Hamilton Community Foundation Grant Program 2024

The Hamilton Community Foundation administers quarterly grant opportunities through its Hamilton Community Foundation Grant program, created to address unmet and emerging charitable needs within Hamilton County, Nebraska. The Foundation emphasizes a collective approach to philanthropy, drawing on the contributions of many donors to amplify community impact. By supporting organizations with a demonstrated ability to meet pressing needs and leverage additional financial support, the Foundation seeks to maximize benefits to Hamilton County residents. The grant program follows general funding guidelines as demand for funding typically exceeds available resources. The grant program operates on a quarterly cycle, with distinct open and close dates for each round. The first quarter opens December 1 with a deadline of January 8 at 4:00 PM, with notifications issued in the second week of February. The second quarter opens February 25 and closes April 1 at 4:00 PM, with notifications in the second week of May. The third quarter opens May 25 and closes July 1 at 4:00 PM, with notifications in the second week of August. The fourth quarter opens August 25 and closes October 1 at 4:00 PM, with notifications in the second week of November. Applications must be submitted online by 4:00 PM on the deadline date. Only one grant may be awarded per organization each calendar year, and all prior reports and grant receipts must be completed before a new application can be considered. Eligibility is restricted to organizations with a 501(c)(3) tax-exempt designation under the IRS and community groups undertaking projects for public benefit. Applicants must demonstrate a need for their project within Hamilton County and show direct benefit to county residents. Further, organizations must have operated successfully for at least one year and show capacity to attract financial support beyond the Foundation. Funding for the project must be limited or unavailable from other sources. The Foundation does not fund expenditures incurred prior to approval, tax-supported schools or municipalities, more than 50 percent of a single project, ongoing operating expenses, events, or organizations with outstanding grant funds. Applications are reviewed based on guidelines emphasizing community need, local impact, organizational track record, and ability to secure supplementary funding. Grants are generally awarded for projects that will be completed within 12 months. Requests should be limited to the amount necessary to complete the proposed project, as each approved award is balanced against applications that cannot be funded. While the Foundation offers three types of grants (Quarterly Hamilton Community Foundation Grant, Women in Philanthropy Grant, and Youth Engaged in Philanthropy Grant), applicants are required to select the correct grant type in the portal. If only one option is visible, it indicates that other grant cycles are not currently open. The submission process is conducted entirely online. Applicants are encouraged to review guidelines closely and contact the Foundation for clarification before applying. The Foundation recommends early engagement with staff to strengthen proposals and ensure compliance with requirements. All questions should be directed to the Hamilton Community Foundation office at 402-694-3200 or by email at lfleming@hcfne.org. The Foundation is located at 1108 L Street, Aurora, NE 68818. In addition to quarterly opportunities, annual grant cycles such as the Women in Philanthropy Grant and the Youth Engaged in Philanthropy Grant are also available. Applicants must ensure that funding requests align with the Foundation’s rules, particularly regarding project completion timelines and eligible expenses. Funds spent prior to approval are not reimbursable. Applications are competitive, and the Foundation underscores that approval is not guaranteed as resources are limited.