ways, and supporting our communities when they need us most never faltered.

Our commitment to STEM education and youth leadership development did not waver, and we created a new funding focus to address racial inequities in the areas of employment, education and safety. Additionally, employees around the world took part in company-sponsored matching programs and a variety of virtual or socially-distanced volunteer opportunities to amplify their impact on issues they care about.

Overall, the gifts of time, talent and financial resources provided by H.B. Fuller and its employees in 2020 had an immeasurable effect on communities around the world.

STEM and Youth Leadership Grant

H.B. Fuller’s philanthropic vision is to help young people grow into productive, successful adults.

H.B. Fuller Company Foundation grants are strategically focused in two areas:

• STEM education – youth education initiatives in the areas of science, technology, engineering, and math (STEM)
• Leadership development for youth – organizations and programs that help young people become successful, productive adults

Mary J. Proctor Trust

Grants support charitable organizations impacting children and youth in the greater Indianapolis, Indiana area.

Program Areas

• Arts and Culture
• Community Development,
• Education,
• Human and Social Services,
• Religious

Background

Every community faces unique barriers that require collaborative solutions to thrive. The Dow Promise Program supports educational and economic challenges Black youth and adults face in the United States by addressing community-identified needs and advancing equitable opportunities. Through grants of up to $10,000 towards social, economic or environmental initiatives, Dow Promise not only fosters a thriving community, but a shared future.

Since 2000, this annual competitive program has committed to uplifting communities in which Dow operates by supporting their needs and investing in positive social change for long-term success.

Daviess County Community Foundation

Established in 1993, the Daviess County Community Foundation is one of over 800 community foundations in the United States today. The Community Foundation is a charitable resource devoted to our local community. We help people make meaningful gifts that improve life in Daviess County, Indiana today and for generations to come.

We are part of the Community Foundation Alliance (The Alliance), a network of nine community foundations serving counties in southwestern Indiana. The Alliance, a 501(c)(3) charitable organization, provides management and administrative expertise to county-wide community foundations, empowering each to promote philanthropy, build endowments, and improve well-being in our local community. The Alliance Board of Directors is the governing body and is comprised of up to two representatives from each county affiliate. All are civic-minded volunteers who live or work in the counties they serve.

Program Areas

Arts and Culture

Activities that strengthen the stability of arts organizations, make the arts accessible to low-income populations, enhance the understanding of all types of arts and humanities, and promote the appreciation or understanding of historical event.

Community Development

Activities that foster civil rights, our society, advocacy, community improvement, capacity building, philanthropy, volunteerism, grantmaking, strong neighborhoods; that improve the effectiveness of government, public administration and public officials; that assess community needs; and that support the programs of leadership organizations.

Education

Activities that improve the educational attainment of children and adults, both in and out of the classroom; that support formally constituted educational institutions and organizations or entities that administer or support these institutions; that support libraries and organizations whose primary purpose is to provide opportunities for supplementing and continuing education outside the framework of formal education institutions; and that support organizations which provide education-related services to students and schools.

Health

Activities that improve and promote health outcomes; general and rehabilitative health services; mental health; crisis intervention; associations or services associated with specific diseases, disorders, and medical disciplines; and medical research.

Human Services

Activities that maximize the functioning of special needs populations in mainstream society; that protect the public (crime and delinquency prevention, legal administration, legal services); that promote and support employment and jobs, food and nutrition, agriculture, housing and shelter, public safety, and disaster preparedness and relief; and that support child daycare programs, the United Way, YMCA, YWCA, firefighting activities, and programs of community centers.

Environment

Activities that foster pollution control and abatement, protection and conservation of natural resources, botanic and horticulture, environmental beautification, preservation of open spaces, environmental education and outdoor survival, protection and welfare of animals, humane societies, wildlife preservation and protection, veterinary services, zoos and aquariums, and specialty animal services.

Recreation

Improving and promoting recreational and leisure activities, parks, and community sporting events and activities.

Youth Development

Activities that strengthen the family unit, help children grow and develop, foster youth sports and athletics, that support the Future Farmers of America or other youth development programs, Boys and Girls Clubs, Big Brothers Big Sisters, and scouting.

