Community Cycle Grants

The Community Cycle Grants program is a recurring funding initiative offered by the Ohio County Community Foundation (OCCF), a nonprofit organization based in Rising Sun, Indiana. The OCCF is dedicated to improving the quality of life for residents of Ohio County by supporting charitable projects across a wide array of community-focused sectors. The Community Cycle Grants serve as a primary funding mechanism for nonprofits engaged in initiatives that directly benefit Ohio County residents. The grants support projects in the areas of Community Development, Education, Health, Human Services, and Cultural Affairs. Eligible applicants include nonprofit organizations classified under IRS Code 501(c), governmental and educational entities, or those possessing similar attributes as outlined in IRS Code Section 509(a). Fiscal sponsorship is allowed, provided the sponsoring organization meets exemption criteria. The foundation retains the right to verify an organization's status and may request documentation as part of the eligibility review process. Funding is awarded up to a maximum of $5,000 per application, with only one application permitted per tax ID number during each cycle. Organizations may consolidate multiple project proposals under one application as long as the total request does not exceed the $5,000 cap. Grants will not be awarded for expenses committed prior to the award date and will not cover reimbursements, political activity, sectarian religious purposes, or the acquisition of weapons or ammunition. Projects with a religious affiliation must serve a general community purpose to be eligible. The Community Cycle Grants are offered twice annually. The first cycle closes on March 13, 2026, at 3:00 PM Eastern Time. A second cycle is expected in August. Applications are submitted online through the OCCF website, and applicants will see a confirmation screen upon successful submission. Online access to the application will close precisely at the deadline, and OCCF is not responsible for technical issues related to internet access or submission delays. Grant applications must be submitted by eligible organizations only; individual submissions are not permitted. While the program may fund activities that benefit individuals—such as scholarships—these must be administered through qualified sponsoring organizations. Brick-and-mortar projects are eligible only if they further the mission of a public charity. Organizations must be current on all previous OCCF grant reporting requirements to be considered for new funding. Organizations or individuals with questions about eligibility, guidelines, or proposal development are encouraged to contact the foundation directly at 812-438-9401. Correspondence may also be directed to the foundation’s office at 330 Industrial Access Drive, Rising Sun, IN 47040. Funding decisions are made after each cycle’s deadline, and applicants should plan ahead for implementation timelines.