Apply for a Grant

The Community Foundation of Boone County exists to grow and maintain an endowment to support Boone County’s needs and improve the quality of life in our local communities. In partnership with our Fund Advisors, Board of Directors, and Grants Committee, we award grants to Boone County-serving nonprofits to address local unmet needs. 

2023 GRANT OPPORTUNITIES

In 2023, we will offer two competitive grant opportunities: a rolling grantmaking program and three cycles of matching grants. By offering these distinct granting programs, eligible Boone County-serving nonprofits have the opportunity to apply for two CFBC grants in 2023 – one application per program. In addition to these two competitive grant opportunities, nonprofits will also continue to have the quarterly opportunity to nominate for a Women of Impact grant.

Nonprofits can access the application through our GLM software beginning January 1, 2023.  Questions should be directed to Julie Reagan, julie@communityfoundationbc.org.

ROLLING GRANTMAKING PROGRAM

For our 2023 competitive Rolling Grantmaking Program, applications will be accepted on a rolling basis and administered from January 1 – September 29, 2023, or until funds are exhausted. Eligible Boone County-serving nonprofits with an active 501(c)(3) tax status* may submit one application in 2023 for a rolling grant. These $5,000 – $15,000 grants will exclusively support programming needs and must be used for the specific purposes stated in the application. The CFBC Grants Committee will review applications and award grants based on the timeline listed below, or until available funds have been allocated. *501(c)(3) tax status preferred; if you are not a 501(c)(3) but believe you have an eligible project or program, please contact CFBC. 

Nonprofits with needs less than $5,000 are encouraged to complete this separate online application between January 1 – September 29, 2023, so the CFBC staff can review the request and potentially fill it through other funding sources within the Foundation: https://forms.gle/jD4iHeNUkku2j8xy5. 

ROLLING GRANTMAKING PROGRAM DEADLINES

Applications Close March 17, 2023
Rolling Grants Awarded April 14, 2023
Applications Close June 2, 2023
Rolling Grants Awarded June 30, 2023
Applications Close July 14, 2023
Rolling Grants Awarded August 11, 2023
Applications Close September 29, 2023
Rolling Grants Awarded October 27, 2023

MATCHING GRANTS

Once again this year, we are offering matching grants to eligible nonprofits. The $2,500 – $20,000 matching grants will be offered in 3 cycles to support the “Education of & Development in Mental Health, Elderly, and Literacy.” Recipients will have two months to raise matching funds. Eligible Boone County-serving nonprofits with an active 501(c)(3) tax status* may apply for only 1 of the 3 cycles and funds will be unrestricted for the grantees. *501(c)(3) tax status preferred; if you are not a 501(c)(3) but believe you have an eligible project or program, please contact CFBC. Application deadlines are listed below:

MATCHING GRANT PROGRAM DEADLINES

 

Matching Grant Applications Open January 1 – March 17, 2023
Announce Matching Grantees & Awarded Amounts April 4, 2023
Fundraising Period April 15 – June 15, 2023
Fundraising Report Due to CFBC June 19, 2023
Final Report Due to CFBC June 19, 2024

 

Matching Grant Applications Open March 19 – June 2, 2023
Announce Matching Grantees & Awarded Amounts June 20, 2023
Fundraising Period July 15 – September 15, 2023
Fundraising Report Due to CFBC September 19, 2023
Final Report Due to CFBC September 19, 2024
Matching Grant Applications Open June 4 – July 14, 2023
Announce Matching Grantees & Awarded Amounts August 1, 2023
Fundraising Period August 15 – October 15, 2023
Fundraising Report Due to CFBC October 19, 2023
Final Report Due to CFBC October 19, 2024

WOMEN OF IMPACT GRANTS

Boone County-serving nonprofits have the opportunity to nominate their organization four times each year, for a chance to be 1 of 3 presenters at each quarterly Women of Impact meeting. The quarterly grantees are determined by Women of Impact members. The grants are unrestricted dollars for the grantees and the recipients have one calendar year to use the dollars. Click here for more information on this program and grant opportunity.