Crossroad Fund Grants

Crossroads Fund supports grassroots groups working for racial, social and economic justice in the greater Chicago metropolitan area (including Northwest Indiana, which we define as the area between the state border and Gary, IN. All applicants must meet the following criteria to be considered for funding:

• Working for Social Change: Crossroads Fund supports organizations working to examine and challenge the underlying causes of injustice affecting their communities. They seek to change the conditions, institutions, and policies that create and maintain inequality and oppression.
• Cross-Issue Organizing: Our grantees work with an understanding of the connectedness among the various people and issues that make up the whole community.
• Grassroots Leadership: We support groups that involve the people who are directly affected by an issue at all levels of the organization - in planning, organizing and leading, and working to continue building leadership within the grassroots community.
• Solid Plan: We fund groups whose work is driven by the following:
  • a clear purpose with well-planned goals, objectives, activities and a tool to measure outcomes and impact;
  • a timeline and budget that reflects the proposed objectives and activities;
  • a realistic fundraising plan.
• Work in the Chicago Metropolitan Area: Crossroads Fund supports organizations rooted in communities in the Chicago metropolitan area. Counties include: Cook, DuPage, Kane, Lake and Will, along with Lake County, Indiana.
• Budget: Groups with previous year annual expenses under $500,000.

Youth Fund for Social Change

In 2007, Crossroads Fund received a legacy grant from the Girls Best Friend Foundation, supporting the formation of a special grantmaking initiative, which funds youth advocacy and activism projects in the Chicago area. The Youth Fund for Social Change enables us to have a targeted impact on the growing sector of youth organizations in the Chicago area.

The Youth Fund for Social Change provides resources to youth working on social justice issues in their communities. The Youth Fund supports youth activists who want to change and challenge existing policies and/or organized structures that prevent their communities from achieving equality. 

Projects may cover many areas ranging from community, education and schools, health, environment, incarceration, media, racism, discrimination, voting, etc.

Examples of such projects are:

• Community: youth working to find solutions to overall issues of equality like access to education, healthcare, jobs and political power: working on alternatives to detention and incarceration.
• Education and schools: youth organizing for: restorative justice programs in schools; representation on school boards; alternatives to military recruitment on campus; or programs that address sexual harassment, homophobia, gender, or ability stereotypes/oppression.
• Health: youth organizing to expand reproductive health and comprehensive sex education.
• Environment: youth organizing around: lead clean up in their community; environmental pollution; or access to cleaner and better transit.
• Violence: youth working on: alternatives to the criminal justice system; peer to peer intervention; pursuit of strategies to reduce police harassment of youth; strategies to improve public safety in your neighborhood.
• Media: youth holding corporate media accountable by demanding that the public airwaves promote justice and peace rather than hate, violence and war.

Grants

The gifts of many generous people allow the Community Foundation to award grants to nonprofit organizations for charitable projects and programs that address today’s needs and prepare for tomorrow’s challenges.

These grants are focused on meeting the needs of the people in DeKalb County, Indiana. Grants are awarded based on the charitable objectives of the donors who established the funds.

Grantmaking Areas of Interest

• Arts & Culture
• Community Development
• Education
• Environment
• Health
• Human Services
• Literacy
• Youth & Youth Development

Grants are also available for general operating expenses or capacity building of organizations that address local charitable needs.

An Operational Support Grant from the Community Foundation intends to fund an organization's general operation expenses and overhead costs. 

About Youth Worker Well-Being Project Grants

 Youth-serving organizations located in Indiana may be eligible to apply for funding to pilot and/or implement customized strategies that meet organizational and staff needs to improve and sustain well-being in the workplace.

The vision of these grant opportunities is for organizations at various stages in their journey to identify potential gaps and needs in the outlined categories, determine growth opportunities, identify a partner or resources (if needed), and then apply for funding to reach those next steps toward improvement. Organizations should demonstrate a plan to grow in at least one category.

Community Foundation of DeKalb County

The gifts of many generous people allow the Community Foundation to award grants to nonprofit organizations for charitable projects and programs that address today’s needs and prepare for tomorrow’s challenges.

These grants are focused on meeting the needs of the people in DeKalb County, Indiana. Grants are awarded based on the charitable objectives of the donors who established the funds.

VOICES of Philanthropy

Established in 1998, DeKalb’s Voices of Philanthropy is a youth philanthropy group consisting of service-minded leaders from four of the DeKalb County high schools. The Dekko Foundation and the Community Foundation of DeKalb County sponsor DeKalb’s Voices of Philanthropy, working together to grow a new generation of philanthropic leaders. DeKalb’s Voices of Philanthropy meet once a month at the Community Foundation of DeKalb County. Through mentors and partnerships, the youth pod members build leadership skills, philanthropic and board skills, and learn the fundamentals of charitable giving. By interacting with local charitable organizations, the members educate themselves about the community’s needs. Members use their time, talent, and treasure to support and enhance DeKalb County.

