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 or for expansions or outgrowths of an initial project.

If you are applying for a grant from the Rosella and Doyle Oursler Fund, your project must be used to improve the quality of life for youth and/or adults in Smith Township. 

Grant Cycle

We consider proposals for grants on a yearly cycle which begins each January. At the start of each cycle, a notice is mailed or emailed to nonprofit organizations that have applied for grants in the past, have received grants in the past, or have otherwise requested notification 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 May each year.  Proposals will be accepted from January through the March deadline.  Proposals submitted after the March 6, 2012 will not be considered.

Grant Program Orientation Meeting
In lieu of a group orientation session, prospective grant applicants are invited to schedule a meeting with the Foundation's director, Johnna Denning, to receive an overview of the funding opportunity and to ask specific questions.  Contact Johnna at 812.838.0288 or johnna@poseycommunityfoundation.org to schedule an orientation meeting. 

Eligibility
The Foundation welcomes funding requests 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. Requests 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.

Funding Requests
The maximum amount for funding will be limited to $5000.00 per program or project.  Due to the prolonged down investment market, distributions and grants will be limited during the 2012 year. Even though our available to grant money is reduced this fiscal year, we would like to support organizations when they need it the most.  During these extraordinary economic times, the Posey County Community Foundation is committed to creating positive impact and partnering with other nonprofits to improve our community.

Fiscal Sponsors
Funding requests 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 or debt reduction

Operating costs (Costs that keep the organization running and the doors open, i.e., general computer software or hardware, staff salary, general office supplies or equipment, utilities, etc.)

Capital campaigns (Large capital projects that may take several years to complete where there is no defined area for use of the grant)

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 proposals will be notified of the outcome of the grants committee's deliberation in writing no later than May 18, 2012.

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.

Grant Application Form
The Grant Application Form is designed to be completed on-screen and then submitted online.  The form cannot be saved for retrieval at a later time, so you should not begin entering data until you can devote sufficient time to completing the entire form in one sitting.  The form is provided below:

Current board roster with professional affiliations

Organization's current annual operating budget

Most recent financial statement (monthly, quarterly, etc.)

Most recent audited financial statement or completed IRS Form 990 (if available)

Fiscal sponsor agreement letter, if applicable

Deadline and Submission Instructions
The grant application must be electronically submitted to the Posey County Community Foundation no later than 4pm on March 6, 2012.  Upon submission, you will receive an email confirming receipt of your funding request.  Included in this confirmation email will be a recap of the information you provided in your grant application form.  Please retain a copy of the email for your records.