Our annual grant cycle changes from year to year, so we encourage nonprofits to stay up to date with our grant opportunities when planning out future initiatives and grant funding. Some of our grants are awarded to nonprofits through a recommendation from a fund advisor, while other grants are awarded through a competitive application process. Applicants should thoroughly read the requirements and qualifications before applying for a grant to determine eligibility, and should also keep in mind that those applying may or may not receive funding – and those who do receive funding may not receive 100% of their request.

Application Procedures

To apply for grants, all nonprofit organizations will need to create a username and password on our grantmaking system, GLM. Once an account is created, you’ll use this system to apply for grants, submit completed grant agreements, final reports, and more. Contact our office with any questions!

Reporting Requirements

Grant reporting requirements vary based on the type of grant and where the funds originated from. Specific requirements for each awarded grant are listed in the grant agreement, which must be signed by the grantee before funds can be awarded. Any questions on reporting can be directed to our staff.

Interested in funding?

We are always interested in learning about new organizations, programs, and initiatives. Nonprofits may complete a letter of inquiry via our online portal. Completing the letter of inquiry does not guarantee a review for funding. If more information about your work is needed, a staff member will call and may request a site visit. The CFBC staff regularly pass grant requests along to fund advisors, in effort to match our donors with needs that align with their philanthropic goals and passions.

Visit Online Portal

Community Grant Opportunities

These grants are offered through various entities, not through CFBC. Please contact them directly with questions.

Do you offer a grant that you would like added to this page? Let us know

 

 

  • Boone REMC Operation Round Up Grant – This grant awards up to $10,000 to an eligible nonprofit to make a big impact on our community, in the categories of community service, economic development, education & youth, environment, disaster relief, or any combination of the preceding. Eligible nonprofits must be located in within the Boone REMC service territory. Grants are awarded bi-monthly.
  • Community Enrichment Grant – This grant enhances the quality of life for residents, business owners, and visitors to the Town of Zionsville. Eligible nonprofits must be located in Boone County & serve Zionsville residents and businesses. Grant applications are accepted on a rolling basis. Awards are made on a semi-annual basis: March 30 & September 30.
  • Dollar General Literacy Grants – The Dollar General Literacy Foundation awards grants to support literacy and learning. Eligible nonprofits must be located within 15 miles of a Dollar General store. Grants are awarded on various dates throughout the year.
  • Duke Energy Foundation Grant– The Duke Energy Foundation is committed to making strategic investments to build powerful communities where nature and wildlife thrive, students can excel and a talented workforce drives economic prosperity for all. Grants are awarded on various dates throughout the year.
  • Historical Preservation Fund (HPF) Grant Program– This federal program of the National Park Services is intended to assist important local preservation projects and makes subgrant awards in 3 project categories through an annual competitive funding round. Eligible applicants include registered nonprofits, county & municipal government agencies, colleges & universities. Grant application deadline is the first Friday in October, selected projects are notified in February, projects must be completed by June 30 of the following year (ensuring to follow the State grant agreement).
  • Indiana Afterschool Network – Indiana Afterschool Network provides funding opportunities to help afterschool and learning programs with the resources they need to develop & grow. This link provides a comprehensive list of their own grants, as well as many other grant opportunities throughout the state of Indiana. Grants are awarded on various dates throughout the year.
  • Indiana Humanities Grants – Indiana Humanities offers a number of grant opportunities each year. View all of their grant opportunities on this page; make sure you scroll down to see the open grants. Grants are awarded on various dates throughout the year.
  • SIA Foundation Grant – The SIA Foundation awarded grants to improve the quality of life & help meet the needs of residents, in the areas of Arts & Culture, Education, and Health & Welfare. There are spring & fall grant cycles with specific application timelines.
  • Strengthening Youth Programs in Indiana (SYPI) – This initiative helps to promote the academic, physical, and social well-being of young people aged five to 18. Lilly Endowment is making available up to $45 million in grants. IPA members are encouraged to reach out to their youth-serving nonprofit partners to apply.
  • Women of Impact Grant – Each quarter, the members of Women of Impact meet & vote on which nonprofit to award the quarterly grant to. Eligible nonprofits must serve Boone County; the fourth quarter grantee also must serve children & women. Grants are awarded on a quarterly basis at the Women of Impact meetings.