Applications and Timelines

Giving is at the heart of everything we do at the Community Foundation. Each year, we invest more than $1 million into nonprofits, community initiatives, and local students across Grant County. From swing sets and dog parks to community gardens, special events, and long-term community development—we support projects and programs that make Grant County stronger, healthier, and more vibrant.

Whether you’re a nonprofit seeking resources or a student preparing for your future, our grants and scholarships are here to help open doors and strengthen our community.

If you have questions or would like to explore giving opportunities, we’d love to connect.

Together, we can keep building a brighter, more hopeful future for Grant County!

CoFo Grants

We believe sustainable impact begins with strong nonprofits and community partners. That’s why we offer a variety of competitive grant cycles throughout the year to support local organizations working to improve quality of life in Grant County.

All grants follow IRS regulations, Community Foundation policies, and donor-established criteria. Funding is limited and highly competitive, and we encourage nonprofits to stay connected with us to learn more about upcoming opportunities.

Whether your organization is launching a new initiative or expanding a successful program, our grants are designed to uplift your work and empower your mission.

All grant-related questions must be submitted via email to Grants@GiveToGrant.org.

CoFo Scholarships

We also know that long-term impact is shaped by investing in people—especially students. Each year, the Community Foundation offers 120+ scholarship opportunities, all accessed through one Universal Scholarship Application. With a single application, Grant County students are automatically considered for every scholarship they qualify for.

Thanks to our generous donors, scholarships are available for students of all ages, backgrounds, academic strengths, and athletic interests. Any Grant County U.S. citizen or eligible noncitizen pursuing higher education at an accredited university, college, or trade school—full-time or part-time—is encouraged to apply.

Please note that funding is limited and competitive. Scholarships may be used only for qualified educational expenses as defined by the IRS (tuition, fees, and books). They cannot be used for room and board or other college-related costs.

All scholarship-related questions must be submitted via email to Scholarships@GiveToGrant.org.

2026 Grant Cycles and Scholarship Timelines

Class of 2027 Lilly Endowment Community Scholarship Program

The Lilly Endowment Community Scholarship covers tuition, required fees, and provides a special allocation of up to $900 per year for required books and equipment for four years of full-time undergraduate study leading to a bachelor’s degree at any accredited Indiana public or private nonprofit college or university.

Students must be on course to graduate by June 30, with a diploma from an accredited Grant County high school and plan to pursue a full-time baccalaureate course of study at an accredited public or private college or university in Indiana. Only 2 recipients are selected each year from Grant County, based on our current population.

Frequently Asked Questions

Application open dates: August 1 – September 20, 2026
Reviews: September 21 – October 2, 2026
Finalist interviews: October 27, 2026, 8AM-12PM
Independent Colleges of Indiana approval: TBAAnnounce winners: TBA

Apply Online Here

2026 Give To Grant Cycle: Crowdfunding Partners – Fall Grant Cycle
Small grants. Big community energy.
Open to nonprofits serving Grant County

The Crowdfunding Partners cycle is designed to activate community-driven ideas through smaller, accessible grants paired with grassroots fundraising efforts. Selected participants will engage their networks to help bring their project to life, building both funding and community awareness. This cycle is all about momentum, turning good ideas into real impact with the help of the community through crowdfunding. Learn more about crowdfunding here.

This opportunity is ideal for:

– New or emerging projects
– Community-led initiatives
– Creative ideas that inspire local support
– Align with one or more top priorities outlined in the Grant County Strategic Vision

Timeline:
Application open: September 28, 2026 – October 23, 2026
Reviews: October 26, 2026 – November 6, 2026
Committee Meets: November 9, 2026
Offers: November 13, 2026
Grant Agreement Due: November 20, 2026
Grant Award Made: January 8, 2027 or when match is met
Funding Amount: $2,500 – $10,000 ($5,000 – $20,000, total with match)

All grant-related questions must be submitted via email to Grants@GiveToGrant.org.

