Benton Community Foundation Grant

The Benton Community Foundation offers multiple grant opportunities designed to support projects that benefit the residents of Benton County, Indiana. Established to have a long-term impact on the local community, the Foundation distributes grant funding both through designated funds for specific charities and through open-call grant cycles that welcome proposals from a broad range of applicants. The Foundation manages two primary competitive grant cycles each year for requests exceeding $2,000. The first cycle has a submission deadline of April 24 at 5:00 PM, with funding decisions communicated by mid-June. The second cycle deadline is September 25 at 5:00 PM, with notification by mid-November. Organizations seeking funding above this threshold must complete the official Community Grant Application and provide all required attachments. Proposals are evaluated based on project relevance, clarity of objectives, defined outcomes, total cost, and the presence of collaborating partners. For smaller requests of $2,000 or less, the Foundation provides a streamlined process requiring only a 1–2 page letter. This letter must include a description of the project, total project cost, amount requested, anticipated outcomes, project timeline, and a list of other community partners involved. Importantly, the letter must be signed by a governing body such as a nonprofit board or public council. These mini-grants are accepted on a rolling basis, with a deadline on the first day of each month. Applicants are notified within 45 days. All grant requests may be submitted via mail, hand-delivery to the Foundation’s office in Fowler, or by email to the Foundation’s grant coordinator. Successful applicants are required to submit a final report within 30 days of the project's completion. This report ensures that the Foundation can evaluate the outcomes and impact of each funded initiative. A standard report template is available for download in Word format from the Foundation’s website. The Benton Community Foundation prioritizes projects that address unmet needs, foster community partnerships, and present measurable benefits to the residents of Benton County. Through its structured and flexible grantmaking process, the Foundation continues to support programs that enrich the local quality of life and empower organizations dedicated to public service.

Submit by email for fastest turnaround; final report required within 30 days of project end.