Rapid Response Grant

The Rapid Response Grant Program, administered by the Owen County Community Foundation (OCCF), is a local funding initiative designed to support nonprofits that serve the residents of Owen County, Indiana. OCCF is dedicated to improving the quality of life for Owen County citizens through strategic and community-focused philanthropy. This grant program exemplifies OCCF's commitment to timely and responsive funding that directly supports pressing community needs and enhances organizational resilience during emergencies. The purpose of the Rapid Response Grant Program is to provide swift financial support to nonprofit organizations that are either responding to unexpected emergencies or leveraging short-term, time-sensitive opportunities. Emergencies are defined as sudden, unforeseen events that require immediate organizational action, while time-sensitive opportunities are characterized by their urgency and the short window in which they must be acted upon—typically within the span of a few months. Grant awards under this program are available in amounts up to $1,000. This relatively modest but impactful level of funding is intended to help nonprofit organizations maintain critical operations or seize beneficial opportunities that would otherwise be unattainable due to resource constraints. The program does not outline specific spending categories, but the intent is to ensure continuity and responsiveness in community-based service delivery, especially in urgent contexts. To be eligible, an organization must be either physically located in Owen County or must provide services to its residents. Applicants must have qualified charitable status as recognized by the IRS and be in good standing with GuideStar. Alternatively, organizations operating under a fiscal sponsor that holds charitable status are also eligible. An additional stipulation is that organizations may receive only one Rapid Response Grant per calendar year, thereby ensuring equitable distribution of limited funds across multiple needs and applicants. There is no formal application deadline or annual cycle; the grant operates on a rolling basis, allowing nonprofits to submit requests as needs arise. This ensures timeliness in support, which is critical given the emergency and time-sensitive nature of the funding. Because of the rolling nature, there are no pre-application deadlines, set opening or closing dates, or announced award dates—applications are assessed as they are received. For inquiries about the Rapid Response Grant Program, potential applicants are encouraged to contact Karah Bobeck, Director of Programs & Communications at the Owen County Community Foundation. She can be reached via phone at 812-829-1725 or email at karah@owencountycf.org. Her role includes guiding applicants through the submission process and ensuring they meet all required criteria before submitting a request.