HCCF Community Impact Grants

The Hendricks County Community Foundation (HCCF) administers the Community Impact Grant Program to support charitable initiatives that address critical needs and create meaningful, measurable impact in Hendricks County, Indiana. HCCF is a private community foundation focused on enhancing the quality of life for residents through philanthropy, nonprofit support, and community leadership. The Community Impact Grant is part of their broader grantmaking portfolio and exemplifies their commitment to empowering organizations that share their mission to improve community wellbeing. This grant program is responsive in nature and offers flexible funding for nonprofit and charitable groups. It encourages applicants to present a strong case for how HCCF funding could elevate their organization’s mission or respond to community needs. Proposals may include new initiatives, program expansions, capital improvements, or other projects that provide tangible benefits to residents of Hendricks County. Notably, this grant allows for unrestricted funding when appropriate and is designed to minimize administrative burden through a streamlined application and reporting process. Organizations do not need to be registered 501(c)(3) entities, but all proposals must serve a charitable purpose and benefit the public. Programs must operate within Hendricks County and meet a measurable or demonstrable community need. Ineligible applicants include for-profit companies, religious institutions (for proselytizing or construction), political campaigns, individual applicants, and fundraising events. Schools are generally excluded unless their proposed projects provide value beyond the student population to the wider community. The Community Impact Grant Program operates on a defined timeline for its second round in 2025. Applications opened on July 7 and close on August 8. From August 11 to 22, applications are reviewed by HCCF, followed by committee evaluation from August 22 to September 12. One-on-one meetings with applicants occur between September 15 and October 3. Final funding decisions will be made in October, with board approval scheduled for October 23. The average grant award typically ranges between $2,000 and $5,000, although requests up to $10,000 are not uncommon. Applicants are encouraged to demonstrate their full need, and partial funding or match requirements may be imposed. The application is available through an online portal only. HCCF provides a sample application in PDF form to help prospective applicants prepare. Applicants may contact Vice President of Programs, Eric Hessel, for guidance or eligibility clarification. Hessel can be reached at eric@hendrickscountycf.org or by phone at 317-268-6240. The foundation prioritizes trust-based philanthropy and aims to reduce application and reporting burdens while strengthening community partnerships. Past recipients reflect the grant’s broad scope, including organizations focused on mental health, education, healthcare access, community engagement, emergency housing, and disability advocacy. These recipients received funding for diverse needs such as summer camps, health monitors, ESL computer programs, and food insecurity initiatives. HCCF’s commitment to continual learning, community input, and reducing barriers ensures that the grant program remains relevant and accessible to a wide range of community-serving groups.

Simplified application process; preview PDF available; one-on-one meetings may occur; partial funding or match may apply.