Benton Community Foundation Grant

The Benton Community Foundation administers a Community Grant program that is designed to address pressing needs and new opportunities within Benton County, Indiana. The Foundation has long been a trusted resource for local charitable investment, with its grant dollars directly impacting families and organizations across the community. Alongside designated funds awarded annually to specific charities, the Foundation manages an open request process for projects that benefit the community more broadly. The Community Grant program specifically draws from the Foundation’s unrestricted funds, ensuring flexibility in responding to emerging priorities. Applicants are strongly encouraged to consult with Foundation staff prior to submission in order to better understand funding priorities and requirements. The purpose of the Community Grant is to support programs and initiatives that have wide-reaching impact. Priority is given to projects that benefit the greatest number of residents, build the long-term capacity of organizations to serve the community, and are structured as collaborations between nonprofit entities. Projects that serve Benton County residents are central to the program’s mission. The Foundation also favors initiatives that demonstrate financial sustainability through multiple sources of support. This focus reflects the Foundation’s commitment to fostering long-term resilience and broad-based benefit within the county. The Foundation maintains clear limitations on the types of projects it will not support. Applications from political organizations or candidates are not eligible. Endowments, ongoing operating expenses, and requests from individuals are excluded from funding. The Foundation also does not fund special events such as parades, festivals, or sporting events, nor will it support debt reduction or deficit financing. Projects that have previously received Community Grant support are not typically considered again unless the Foundation has extended an invitation to resubmit. These restrictions allow the Foundation to direct its unrestricted funds toward initiatives that most align with its mission of community benefit and organizational strengthening. The application process begins with a required conversation between the applicant and the Foundation, either by phone or email. This initial contact ensures that proposals align with Foundation priorities and that applicants are fully informed of submission requirements. Following this step, organizations must submit their request through the appropriate method depending on the funding level. For projects requesting $2,000 or less, applicants may submit a one to two page letter of request. This letter must include a project description and anticipated timeline, a full project budget with the amount requested from the Foundation, defined outcomes with supporting data, and a list of any community partners involved. It must also be signed by the governing body of the organization and include a Federal ID number, with IRS Determination Letters attached when applicable. Applications may be submitted electronically via email to the Foundation contact, hand-delivered to the office in the Demeter Building at 98 S 100 E, Fowler, or mailed to the Foundation’s post office box in Fowler. For grants of $2,000 or less, deadlines fall on the first of each month, and applicants are notified of funding decisions within 45 days of submission. Larger requests require submission through the Foundation’s official website and must include all necessary attachments as outlined in the application process. These clear submission methods ensure accessibility and accountability for applicants of all sizes. Evaluation is centered on the alignment of the proposed project with the Foundation’s stated priorities, its potential for broad community impact, the strength of collaborative partnerships, and the sustainability of the project beyond Foundation support. Contact with Foundation staff is considered an integral part of the process and ensures that applicants submit complete and competitive proposals. All questions regarding the application process may be directed to the Foundation’s program contact, Andrea, at andrea@bentoncf.org or by phone at 765.884.8022. The ongoing monthly deadlines and flexible submission process reflect the Foundation’s commitment to supporting a dynamic range of local initiatives that advance the well-being of Benton County residents.

Applicants should contact Foundation staff before submission for guidance and priority alignment