How to Apply

The Community Foundation has established an annual grantmaking program that is available on a competitive basis to qualified nonprofit organizations serving Hancock County. Each grantmaking program has its own criteria used to evaluate applications.

We welcome and encourage contact from organizations that are considering applying for a grant and are happy to clarify and respond to questions concerning policies, guidelines, or application procedures.

We require that applicant organizations use the Community Foundation's application forms. Grant program timelines and forms are posted below or on our website's homepage at www.hccf.cc. You may also obtain information by calling Alyse Vail, Program Officer, at 317-462-8870 ext. 226.

2011 Grant Opportunity

Hancock County Community Foundation will grant approximately $50,000 to local nonprofit organizations for programs and projects encouraging innovation, collaboration, and partnership. The goal of this year’s grant cycle is for organizations to seek creative solutions to unresolved issues facing our county and to bring organizations together to address community need.

Grants up to $5,000 will be available to organizations who are certified as a charitable nonprofit under section 501(c)(3) of the IRS tax code, who have demonstrated success in responding to community need, and who are innovative in their approach to a solution.

Grants up to $10,000 will be available when nonprofits partner for existing program expansion and/or new program development. In order to apply, two or more organizations must work to strengthen an existing collaboration or embark on a new joint venture that is both innovative and responsive to community need. At least one of the applying organizations must be certified as a charitable nonprofit under section 501(c)(3) of the IRS tax code, but all organizations applying for grant dollars must be a qualifying nonprofit (see qualifications below). Each organization must contribute to the project in a material way.

2011 Grant Application Deadline has passed.

For your reference, you may click on the links below to view samples of a Board Resolution and a Program Budget.
Board Resolution
Program Budget

Field of Interest Grants

In addition to Community Development Grants, Hancock County Community Foundation offers Field of Interest Grants to organizations that offer programs in one of the areas listed below. Organizations need not be a certified 501(c)(3) organization, but the program seeking funding must be charitable in nature.

• Addictions and/or Substance Abuse Education and Treatment
• William Harold and Mary Katherine Kingery Friends of Domestic Animals
• Donald F. and Lois M. Hanson Family Endowment Fund
• Hancock County Arts
• Prevent Child Abuse

2011 Field of Interest Grant Application Deadline has passed.

Programming Mini-Grants

HCCF will not be offering Programming Mini-Grants in 2011.

Contact Information

Questions about grants should be directed to Alyse Vail, Program Officer, at 317-462-8870 extension 226 or avail@hccf.cc.