• Who Can Apply? 
  The Community Foundation invites all charitable organizations including charitable 501(c)(3) organizations, schools, churches, and governmental agencies in or serving Owen County to apply for grants. If your organization does not meet these criteria but your project meets the OCCF’s charitable goals, we may be able to partner you with a fiscal sponsor, so please contact our office for assistance.
   

• What is the Range of Grant Awards?

  • Rapid Response Grants award up to $1,000 for immediate support. 

  • ​Community Investment Grants range from $1,000 to $5,000.

  • Large Impact Grants award from $10,000 - $30,000. 

  • Teacher mini-grants award up to $300. 

  • Organizations have the option to crowdfund if they want up to $10,000 or if they want to leverage our dollars with a matching campaign.
     

• Application Deadlines

  • Grant committees review Community Investment Grant requests three times per year. 2023 application deadlines for committee review are February 1, 2023; June 1, 2023; and November 1, 2023.​ You can submit your application at any point in time and it will be reviewed at the next available grants review meeting. 

  • Teacher mini-grants and Rapid Response Grants have no deadline and are eligible for application at any point throughout the year. Funds available are limited each year, these grants are on a first come, first served basis. 

  • The Community Impact Grant calendar is still under revision. 
     

• Funding Categories
  The Community Foundation has identified the following areas of emphasis for grantmaking, based on our 2022-2026 Strategic Plan. Areas of focus may change annually, as our community needs shift.

  • Education

  • Non-Profit Capacity Building

  • Youth Philanthropy

  • Human Services

  • MYPath Trail System

  • Attracting and Retaining "Rising Generations" (25 - 40-year-olds)

    • May include other areas of emphasis such as quality of place, arts & culture, trails & parks, etc.

Additionally, the Community Foundation will consider requests for initiatives to support community wellness; culture; economic development; transportation; agriculture; natural resources; broadband access; historic & archaeological resources; hazard mitigation; innovation & entrepreneurship; and quality of place.

​

• 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. The final report deadlines may vary; grantees should refer to their Grant Agreement to determine Final Report dates.
  ​

• What if I have problems filling out an application?
  Please call Maria O'Connor at 812-829-1725. 
   

• I need more room to explain, can I attach a letter?
  No, use the space that is provided, please be brief and complete. If we require additional information, we will contact you. 
   

• Who do I contact if my situation changes?
  If your business situation or funding sources change drastically for the good or the bad, please contact the Foundation by email and explain the situation. We will contact you to help you navigate the situation. 
   

• Can I print out an application and write it by hand?
  No, we cannot accept handwritten applications. If you need help filling out an application, please reach out to Maria at maria@owencountycf.org.
   

• What if I am a charitable organization with no non-profit status?
  Contact the OCCF and we may be able to help you find a partnering organization that will take the financial responsibility for the grant. If you receive a grant, the grant agreement should be signed by the supporting organization and the check will be made payable to the supporting organization. 

​

• What marketing requirements are required once I receive a grant? 
  Marketing requirements vary depending on which grant your nonprofit organization has received. Please visit the nonprofits page and click on the "Press Kit for Grantees" button to learn more about the requirements unique to each grant type.