NCHS Community Benefit Capital Grant

North Central Health Services (NCHS) offers Community Benefit Capital Grants to support the development of health-focused infrastructure and resources that foster healthier communities. NCHS, in collaboration with River Bend Hospital, aims to assist nonprofit organizations that provide impactful, sustainable capital projects in specific Indiana counties. The organization prioritizes initiatives that align with the findings of its 2024 Community Health Needs Assessments. Applicants are encouraged to pursue projects that enhance community health outcomes, avoid duplication of services, and make effective use of limited resources. Eligible applicants must be nonprofit organizations classified as tax-exempt under section 501(c)(3) of the Internal Revenue Code. Additionally, organizations must serve at least one of the following Indiana counties: Benton, Carroll, Clinton, Fountain, Montgomery, Tippecanoe, Warren, or White. Applicants must also have a minimum of two years of financial history and cannot be foundations, endowments, individuals, religious or political entities, educational institutions, or organizations with taxing authority. Capital projects must involve the acquisition, construction, or renovation of facilities or equipment, and requests related to debt service, operational costs, or fundraising events are generally ineligible. Letters of inquiry (LOIs) for capital projects are accepted on a rolling basis throughout the year. Interested organizations should initiate contact with NCHS by calling (765) 423-1604 to discuss eligibility and the application process. The LOI must contain a concise organizational overview, a clear statement of the problem being addressed, a detailed description of the proposed capital project, total estimated cost, identification of any partners, and the requested amount from NCHS. LOIs should be directed to Michelle Kreinbrook, Director of Community Benefit and Outreach, at the NCHS office in West Lafayette, Indiana. Upon receiving an LOI, NCHS will conduct an initial review to determine alignment with funding priorities. If a project meets these criteria, the organization will be invited to submit a full application. Depending on the size and type of request, different documentation is required. For example, building acquisitions must include appraisals, and equipment purchases must include vendor quotes. Financial documentation requirements also vary: projects under $25,000 need internal financials; those between $25,000 and $250,000 must include a review, compilation, or audit; and those over $250,000 require a full audit. Evaluation of full applications will focus on an organization’s success in achieving its mission, past performance, collaboration with community partners, fiscal responsibility, and sustainability of proposed projects. For capital requests exceeding $250,000, applicants must demonstrate that at least 10% of project funding has already been secured from other sources. Emphasis is placed on measurable impact, operational efficiency, and alignment with community health strategies identified in the River Bend and NCHS assessments. NCHS does not set a closing date for this grant, as LOIs are reviewed on a continuous basis. However, the organization encourages early engagement to ensure alignment and readiness. While funding amounts and the total program budget are not disclosed, the emphasis on sustainability, impact, and community collaboration provides a strategic pathway for qualified nonprofit applicants seeking capital investment in their health-related infrastructure projects.