Women’s Fund Grants Program

The Women’s Fund of Vanderburgh County, part of the Community Foundation Alliance, offers an annual grant cycle focused on improving the quality of life for families in Vanderburgh County, Indiana. The Fund awards two Impact Grants each year, one for a program and one for a project, with each grant amounting to fifty thousand dollars. Additionally, four fifteen-thousand-dollar grants are awarded to finalist organizations in both categories. The Fund is dedicated to fostering long-range planning, financial stability, and sustainability among applicants while encouraging collaboration to address identified community needs. Each grant cycle begins in June with announcements sent to local media and nonprofits on the Fund’s mailing list. The website provides year-round access to grant information, though its content is considered current only during the June to November review period. A meticulous deliberation process starts with reviewing funding requests, progressing through semi-finalist selection, site visits, and culminating in finalist presentations at the Women’s Fund Annual Meeting. Final grant decisions are made by member vote at this meeting, scheduled for November 5, 2025, for this cycle. Eligible applicants include nonprofit organizations classified as tax-exempt under sections 501(c)(3) and 509(a) of the Internal Revenue Code, as well as governmental agencies serving Vanderburgh County. Non-charitable organizations may apply if they secure a fiscal sponsor, providing a signed agreement from the sponsor’s board president. Organizations that previously received an Impact Grant must wait three years before reapplying in either category, and only one application per organization is permitted. Funding considerations prioritize organizations that demonstrate sound planning, preventive approaches, collaboration, and a commitment to gender equity. Grants are available in various program areas including community development, education, health and mental health, human services, and other civic endeavors. Project funding is available for capital projects and endowment creation. The Fund explicitly excludes programs lacking a commitment to gender equity, those aimed solely at religious or political purposes, debt reduction, general operating costs, event sponsorship, and scholarships or grants to individuals. Applications for the 2025 cycle open on June 1 and close on July 15 before 5:00 pm. Funded programs and projects must commence within six months of the award and be completed within two years. Recipients of Impact Grants are required to submit two progress reports: one after one year and a final report upon project completion. Applicants must attach supporting documents including a board roster, financial statements, and an audit or financial review report. The Community Foundation Alliance can be contacted at 812-422-1245, with their office located at 20 N.W. 3rd Street, Suite 820, Evansville, IN 47708.