Areas of Interest and Primary Focus

The Foundation seeks to enhance the quality of life by providing funds through a grant making process for education, economic development, health, youth sports, community organizations meeting the needs of the underserved, and humanitarian projects. Focusing on disadvantaged youth, education, youth sports, poverty and hunger prevention, medical and health care programs, community development, the environment, building strong families, the advancement of human rights & social needs, and the arts.

Foundations of East Chicago

Our Mission is to support local schools, churches, municipal agencies and nonprofit organizations that work to improve the quality of life in East Chicago.

To advance this mission, the Foundations of East Chicago will provide financial support through educational assistance in the form of scholarships; the awarding of grants that are strategic to achieve our objectives and by our service and leadership within the community.

Program Grants

Program grants are annual grants that are directed to support specific programs that meet FEC priorities. Programs must have a definitive plan with measurable outcomes and must have an operational plan that demonstrates potential for success.

FEC Priorities

Education/Job Training

• Educational advancement and life skills
• New or expanded vocational programs provided by public or private community institutions
• ESL programing
• Adult education and HSE
• Immigration and naturalization programing
• College preparation programs
• PSAT, ACT and SAT or similar preparation programs
• Early childhood education (Pre-K)
• Extended Summer programs
• Mentoring and tutoring programs
• Special needs program support
• Non-school time programs (before/after hour school youth programing)

Health

• Awareness and prevention screening programs
• Nutrition and fitness programs
• Teen pregnancy
• Life subsistence
• Food Pantry
• Heating assistance
• Parenting
• Senior Care and Day Care
• Drug prevention and recovery programs
• Suicide prevention
• Mental Health

Safety

• Violence prevention and support programs
• Gang, domestic, child abuse and bullying
• Homelessness
• Police and community relationships

Community Enrichment

• Fine Arts and enrichment programs
• Community & cultural events
• Recreational adult and youth sports programs

Grant Process

On an invitation-only basis, the Nina Mason Pulliam Charitable Trust funds primarily nonprofit organizations in Arizona and Indiana that align closely with our giving areas: Helping People in Need, Protecting Animals and Nature, and Enriching Community Life. 

Helping People in Need

Mrs. Pulliam valued giving people experiencing difficulty a hand-up and firmly believed that education was essential to reaching one’s full potential.

The Trust supports:

Self-sufficiency

• Programs that provide adult education or training with accompanying social supports for individuals to obtain and maintain gainful employment.
• Programs that focus on economic self-reliance through micro-lending, small business development and entrepreneurial efforts for low-income individuals.
• Programs that assist the elderly in maintaining their independence and remaining in their homes.

Crisis Intervention

• Programs that assist vulnerable families, women and children to help move them from crisis or instability to greater functioning.
• Programs that provide basic needs, such as food, clothing, emergency shelter or transitional housing.

Foster Care

• Programs that increase the number of licensed foster families and kinship providers.
• Multigenerational programs that help prevent children from entering the system.
• Programs that support young adults ages, 18-25 who are aging out of the system, with post-secondary educational attainment, job training and financial self-sufficiency.

Education and Literacy

• Programs that provide mentoring and tutoring to disadvantaged youth.
• Out-of-school time programs and projects for underserved children.
• Programs that improve literacy skills of adults.
• Programs that help high school students gain access to careers or post-secondary education.
• Programs that work with children (0 – 5) and their families to improve literacy, reading and language acquisition.

Protecting Animals and Nature

Mrs. Pulliam loved animals – domesticated and wild – and the natural environment. She sought ways to encourage human bonds with both.

The Trust supports organizations and programs that:

• Programs that provide humane and wellness services for domestic animals, including shelter, rescue, spay/neuter and adoption.
• Programs that promote conservation of natural habitats and ecosystems that advance preservation, protection and restoration of land, water, wildlife and plants.
• Programs that promote environmental awareness to connect people to the natural world, promote personal stewardship, or offer knowledge and tools for addressing current and future problems. 

Enriching Community Life

Mrs. Pulliam appreciated the importance of having vibrant communities that benefit all residents, while ensuring that nonprofit organizations fulfill their missions at a level of excellence.

The Trust supports:

• Programs that add to the overall civic vibrancy and cultural vitality of the community.
• Programs that create innovative solutions to enhance the quality of life in Indianapolis or Phoenix. 

The Daniel and Susan Pfau Foundation

The Pfau Foundation was established in 1994 in Cincinnati by Daniel A. Pfau and Susan Laufer Pfau.

Mrs. Pfau, a community volunteer, and Mr. Pfau, a local businessman, have been actively involved in programs serving disabled and disadvantaged youth, and in organizations promoting the Greater Cincinnati area. The Foundation complements the Pfaus’ personal charitable efforts and will continue their support into the future.

