Transform Lake County Grant Program

The Transform Lake County (TLC) Grant program is a competitive funding opportunity offered by the Legacy Foundation to support nonprofit organizations serving Lake County, Indiana. Funded through contributions to the Lake County Community Fund, the TLC Grants aim to strengthen neighborhoods, empower residents, and enhance the effectiveness of local nonprofit service providers. TLC Grants are open to 501(c)(3) organizations serving Lake County, though exceptions may be made for certain government or faith-based organizations if their projects serve the broader community in nontraditional capacities. There are two main types of TLC Grants: programmatic grants and capacity-building grants. Programmatic grants range from $2,000 to $35,000 and support initiatives related to basic needs, economic mobility, community enrichment, and safety and inclusive justice. Capacity-building grants, up to $10,000, support internal improvements such as governance, technology upgrades, staff and board development, planning, and evaluation systems. The TLC Grant program operates on a biannual schedule, with application windows opening on March 1 and September 1 each year. Deadlines for submission are April 1 and October 1 respectively. Notification of funding decisions typically occurs in mid-May and mid-November, approximately six weeks after each application deadline. Applicants may only submit one application per grant type per cycle and must comply with all reporting and site visit requirements from prior grants to be eligible for re-application. Strong proposals demonstrate innovative or community-driven approaches, align with organizational strategic plans, and show evidence of collaborative planning and financial sustainability. Projects that aim to eliminate service duplication or implement new service models are prioritized. Legacy Foundation gives special consideration to organizations with budgets under $2 million, particularly those that can use grant funds to leverage additional resources. Grants cannot be used for operating costs such as rent or utilities, staff salaries (except consultants), capital campaigns, political activities, or projects promoting a specific religion. Legacy Foundation reserves the right to impose matching requirements on a case-by-case basis. Matching funds must be documented and submitted through the grant portal. Awarded organizations must sign a Statement of Conditions (SOC) within 30 days of the award announcement, participate in a site visit, and submit financial and narrative reports at the end of the 12-month grant period. Reports are due 13 months from the date the SOC is signed. Non-compliance may result in suspension from future funding cycles. Questions can be directed to Legacy Foundation staff through their website or by phone at 219-736-1880.

Focus on innovation, collaboration, and alignment with strategic goals.