Grants

Grants2023-07-24T13:12:05-05:00

Learn More

As defined by the Internal Revenue Status, the term charitable “is used in its generally accepted legal sense and includes relief of the poor, the distressed, or the underprivileged; advancement of religion; advancement of education or science; erection or maintenance of public buildings, monuments, or works; lessening the burdens of government; lessening neighborhood tensions; eliminating prejudice and discrimination; defending human and civil rights secured by law; and combating community deterioration and juvenile delinquency.” A broad definition of charitable activities would include any activity that benefits large groups or communities, where no personal or private benefit is gained, and involve no lobbying or electioneering.

Organizations eligible for grants from Our Community Foundation are those that hold public charity status as determined by the IRS. This includes organization described in section 501(c)(3) and 509(a) of the tax codes. Grants may also be made to government units for public purposes. In some cases, grants may be made to other nonprofits organization who do not hold 501(c)(3) status if the proposed project or program is deemed charitable and addresses a community need. Any grant made to a unit of government, school, or non-501(c)(3) organization must be in support of a specific project or program. General operating grants will typically not be made to non-501(c)(3) organizations.

Our Community Foundation will not grant to any entity outside the United States. Grants will be focused on nonprofit organizations that benefit residents of Daviess County, Indiana and are established in the community.

Before any grant is made from Our Community Foundation, due diligence will be completed to determine:

• The grant is being made for charitable purposes

• The recipient organization is well managed, fiscally, and pro grammatically

• The organization can carry out the purpose of the grant

• No substantial benefit is gained by any involved party, either from individuals involved in grant activities, or from any donor or subcommittee recommending the grant.

Organizations seeking funding from Our Community Foundation will be expected to provide certain information to the Foundation for due diligence procedures. Information needed will vary depending on the size and nature of the grant.

Our Community Foundation protects financial and personal information that applicants submit to it. This includes information provided by applicants for grants. The Foundation may disclose the identity of grantees and the amount awarded.

Our Community Foundation follows a non-discrimination policy in the selection of all grantees and all persons or organizations who assist, advise, or collaborate with the Foundation. The selection of grantees and selection and participation of persons or organizations who assist, advise, or collaborate with Our Community Foundation are made without regard to race, creed, color, ethnicity, national origin, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender expression, age, physical or mental ability, pregnancy veteran status, military obligations, and marital status.

Our Community Foundation awards grants from funds it administers to charitable, educational, religious, or public entities to address the charitable goals of the donors it serves and the charitable needs of Daviess County, Indiana. The Board of Directors holds final authority to award grants to eligible organization for charitable purposes in alignment with the organization’s mission.

2023 Grant Program

Our Community Foundation is accepting grant proposals for  programs that help Daviess Countians overcome barriers to stable housing.

Preference will be given to proposals from agencies that provide housing-related support to the ALICE population (Asset-limited, income-constrained, and employed) and to seniors. Eligible programs include those that provide housing, emergency rent assistance, rent vouchers, utility assistance, household repair programs, and other forms of support that ensure Daviess Countians have stable housing. Both new and existing programs are eligible for funding. The total amount available for the grant cycle is $10,000.

Applying organizations must be determined to be tax-exempt nonprofits by the IRS under section 501(c)(3) and 509(a) of the Internal Revenue Code. However, other nonprofit organizations not classified as such that provide charitable assistance related to stable housing will also be considered.

Proposals are due no later than midnight on Thursday, August 31, 2023, and must be postmarked no later than August 31, 2023.

Click to download the application 

2022 Mini Grant Recipients

Rotary Club of Washington

The Rotary Club of Washington received a $250 mini-grant for the construction of the new Rotary Park located on the southwest corner of Meridian Street and National Highway in Washington. The grant will help provide improvements to …

Little Warrior Wishes

Little Warrior Wishes received a $250 mini-grant to provide memories, moments and connections to families and children ages 0-5 with a terminal or life-limiting diagnosis in Daviess County. The grant assists families in creating lasting memories when …

Daviess County Partnership

A $250 mini-grant awarded to Daviess County Partnership expanded their ability to track assistance provided to residents living in Odon and Elnora by adding the services provided by St Vincent DePaul in Bramble to their Charity Tracker database. The Bramble …