Purpose of the Pfau Foundation

The Pfau Foundation’s primary focus is on the education, health, cultural experience and social welfare of children, adolescents, young adults (to age 30) with physical, mental, or developmental disabilities and their families. A secondary focus is on children, adolescents, young adults (to age 30) who face significant economic barriers to success and their families. There is a particular interest in programs that help clients realize their full potential. The Foundation also advocates and supports large regional arts and cultural organizations. Small and mid-size organizations that use the arts as a vehicle for achieving impact with successful shared outcomes will be considered. (These outcomes must be aligned with the first two priorities of the Foundation.) The fourth area of interest is recreation areas.

Women's Giving Circle Grant Program

The WGCJC makes grants annually to organizations that have the greatest potential to help the women and children of Jefferson County, Indiana. The Grants Sub-Circle reviews applications and provides grant recommendations to the general membership, which then votes on the recommendations at the annual meeting/dinner in the Spring. Grants are focused on the following four fields of interest, with the specific purpose of benefitting women and/or children:

Education

Educational attainment is closely correlated to one’s economic success and well-being. Examples of initiatives might include:

• programs that prepare children to enter school ready to learn or programs delivering quality after-school/summer academic or enrichment experiences;
• literacy programs for children or parents;
• efforts to ensure students’ graduation from high school;
• efforts to address life skills and/or job skills for adult women

Economic Empowerment

Many factors influence women’s abilities to achieve financial independence. Among them are workforce participation, earnings, and education attainment. Examples of possible initiatives include:

•  programs for women business owners to ensure the growth and success of their firms;
• efforts that encourage women and/or youth to pursue non-traditional career opportunities;
• programs enhancing women and/or children’s personal financial management, budgeting, saving, and investing

Physical and Mental Health

The majority of factors that contribute to the health and well-being of women and children are lifestyle related, but problems may be exacerbated by inadequate access to quality, affordable healthcare services. Examples of possible initiatives might include:

• programs improving access to prenatal care and risk reduction for pregnant women/girls;
• programs providing physical and mental health information to women and children;
• nutrition and health education programs to address issues such as obesity and/or eating disorders;
• programs addressing issues that lead to substance abuse among women and children

Violence and Crime Prevention

Women and children experience many forms of violence. In addition to the immediate results of victimization, there are often longer-term impacts. Victimization often plays a role in delinquent and criminal behavior. Examples of possible initiatives might include:

• programs promoting healthy child/parent interaction in order to prevent child abuse and neglect;
• programs addressing issues that lead to spousal and child abuse;
• programs for women and children who have been victims of violence and crime;
• gender-specific intervention services to address the increasing number of females incarcerated in the criminal justice system

Healthy Eating & Active Living

Communities across the nation are facing a growing prevalence of obesity and associated preventable chronic diseases – the Tri-State is no different. Currently, in our region, one-third of adults are obese – higher than the national average. Tri-State children are also affected, with a third of our youth either obese or overweight. Unfortunately, excess weight dramatically increases the risk of many conditions such as Type 2 diabetes, coronary heart disease, and some cancers. In January 2016, the World Health Organization warned, “…obesity is particularly concerning and has the potential to negate many of the health benefits that have contributed to increased life expectancy.” In their 2012 report, Trust for America’s Health cautioned, “…the current generation of young people could be the first in U.S. history to live sicker and die younger than their parents’ generation.” The solution is not in access to health care alone because obesity is difficult and expensive to treat. Prevention is necessary – through community solutions focused on policy, systems, and environmental changes – ultimately leading to lifestyles that incorporate healthy eating and active living.

Social Determinants of Health

There’s a lot of discussion today focused on the Social Determinants of Health. These are defined as the conditions in which people are born, grow, live, work and age and include factors like socioeconomic status, education, neighborhood, and physical environment, employment, and social support networks as well as access to health care.

There are a growing number of programs and initiatives working to address the Social Determinants of Health both within and outside of the healthcare system.

Health Equity

The underlying message of the “Social Determinants of Health” is that the conditions in which people live have a more significant impact on their overall state of health than their genetics. Access to quality food, education, transportation, and living conditions all play a critical part in our health.

The concept of “Equity versus Equality” challenges the idea that giving “equal” treatment to every individual is adequate. Instead, equitable treatment accounts for individual/community needs and unique sets of circumstances.

This month, we’re taking what we’ve learned from each of the past two advocacy topics (the Social Determinants of Health and Equity versus Equality) as we look at Health Equity.

