Discretionary Grants Program

Overview

Funding requests are accepted once each year according to our grant cycle. Application requirements may change from year to year; therefore, 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 for expansions or outgrowths of an initial project.

Grant Cycle

We consider proposals for grants on a yearly cycle which begins each June.  At the start of the grant cycle, an email notice will be sent to organizations that have signed up to receive information about our grant cycles.  To sign up for this service, click on the box below. 

Sign up to be Notified of our Grant Cycles.

In lieu of a group orientation session, prospective grant applicants are invited to schedule a meeting with the Foundation's director, Tami Muckerheide, to receive an overview of the funding opportunity and to ask specific questions.  Contact Tami at 812.386.8082 or tami@gibsoncountyfoundation.org to schedule an orientation meeting. 

Eligibility

The Foundation welcomes proposals from nonprofit organizations that are deemed tax-exempt under sections 501(c)(3) and 509(a) of the Internal Revenue Code and from governmental agencies serving the county. Proposals from nonprofit organizations not classified as a 501(c)(3) public charity may be considered provided the project is charitable and supports a community need.  In some cases, organizations without the 501(c)(3) designation may be required to obtain a fiscal sponsor.

Fiscal Sponsors
Applications submitted by an entity under the auspices of another agency (designated as a 501(c)(3) public charity) must include a written statement signed by the agency’s board president on behalf of the board of directors agreeing to act as the entity’s fiscal sponsor, to receive grant monies if awarded, and to oversee the proposed project.

Program Areas Considered for Funding

Please visit our Program Areas page for details about the kinds of projects and programs supported through our Discretionary Grants Program.

Arts and Culture

Community Development

Education

Health

Human Services

Other Civic Endeavors, such as the Environment, Recreation, and Youth Development

Project Areas NOT Considered for Funding

Religious organizations for religious purposes

Political parties or campaigns

Endowment creation or debt reduction

Operating costs

Capital campaigns

Annual appeals or membership contributions

Travel requests for groups or individuals such as bands, sports teams, or classes

Deliberation
The grants committee will make its recommendations on funding to the Foundation's Board of Trustees, which will make final funding recommendations to the board of directors of the Community Foundation Alliance (our governing body). No lobbying or soliciting of grants committee members or board members will be permitted.

Award Announcement
All organizations that have submitted grant applications will be notified of the outcome of the grants committee's deliberation in writing no later than November 1.

Reporting Procedures
A six-month progress report and a final report at project completion are required by organizations whose applications are approved for funding. Instructions will be provided at the time the grant is awarded.