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Apply for Grants
For charitable organizations, putting ideas into motion takes funding. The Community Foundation of Southern Indiana is dedicated to helping nonprofits improve the quality of life in our community.
The Foundation’s unrestricted endowment (our Community Impact Fund) welcomes applications and project proposals from nonprofit and charitable organizations through the Community Grants Program. CFSI wants to help these nonprofit organizations fulfill their mission and meet the needs of our community by keeping the grant applications open all year.
Who Can Apply?
The Community Foundation invites all charitable organizations including: charitable 501(c)(3) status organizations, schools, churches and governments in or serving Clark and Floyd counties to apply for grants.
Capacity Building Grant Program
The Community Foundation of Southern Indiana’s Capacity Building Grants Program focuses on improving organizations’ operating capacity so that they may continue to provide their essential services to the community.
A capacity building grant is intended to allow an organization to highlight their vision and strategic planning efforts in order to grow and sustain their operations. Capacity building is not a one-time effort to improve short-term effectiveness, but rather a continuous improvement strategy toward the creation of a sustainable and effective organization.
The year-round program is intended to serve nonprofits in both Clark and Floyd counties in Indiana, with funding requests between $5,000 – $25,000 accepted quarterly.
Community Assist Grant Program
The Community Foundation of Southern Indiana’s Community Assist Grants fund small requests to support projects, programs, or activities that will positively impact the community served by the nonprofit.
Requests must align with the identified areas of need in the 2021 Assessment of Needs and Priorities in Clark and Floyd Counties, which explores the community’s aspirations for building on its assets to address the area’s highest priorities and greatest challenges.
The year-round program is intended to serve nonprofits in both Clark and Floyd counties in Indiana, with one-time funding requests between $1,000 – $5,000 accepted quarterly.
Quality of Place – Pathways to Progress Grant Program
The Community Foundation of Southern Indiana’s Quality of Place: Pathways to Progress Grants Program focuses on serving people with the least access to safe, high-quality public places and amenities. Typically, this includes those community members with:
- income limitations
- transportation / mobility issues
- physical / mental differences
When the lives of all of our neighbors are improved, our communities become more welcoming and attractive to all residents, tourists, and employers.
The program – which is available annually during the month of July – is intended to serve nonprofits in both Clark and Floyd counties in Indiana with one-time funding requests between $50,000 – $150,000.
Dates to Remember & Grant Writing Tips
Grant application periods will be open all year round with quarterly deadlines and awards, allowing organization to apply for grants to fulfill their needs when the time is right for them. Also, if you’re interested in applying for any of the Foundation’s grants, we recommend reviewing our Tips for Grant Writing page.
Grant Approvals
Each year, a committee made up of civic and business volunteers representing both Clark & Floyd counties serve on the Foundation’s Community Grants Committee. After thorough review of all qualified applications, the Committee makes a final recommendation for funding to the CFSI Board of Directors. Following Board approval, recipients are notified.
Final Report Required
Organizations that have received grants and wish to apply again must first have submitted a final report for any previously funded projects or programs to be eligible for funds again. The final report deadlines may vary. Grantees should refer to their Grant Agreement to determine Final Report dates.
Grant Extension Requests
Grantees that are unable to spend or encumber the entire amount awarded or complete a majority of the funded activity within the funded grant period are required to either refund any remaining balance with an explanation or submit a grant period extension request. Please refer to the Grant Guidelines and FAQs if you need to request an extension.
Grant Guidelines, Policies & FAQs
For more specific information regarding the Foundation’s Grant Program Guidelines and Policies, please visit our Public Reports and Policies page. If you are having trouble uploading information through the online grant management system, please let us know by calling (812) 948-4662.