Understanding Health Equity is a vital piece in moving the needle in health outcomes. If we understand the relationship between “equity” and the Social determinants of Health (access to quality food, affordable housing, education, transportation, stable income, and stable relationships), we are more likely to create sustainable change.

Our Investment

A culture of Healthy Eating & Active Living will contribute to the following community changes:

• More residents of all ages are meeting the recommended guidelines for nutrition and physical activity
• Fewer residents of all ages will have weight-related chronic disease

The Foundation has identified four specific priorities that rely on comprehensive planning and systemic change:

• Nutritious Food and Beverage Availability – Increasing opportunities for healthy eating
• Physical Activity Access – Increasing opportunities for active living
• Healthy Environments – Increasing opportunities to facilitate systems change
• Motivate Usage – Encouraging individuals to make healthy choices

Overview

The Community Foundation Alliance was incorporated in March 1991 after Lilly Endowment announced its Giving Indiana Funds for Tomorrow (GIFT) Initiative in the summer of 1990. From the beginning, the Alliance was designed to be a regional structure serving counties throughout southwestern Indiana.

Alliance organizers believed that the regional structure would allow centralized, cost-effective administration and governance of the organization. Alliance leadership also believed that the best organization would serve willing partners. Rather than creating a separate charitable non-profit corporation, a county could choose to join the Alliance by becoming an affiliate, through the creation of a named Foundation fund to serve its community.

The Alliance Board of Directors is the legal entity responsible for all aspects of Alliance oversight and operation: governance, policymaking, legal requirements, financial stewardship, and strategic plans for the Alliance as a whole.

Each county affiliate is guided by local volunteers focused on impactful grantmaking, asset development, and community leadership.

Today, the Community Foundation Alliance holds more than 1,200 named funds established by individuals, families, businesses, civic groups, and agencies to improve the quality of life in their local communities, with charitable assets over $148 million.

Warrick Community Good Grants Program

Community Good grants provide funding to charitable organizations for new or ongoing programs and projects that meet a broad range of local needs. Funding requests are accepted once each year according to our grant cycle. Funding requirements may change from year to year. Grantseekers are advised to revisit this page prior to beginning the grant application process. Grants are made possible by Community Good Unrestricted Funds and Field of Interest Funds which support a wide variety of needs in Warrick County.

Mission Statement

The Sheila Fortune Foundation was formed in 1998 by Sheila Fortune to promote the interests of at-risk youths by providing them the opportunity to experience and participate in educational activities through the arts. 

The Foundation holds the philosophy that many youths from all backgrounds and experiences are gifted but need a medium and the opportunity to express and develop their talents. In accordance with its philosophy and the resources available to the Foundation, it has initially established the following guidelines for its activities.

• The Foundation will identify organizations which are familiar with at-risk youths and provide the youths with a stabilized setting, and the Foundation will grant support in order to enable these organizations to develop and administer programs promoting the interests and abilities of these youths in the arts.
• The scope of arts programs is not intended to be limited to any particular programs but could include interests in theatre, dance, painting, music, film and photography.
• The Foundation will defer to other organizations as to the identification, intervention, and the immediate or long-term physical and emotional needs of these youths.

Our Mission

The Owen County Community Foundation is committed to enhancing the quality of life for all citizens of Owen County, now and for generations to come.

Background

The work of local nonprofit organizations impacts the quality of life for everyone in Owen County. Recognizing the essential role they play in the economy and health of our community, OCCF is committed to sharing knowledge about the nonprofit sector and strengthening nonprofit organizations through grants and training.

The Owen County Community Foundation administered more than $480,000 in 2021 in community grants and contracts, primarily through nonprofit organizations. Our core programs and community impact initiatives are designed to strengthen nonprofits and solve community problems while delivering solid results and leveraging relationships.

Large Impact Grant

The Large Impact Grant is intended for requests from $10,000 to $30,000.

The programs that are considered for support are those located in Owen County or will directly benefit the citizens of Owen County. Currently we will consider grand awards in five broad areas.

Priority Areas

• Civic Affairs
  • Improving neighborhood quality of life
  • Encouraging preservation/education of area history
  • Improving access to timely, unbiased information on local issues and events
  • Supporting emergency preparedness
• Education
  • Supporting career planning and career awareness initiatives
  • Strengthening community/education/parent involvement
  • Bolstering awareness and support of high-quality early education initiatives and community involvement
  • Advancing leadership training and civics education for youth and adults
• Health & Wellness
  • Meeting the needs of an aging population
  • Increasing access to healthcare, including mental, behavioral, and dental health
  • Supporting maternal, prenatal, and newborn health
  • Supporting chronic disease treatment and prevention
• Human Services
  • Building organizational capacity to meet area housing and social welfare needs
  • Strengthening families and meeting needs of at-risk children
  • Addressing food security, nutrition literacy, and access to healthy foods
  • Assisting the chronically poor
• Trails & Parks
  • Providing a high quality, diversified system that provides for all age and interest groups
  • Preserving and enhancing significant environmental resources
  • Promoting physical activity and community engagement
  • Preserving the health, independence, and social connections of older adults through trails and parks programs

In these five funding areas, OCCF is interested in working with organizations and associations to build on community strengths and find solutions to community problems. However, we also welcome good ideas emerging from the community. 

