Women of Worth

The Blackford County Community Foundation, a private philanthropic organization, provides funding through several grantmaking cycles and specialized programs in 2025. The Foundation aims to support community-focused initiatives across Blackford County, Indiana, aligning with its mission to enhance the quality of life for residents through strategic investments in nonprofit efforts. Applicants are guided through a structured process beginning with direct contact with Foundation staff to ensure project alignment with established funding criteria. The Foundation prioritizes five major fields of interest: community development, community services planning and coordination, education, health, and human services. Projects supported may involve arts and cultural development, community beautification, health and mental health services, educational programming from preschool through post-secondary levels, and services for youth, families, and the elderly. Notably, grants are not available for operating budgets except in limited, compelling cases, and capital support is contingent upon significant prior fundraising success. For 2025, the Foundation offers two standard grant cycles and a dedicated grant program called Women of Worth. Cycle I opens on December 5, 2024, and closes on February 6, 2025, with reviews conducted from February 10 to March 13, and final decisions issued on March 20. Cycle II opens June 5, 2025, with a submission deadline of August 7, review from August 11 to September 11, and approvals on September 18. The Women of Worth program specifically targets projects benefiting women and children in Blackford County, with an application window from August 11 to September 25, 2025. Final decision dates for this cycle are still to be determined. The application process requires initial contact with the Executive Director, Elizabeth, either by phone or email, to confirm eligibility and alignment with Foundation goals. Following this conversation, applicants will receive access to the application form and a list of required documents. All applications must be submitted online through the Foundation’s grant application portal. Applicants should be aware that grants are not issued to for-profit entities, political causes, or religious organizations serving only their membership. Evaluation of proposals is based on a set of criteria that includes the significance of the need or opportunity addressed, the breadth of community benefit, timing, collaboration with other organizations, financial support from additional sources, and potential for sustainability. Special consideration is given to proposals demonstrating multi-organizational support and long-term viability within the community. The Foundation does not provide funding for transportation, endowments, or routine government budget items unless extraordinary justification is provided. Individuals may be considered for special project grants, and all funding decisions are made in compliance with current IRS regulations. For additional information or to initiate the application process, interested parties should contact Executive Director Elizabeth at elizabeth@blackfordcounty.org or by phone at 765-348-3411.

Applicants must first consult with the Executive Director before receiving access to the application. Only proposals aligned with Foundation priorities will proceed.