Kosciusko Community Fund Grants

The Kosciusko County Community Foundation administers the Community Funds grant program, designed to support charitable organizations serving residents of Kosciusko County, Indiana. As a local philanthropic institution, the foundation focuses on strengthening community life by channeling resources toward projects that address education, health, recreation, arts and culture, civic initiatives, the environment, and human services. This competitive program reflects the foundation’s mission to connect caring people and charitable endeavors while addressing community needs through grantmaking, donor partnerships, and leadership efforts. The purpose of the Community Funds is to provide financial support to nonprofit organizations that demonstrate the capacity to address pressing needs and opportunities within Kosciusko County. Funding is intended to advance projects that deliver measurable community benefits, enhance quality of life, and respond to demonstrated needs supported by data, research, or community input. Applications must outline the specific problem being addressed, how the project will provide solutions, and what long-term outcomes will be achieved. Grants are restricted to eligible charitable uses and cannot reimburse expenses incurred before the grant is approved. Eligible applicants include nonprofit organizations with 501(c)(3) status, schools, churches, and governmental entities operating programs that serve Kosciusko County residents. Organizations must provide documentation such as IRS determination letters, lists of board and staff members with their city or town of residence, and financial records including the most recent Statement of Activities and Statement of Financial Position. A Form 990 is also requested but not required. All applicants are required to secure an initial consultation with Alex Hall, Vice President of Programs, before submitting their application to ensure alignment with foundation priorities and grant guidelines. The application process is managed through an online portal. Applications are due three times per year on March 1, July 1, and November 1, with all materials submitted by 4:30 p.m. on the deadline date. Once submitted, applications undergo staff review during the first five weeks to check eligibility and completeness, followed by a review by the Grant Committee between weeks six and nine. Recommendations are forwarded to the board of directors, who make final decisions during weeks ten and eleven. Applicants are notified by mail within one week of the board decision, and award letters include grant agreements for approved projects. Approximately nine weeks elapse between the submission deadline and the announcement of awards. The application requires detailed organizational information, project descriptions, budget summaries, sources of financial support, and an explanation of how the project will be evaluated and communicated. Applicants must describe their organizational mission, the population served, and their ability to implement the project. They must also provide detailed descriptions of the identified need, proposed approach, project timeline, collaborations, anticipated impact, and evaluation methods. A final report is required within one year of receiving an award. The foundation emphasizes accountability and transparency in both programmatic and financial reporting. For support and inquiries, applicants may contact the foundation’s office at 574-267-1901 or via email at kcf@kcfoundation.org. Specific program-related inquiries should be directed to Alex Hall at alex@kcfoundation.org. The foundation is located at 102 East Market Street, Warsaw, Indiana, 46580. By requiring organizations to engage with staff before submission and to provide comprehensive supporting documentation, the foundation ensures a rigorous application and review process that aligns with its standards of accountability and community impact.