Our goal is to support innovative, collaborative, and transformative projects that support the goals and strategies of the priority areas. Funded projects are also intended to show sustainability over time, as well as leveraging existing community resources.

The Donald C. and Laura M. Harrison Family Foundation

The Foundation was established in 2006 by Donald and Laura Harrison and their children in Cincinnati, Ohio. Laura Harrison was an active community volunteer involved in a broad group of activities. Dr. Harrison is a cardiologist, administrator, and business entrepreneur.

They have creatively funded programs and facilities at their respective colleges and have participated in supporting a number of local charitable organizations with educational missions for the underprivileged.

Mission & Purpose of the Harrison Foundation

The Foundation seeks to improve opportunities and outcomes primarily for underprivileged students by funding educational scholarships, programs and research with a particular emphasis on seeding and supporting new programs.

The Foundation's primary initiative is to help launch innovative educational programs for primary, secondary and adult education. The Foundation also emphasizes funding programs for underprivileged children, youth, adults and families. The ultimate goal is to empower citizens affected by the grant to shape their own future in the community.

Grants may be awarded for consecutive years, but a new proposal is generally required for the subsequent year. Initially grant sizes will be in a range of $5,000 to $15,000 per year.

Field of Interest Grants

At-Risk Youth (Randy and Kathy Vernon Endowment and Exchange Club of Lafayette Endowment)

• Amount available: $12,000
• Funding to provide support for at-risk youth in Tippecanoe County

Cancer Care (Esther L. McConnaughay Endowment)

• Amount available: $37,391
• Funding to provide support for the treatment of cancer; cancer research; cancer detection of/care of treating cancer; advancement of cancer programs

Children's Needs (Fund for Children's Needs & Linda Bowman and Glenn Tompkins Children's Endowment)

• Amount available: $8,127
• Address the needs of children in Tippecanoe County, Indiana

Childhood Literacy (Education Fund for Tippecanoe County)

• Amount available: $22,434
• Provide funding for early childhood literacy in Tippecanoe County, Indiana

Community Beautification (George and Betty DeVault Endowment & Virginia B. Huth Endowment)

• Amount available: $17,161
• Address community beautification needs in Tippecanoe County, Indiana

Community Benches (Pookie and Gracie Endowment)

• Amount available: $587*
• Benches in public spaces in Tippecanoe County, Indiana *Email Gretchen@inspiringgreater.org for application for this fund. See deadline above.

Dog Rescue and Care Services (Pookie and Gracie Endowment)

• Amount available: $7,198
• Provide support to non-profit organizations for rescue and care services to dogs in Tippecanoe County, Indiana

Elder Care (Indiana Care Circle Endowment)

• Amount available: $768*
• Enhance continuity of care as an essential component of the health care delivery system in Tippecanoe County, Indiana *Email Gretchen@inspiringgreater.org for application for this fund. See deadline above.

Fund for Musical Performing Arts

• Amount available: $1,174*
• Provide support to organizations that contribute to the musical performing arts in Tippecanoe County, Indiana. *Email Gretchen@inspiringgreater.org for application for this fund. See deadline above.

Health and Human Services (John and Marjorie Martin Endowment)

• Amount available: $8,370
• Funding to provide food, shelter, or other basic necessities for life in Tippecanoe County, Indiana

Lafayette Savings Bank Wabash River Enhancement Endowment

• Amount available: $2,167
• Provide support for sustainable economic and recreational development, and beautification along the Wabash River corridor in Tippecanoe County, Indiana

Literacy (Betty M. Nelson Endowment)

• Amount available: $55,931
• Provide funding for literacy in Tippecanoe County, Indiana

Music Education for Disadvantaged Children (Louisa Lee France Endowment)

• Amount available: $10,476
• Provide music education for disadvantaged children in Tippecanoe County, Indiana

Preschool Literacy (Mithoefer Family Endowment)

• Amount available: $1,442*
• improve preschool literacy in Tippecanoe County, Indiana *Email Gretchen@inspiringgreater.org for application for this fund. See deadline above.

