Large Grants Program

The Large Grants Program is administered by the Health Foundation of La Porte, a private health-focused philanthropic organization dedicated to improving the health and well-being of residents in La Porte County, Indiana. The foundation advances its mission through strategic grantmaking, convening community stakeholders, and supporting organizational capacity building. Its current strategic direction is guided by a multi-year plan focused on three priority areas: Attainable Housing, Healthy Eating Active Living, and Mental Health and Substance Use. These priorities were established through community-informed planning processes and landscape assessments to address critical local health needs. The purpose of the Large Grants Program is to fund impactful, collaborative initiatives that contribute to measurable improvements in one of the foundation’s focus areas. Applicants are expected to align their proposed projects with specific objectives and strategies outlined in the foundation’s Strategic Grantmaking Framework. The program emphasizes evidence-based or promising practices and encourages cross-cutting strategies such as improving access to services, strengthening referral systems, and enhancing transportation access. Projects must demonstrate a strong commitment to community engagement, learning, and measurable outcomes that improve quality of life for residents. Funding is provided through multi-year grants, with most awards ranging from 300000 to 900000 distributed over a three-year period. Grants are paid in installments based on agreed implementation plans. In addition to implementation funding, selected applicants invited to submit full applications receive a 5000 planning grant to support project development. The program prioritizes long-term collaboration, continuous learning, and evaluation, requiring grantees to participate in learning circles and engage in monitoring, evaluation, and learning activities throughout the grant term. Eligibility is limited to nonprofit organizations with 501(c)(3) status and governmental entities, including schools, that provide services benefiting residents of La Porte County. Faith-based organizations are eligible if their programs are inclusive and not restricted by religious affiliation. Applications involving multiple organizations are allowed, though one lead organization must serve as the primary grantee and meet all eligibility requirements. The program explicitly excludes funding for individuals, discriminatory organizations, political activities, endowments, and general fundraising efforts. The application process follows a structured two-step approach. Applicants were required to first submit a Letter of Intent outlining their project concept and organizational capacity. Selected applicants were then invited to complete a full application, which included participation in a planning workshop, individual consultation meetings, submission of detailed project plans, and a formal presentation. Applications were evaluated based on alignment with strategic objectives, project feasibility, organizational capacity, expected impact, and incorporation of cross-cutting strategies. The timeline for the 2026 cycle began with the release of the funding opportunity on April 1, 2026, with Letters of Intent due on April 30, 2026. Selected applicants progressed through additional stages including workshops and full application submission, with final awards expected to be announced in October 2026. The grant term was scheduled to begin in November 2026 and extend over three years. Applicants were able to seek support through office hours, direct contact with foundation staff, and technical assistance provided throughout the process.

Ensure strong alignment with one focus area objective and strategy demonstrate measurable outcomes include community engagement and incorporate cross cutting strategies