The Community Foundation directs grants to charitable projects that will make a positive impact on Whitley County and its people, with particular interest in projects that shed new light on local needs and provide innovative, long-term solutions. Categories of support include: Arts & Culture, Health, Civic Affairs, Recreation, Community Development, Welfare, and Education.

Unless there is compelling evidence that such support is vital to the success of a program meeting priority needs, the Foundation is unlikely to support: annual campaigns, political activities, private schools, advertising, religious/sectarian causes, organizations outside our service area, and debt retirement.

To download a grant application, click here.

GRANT DEADLINES

Grants are reviewed in May and December each year. The deadline for submitting a proposal is the first of those months, however applicants are encouraged to submit well in advance.

GRANT OBLIGATIONS

Each grant recipient must sign an agreement that includes:
• Public acknowledgement of the Foundation's support
• Expenditure of the monies in one year for purpose stated in the proposal
• Return of any unused portion of the grant
• Completion of an evaluation report with copies of receipts
• Any conditions as mutually agreed

GRANT FORMAT
Please provide the following information with the Grant Application Form:

• Cover letter (should include the following)
   · Introduction – Establishes the organization’s purpose and credibility, briefly
     includes background and accomplishments.
   · Statement of Need – Why is your project necessary? When possible, document
     the need with statistics.
   · Objectives – What do you expect to accomplish? If possible, make objectives
     measurable.
   · Evaluation – What methods will be used to analyze results and refine your
     program?
   · Future Funding – How will the project be funded or maintained in the future?

• A copy of the organization’s IRS tax exempt letter
• Annual Budget
• Project Budget
• Completed application form

The following support materials may be included but are not required:

• Endorsement letters
• List of Board of Directors
• List of past support from other funders

Complete grant proposals should be mailed to:

John Slavich, Program Officer
Whitley County Community Foundation
400 N. Whitley Street
Columbia City, IN 46725

For further questions regarding grants from the Whitley County Community Foundation, please call 260-244-5224.