Suicide Prevention (Suicide Prevention Endowment)

• Amount available: $1,668*
• Provide support for: educational materials, including books and other materials; conferences, workshops and seminars; and to fund expert speakers on the topic of youth suicide prevention

Our Vision

The Heart of Cook will be a leader in furthering education, supporting human services, and protecting the environment through a continued commitment to local communities in the AEP service area (Southwest Michigan and Northwest Indiana (La Porte, St. Joseph, and Elkhart Counties)).

Guidelines & Funding Emphasis

Our three primary funding areas are:

• Furthering Education
• Supporting Human Services
• Preserving and Protecting the Environment

We take special pride in supporting organizations and projects in which our employees participate or take a leadership role. The partnership of corporate contributions and employee initiatives typically results in improved outcomes. 

Furthering education

To promote economic development and provide for a well-trained and available work force in the area, we will provide grants to programs that build work skills and to educational organizations and projects that supplement professional development for educators and volunteers. Projects that specifically target science and mathematical disciplines, as well as development in impoverished communities are given priority.

Human services

Strong families are the building blocks for successful communities and businesses. We will provide grants to programs and organizations that nurture children and youth, help foster independence for those in need, ensure safety and support of older individuals, and teach parenting skills.

Protecting the environment

As an energy provider located in a particularly beautiful and unique ecosystem, we recognize the importance of protecting, restoring and enhancing our natural surroundings. We provide grants to organizations and projects supporting these types of environmental activities. 

Overview

The Community Foundation Alliance (Alliance) was incorporated in March 1991 after Lilly Endowment announced its Giving Indiana Funds for Tomorrow (GIFT) Initiative in the summer of 1990. From the beginning, the Alliance was designed to be a regional structure serving counties throughout southwestern Indiana.

Alliance organizers believed that the regional structure would allow centralized, cost-effective administration and governance of the organization. Alliance leadership also believed that the best organization would serve willing partners. Rather than creating a separate charitable non-profit corporation, a county could choose to join the Alliance by becoming an affiliate, through the creation of a named Foundation fund to serve its community.

Under the Alliance by-laws, each county affiliate is, therefore, a “county services committee,” but is known locally as the “[Name of County] Community Foundation.”

The Alliance Board of Directors is the legal entity responsible for all aspects of Alliance oversight and operation: governance, policymaking, legal requirements, financial stewardship, and strategic plans for the Alliance as a whole.

Each affiliate has a volunteer County Advisory Board whose role and efforts are focused on asset development, learning about the community’s charitable needs and nonprofits working to meet them, and awarding grants and scholarships. The first 2 counties to organize their own County Advisory Boards were Posey and Vanderburgh, both of which held their first meetings in June 1992. In the next year, the Daviess, Perry, and Gibson County Community Foundations were formed. Spencer and Knox counties formed Foundations in 1996, followed by Warrick and Pike in 1998.

All recommendations made by the County Advisory Boards must be presented to the Alliance Board for final approval. At least one County Advisory Board member from each affiliate serves as a county representative on the Alliance Board of Directors.

Today, the Community Foundation Alliance holds more than 1,200 named funds established by individuals, families, businesses, civic groups, and agencies to improve the quality of life in their local communities, with charitable assets over $100 million. During fiscal year 2019, grants and scholarships awarded from all Alliance funds to benefit the programs, projects, and people in the nine affiliate counties totaled $3,323,968.

Community Good Grants Program

The Spencer County Community Foundation’s Community Good Grants Program supports a variety of charitable purposes in Spencer County. This grant program is open year-round and will accept funding requests at any time.

Distributing charitable funds is a vital part of our mission. Through the charitable funds established by our donors, the Foundation awards grants to charitable organizations throughout Spencer County.  

Established in 1996, the Spencer County Community Foundation is one of nearly 700 community foundations in the United States today.  We serve Spencer County, offering people a variety of ways to achieve their goals for this community through charitable giving.

Program Areas Considered For Funding:

• Arts and Culture
• Community Development
• Education
• Health
• Human Services
• Other Civic Endeavors (Environment, Recreation, and Youth Development)

Funding:

The grant cycle is open year-round and encompasses four different request levels:

• Level 1 – Requests of $500 or less
• Level 2 – Requests of $501 – $2,500
• Level 3 – Requests of $2,501 – $9,999
• Level 4 – Requests of $10,000 or more (Please contact the Community Foundation before beginning your application.)

The grants committee will make its recommendations on funding to the board of directors of the Community Foundation Alliance.

Responding to the Needs of Jefferson County

There are two sides to philanthropy: generous donors who care about their communities and the organizations and people they are trying to help.

