Vanderburgh Community Foundation’s Community Good Grants Program

The Community Good Grants Program, administered by the Community Foundation Alliance, provides funding to charitable organizations for both new and ongoing programs that address a wide range of local needs in Vanderburgh County. Funding requests are accepted once per year during an established grant cycle, and the requirements for applications may change annually. Grant seekers are encouraged to review the most recent guidelines before beginning the application process. Grants are funded through Community Good Unrestricted Funds and Field of Interest Funds, ensuring support for a diverse array of community needs. The purpose of this grant is to support nonprofit organizations and governmental agencies that are working to improve various aspects of community well-being. Eligible organizations must be tax-exempt under sections 501(c)(3) and 509(a) of the Internal Revenue Code. In some cases, nonprofit organizations without a 501(c)(3) designation may be considered for funding if their project serves a charitable purpose and meets a documented community need. These organizations may be required to secure a fiscal sponsor, which must provide a written statement agreeing to oversee the grant funds if awarded. The funding scope includes programs and projects in the following areas: arts and culture, community development, education, health and mental health, human services, and other civic endeavors such as environment, recreation, and youth development. However, the grant does not support religious activities, political campaigns, endowment creation, operating expenses unrelated to the funded project, capital campaigns, annual appeals, membership contributions, travel expenses, or scholarships and grants to individuals. Prospective applicants are invited to attend a virtual Grant Application Orientation Session on January 27, 2025, to learn more about the program. Additionally, organizations can schedule a meeting with the Regional Director of Community Engagement and Impact for further guidance. Applications must include supporting documents such as a current board roster with professional affiliations, an annual operating budget, the most recent financial statement, and a fiscal sponsor agreement letter if applicable. The grant selection process involves a review by a committee composed of County Advisory Board members and community volunteers. The committee evaluates proposals and makes funding recommendations, which are then presented to the Community Foundation Alliance Board of Directors for final approval. All applicants will be notified of their application status no later than May 1, 2025. Approved grantees may be required to submit a final report upon project completion, detailing the impact and outcomes of the funded project. Reporting requirements and instructions will be provided at the time of the award. The application deadline for the 2025 grant cycle is February 21, 2025, at 5:00 p.m., and applicants must use the access code “vcf” to begin the application process through their user account.