Discretionary Grants Program

Overview

Grant proposals are accepted once each year according to our grant cycle. Proposal 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. Visit our Apply for a Grant page for instructions on submitting a proposal.

Grant Cycle

We consider proposals for grants on a yearly cycle which begins each January. At the start of each cycle, nonprofit organizations that have applied for grants in the past or have otherwise requested the information will be notified of the start of each cycle. The requirements and instructions provided here are to be considered current and accurate only for the duration of the Foundation's grant cycle, which runs from January through June each year.  Proposals will be accepted from January 16 through the March 14, 2012 deadline.  Proposals submitted after the March 14, deadline will not be considered.  Grant awards will be presented in June.
 

Grant Program Orientation

In lieu of a group orientation session, prospective grant applicants are invited to schedule a meeting with the Foundation's director, Laura Harmon, to receive an overview of the funding opportunity and to ask specific questions.  Contact Laura at 812.649.57242 or laura@spencercommunityfoundation.org with questions or to set up a meeting. 

Funding Requests

The maximun amount for funding for 2012 will be limited to $3,000 per program or project.
 

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.

Fiscal Sponsors
Proposals submitted by an entity under the auspices of another agency 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
• Debt reduction
• Operating or administrative costs / expenses
• 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.  In addition, oral presentations will not be permitted.
  
  Award Announcement
  All organizations that have submitted grant proposals will be notified of the outcome of the grants committee's deliberation in writing no later than June 1.
  
  Reporting Procedures
  A six-month progress report and a final report at project completion are required by organizations whose proposals are approved for funding. Instructions and appropriate forms will be provided at the time the grant is awarded.