The Community Foundation’s Board of Directors and Grants Committee oversee all grant-making activity to ensure the funds entrusted to us are fulfilling the donor’s wishes and being used for the betterment of the community.

Funding the Future

Since 1991, the Community Foundation has been able to make a significant impact on programs and projects in Jefferson County, Indiana. Thanks to the generosity of donors, grants of all sizes have benefitted a variety of causes including animal welfare, health & safety, education, youth development, veterans services, basic living needs, historic preservation, and senior citizen welfare, just to name a few.

Competitive Cycle

These grants utilize the Foundation’s Flexible Community Funds and Field of Interest Funds. 

About Us

Established in 1992, the Posey County Community Foundation is one of over 800 community foundations in the United States today. The Community Foundation is a charitable resource devoted to our local community. We help people make meaningful gifts that improve life in Posey County, Indiana today and for generations to come.

We are part of the Community Foundation Alliance (The Alliance), a network of nine community foundations serving counties in southwestern Indiana. The Alliance, a 501(c)(3) charitable organization, provides management and administrative expertise to county-wide community foundations, empowering each to promote philanthropy, build endowments, and improve well-being in our local community. The Alliance Board of Directors is the governing body and is comprised of up to two representatives from each county affiliate. All are civic-minded volunteers who live or work in the counties they serve.

The Posey County Community Foundation is guided by a County Advisory Board comprised of local leaders promoting philanthropy, building endowments, identifying community needs, and improving the well-being of our community. Grantmaking and scholarship recommendations are made by committees comprised of Posey County advisory board members and other local representatives.

Community Good Grants Program

Funding requests are accepted once each year according to our grant cycle. Funding requirements may change from year to year. Grantseekers are advised to revisit this page prior to beginning the grant application process. Grants are normally given as one-time support of a project but may be considered for additional support, or for expansions or outgrowths of an initial project. Grants are made possible by Community Good Unrestricted Funds and Field of Interest Funds which support a wide variety of needs in Posey County.

Program Areas Considered For Funding:

Arts and Culture -

• Activities that strengthen the stability of arts organizations, make the arts accessible to low-income populations, enhance the understanding of all types of arts and humanities, and promote the appreciation or understanding of historical events.

Community Development -

• Activities that foster civil rights, our society, advocacy, community improvement, capacity building, philanthropy, volunteerism, grantmaking, strong neighborhoods; that improve the effectiveness of government, public administration and public officials; that assess community needs; and that support the programs of leadership organizations.

Education -

• Activities that improve the educational attainment of children and adults, both in and out of the classroom; that support formally constituted educational institutions and organizations or entities that administer or support these institutions; that support libraries and organizations whose primary purpose is to provide opportunities for supplementing and continuing education outside the framework of formal education institutions; and that support organizations which provide education-related services to students and schools.

Health -

• Activities that improve and promote health outcomes; general and rehabilitative health services; mental health; crisis intervention; associations or services associated with specific diseases, disorders, and medical disciplines; and medical research.

Human Services -

• Activities that maximize the functioning of special needs populations in mainstream society; that protect the public (crime and delinquency prevention, legal administration, legal services); that promote and support employment and jobs, food and nutrition, agriculture, housing and shelter, public safety, and disaster preparedness and relief; and that support child daycare programs, the United Way, YMCA, YWCA, firefighting activities, and programs of community centers.

Other Civic Endeavors - 

• Environment -
  • Activities that foster pollution control and abatement, protection and conservation of natural resources, botanic and horticulture, environmental beautification, preservation of open spaces, environmental education and outdoor survival, protection and welfare of animals, humane societies, wildlife preservation and protection, veterinary services, zoos and aquariums, and specialty animal services.
• Recreation - 
  • Improving and promoting recreational and leisure activities, parks, and community sporting events and activities.
• Youth Development -
  • Activities that strengthen the family unit, help children grow and develop, foster youth sports and athletics, that support the Future Farmers of America or other youth development programs, Boys and Girls Clubs, Big Brothers Big Sisters, and scouting.

The 21st Century Community Learning Center Program is a federally-funded program (Title IV-B) awarded to public school districts, charter schools, community-based organizations, public/private organizations, faith-based organizations or a consortium of these organizations, in order to provide youth a safe environment during non-school hours. This program supports the creation of community learning centers that provide academic enrichment opportunities during non-school hours for youth, particularly youth who attend high-poverty and low-performing schools. The program helps youth meet state and local student standards in core academic subjects, offers youth a broad array of enrichment activities that help their social, emotional, and behavioral development; and offers literacy and other educational services to the families of participating youth.