Knight Foundation Fund Grant

The Knight Foundation Fund for Gary, Indiana was established at the Legacy Foundation in 2002 through a philanthropic investment by the John S. and James L. Knight Foundation. This fund is part of the Knight Foundation’s broader effort to support initiatives in journalism, arts, civic engagement, and community revitalization across 26 U.S. cities where the Knight brothers once operated newspapers. In 18 of these communities, including Gary, Indiana, the Knight Foundation maintains a local endowment within a community foundation and works in partnership as a donor advisor. In Gary, the Knight Foundation's goal is to support transformative community initiatives with an emphasis on revitalizing the downtown core and surrounding areas. Grantmaking from this fund seeks to stimulate local momentum by focusing on entrepreneurship, economic development, creative approaches to urban blight, and infrastructure that promotes social cohesion. Additional targeted goals include attracting and retaining talent, increasing sustainable food access, and addressing the region’s population loss. Strategies include leveraging existing assets such as local universities and natural spaces, enhancing public spaces, and improving civic engagement between residents and decision-makers. Eligible applicants for funding from the Knight Foundation Fund for Gary must be 501(c)(3) tax-exempt organizations or government entities such as schools, libraries, or hospitals. All applicants must be in good standing with the IRS. Projects must be geographically focused in Gary, Indiana, with priority given to those serving downtown Gary, particularly around the 5th and Broadway area. Individuals, for-profit businesses, religious and political groups, and projects such as capital campaigns, debt servicing, and medical research are not eligible for funding. Applicants must submit a letter of interest as the initial application step. This letter must include detailed contact information, an overview of the applicant organization, a project description, rationale for the project, a 12-month timeline, population served (including numerical estimates), and a budget identifying the requested funding amount and proposed expenditures. Applications are accepted on a rolling basis, with no fixed deadline. Projects must be completed within one year of the award, and grant recipients are required to submit a final evaluation report. Funding is available up to $100,000 per project. While matching funds are not explicitly required, the Legacy Foundation notes that some grants may carry a match requirement set by its Board of Directors. If imposed, these matches must be comprised of new, irrevocable contributions received during the grant period. Payment is made via ACH upon completion and approval of all follow-up documentation, and in some cases may be contingent on meeting specific goals outlined in the grant agreement. For assistance or additional questions, prospective applicants may contact Maranda Fishback Engquist, Grants and Partnerships Director at the Legacy Foundation, via email at mfishback@legacyfdn.org.

Proposals focused on downtown Gary and that demonstrate strong planning and alignment with community needs will be prioritized.