BOOST Grants Program

The Community Foundation of Southern Indiana (CFSI), headquartered in New Albany, Indiana, serves as a cornerstone for local philanthropic engagement and stewardship. Committed to long-term community development, CFSI emphasizes strategic investments in nonprofits that are central to maintaining and enhancing quality of life in Clark and Floyd counties. As an organization confirmed in compliance with National Standards for U.S. Community Foundations, CFSI ensures credibility and consistency in its philanthropic practices. The Capacity Building Grants Program offered by CFSI is an ongoing, year-round opportunity specifically designed to strengthen nonprofit organizations’ infrastructure and long-term viability. The purpose of these grants is not to support short-term or operational fixes but to enable organizations to develop robust systems and strategies that facilitate sustained impact. These grants allow nonprofits to articulate and actualize their strategic vision, improve performance, and grow with continuity and resilience. Applications are accepted quarterly, with funding amounts ranging from $5,000 to $25,000. Eligible projects supported by this program include a wide array of capacity-building initiatives. Funding may be used for organizational strategic planning, assessment of management and governance systems, evaluations of service effectiveness, and planning for board or staff development. It also covers fund development planning, succession planning, and communications strategies. Additionally, nonprofits may apply for technology upgrades, including systems to manage volunteers and data. In rare instances, physical infrastructure upgrades required for licensing or certification may be considered, especially if they are deemed critical to sustaining revenue or quality benchmarks. To qualify, applicants must be 501(c)(3) public charities in good standing with the IRS or have a fiscal sponsor that meets these criteria. Organizations must serve residents of Clark and Floyd counties in Indiana and propose projects that directly contribute to their operational efficiency, effectiveness, or sustainability. Notably, organizations that have received other competitive grants from CFSI within the past year are eligible to apply, provided they remain in good standing with their current grant agreements. The grant application is open on a rolling basis throughout the year. There are no specified pre-application deadlines or letters of intent required, making the process accessible and flexible. For nonprofits new to the grant or seeking clarity, a virtual information session recorded in 2022 is available. Furthermore, interested applicants may contact Crystal Gunther-Melcher, Vice President of Community Philanthropy, at (812) 948-4662 for personalized guidance or questions regarding the application. CFSI operates Monday through Thursday from 8:00 AM to 5:00 PM and Fridays from 8:00 AM to 3:00 PM. The organization encourages potential applicants to reach out for assistance and aims to collaborate with its nonprofit partners to achieve high-impact results for Southern Indiana’s communities. With its open, rolling structure, the Capacity Building Grants Program presents a significant opportunity for local organizations to enhance their infrastructure and planning to better serve their missions over the long term.

A virtual information session video is available to help guide applicants.