APPLY ONLINE HERE

2026 Community Foundation Universal Scholarship Application

Here at the Community Foundation, we’re passionate about helping students pursue their dreams. That’s why we offer 120+ scholarship opportunities to Grant County students every year. And to make things simple, you can access ALL of them through our one Universal Scholarship Application. Complete one application, and you’ll automatically be considered for every scholarship you’re eligible for.

Thanks to our generous donors, there are scholarships available for students of every age, income level, academic ability, and athletic interest. Any U.S. citizen and eligible noncitizens pursuing higher education at an accredited university, college, or trade school—full-time or part-time—is welcome to apply.

Please keep in mind that scholarship funding is limited and highly competitive. All awards follow IRS regulations, Community Foundation policies, and donor-established criteria. Scholarships may only be used for qualified educational expenses as defined by the IRS (tuition, fees, and books). They cannot be used for other college costs, including room and board.

All scholarship-related questions must be submitted via email to Scholarships@GiveToGrant.org.

2026 Timeline To Be Announced Soon (Typically: November 1st–January 31st)

2026 WindSwell Foundation Inclusive Communities Grant Cycle (2nd Round)

This grant opportunity is made possible through collaboration with WindSwell Foundation. The initiative supports projects that promote accessibility, inclusion, and meaningful community engagement for individuals of all abilities in Grant County, Indiana. Potential project ideas may include sensory-friendly spaces, adaptive toys and equipment, accessibility ramps, transportation solutions for individuals with disabilities, fencing for child safety, universal restroom upgrades, or inclusive playground improvements.

Please note: Applying for Inclusive Communities funding is now integrated into the standard application process for all 2026 Give To Grant grant cycles. Organizations interested in being considered for this funding opportunity should apply through one of the Community Foundation’s currently open Give To Grant grant cycles. Eligible applications that align with Inclusive Communities priorities may be considered for this funding opportunity as part of the overall review process. Read a full press release here.

2026 CLOSED Grant Cycles and Scholarship Timelines

2026 Give To Grant Cycle: General Funding Partners – Spring Grant Cycle
Reliable support for meaningful, ongoing work.
Open to Nonprofits serving Grant County

The General Funding Partners cycle provides flexible grant opportunities for organizations working to meet important community needs across Grant County.
This cycle is open to eligible nonprofits and includes a mix of grant sizes, making it accessible for both emerging and established organizations. Funding may support:

– Program expansion or enhancement
– New initiatives aligned with community priorities
– Operational capacity tied to mission delivery
– Align with one or more top priorities outlined in the Grant County Strategic Vision

Applicants can expect a balanced and transparent review process that values clarity, community impact, and organizational readiness. This cycle is an ideal entry point for organizations seeking to grow their work with the support of the Community Foundation.

Timeline:
Application open: March 30, 2026 – April 24, 2026
Reviews: April 27, 2026 – May 8, 2026
Committee Meets: May 11, 2026
Offers: May 15, 2026
Grant Agreement Due: May 22, 2026
Grant Award Made: May 29, 2026
Funding Amount: $2,500 – $10,000

All grant-related questions must be submitted via email to Grants@GiveToGrant.org.

2026 Give To Grant Cycle: Vireo Partners – Spring Grant Cycle
Aligned investment. Coordinated impact.
Open By Invitation Only (Invitations have already been sent to eligible organizations)

The Vireo Funding Partners cycle is a targeted, invitation-only opportunity designed to support organizations and initiatives aligned with the Vireo Career-to-Cradle framework.

Funding is directed toward key partners working across the continuum, from employment and career readiness to literacy and high school graduation to early childhood development, ensuring a coordinated, systems-level approach to improving outcomes in Grant County.

Invited partners can expect a collaborative process focused on:

– Strategic alignment with shared community goals
– Data-informed decision-making and measurable outcomes
– Strengthening connections across the Vireo network
– Align with one or more top priorities outlined in the Grant County Strategic Vision

This cycle reflects a long-term commitment to working together in a focused and intentional way to create lasting, coordinated community-wide impact.

All grant-related questions must be submitted via email to Grants@GiveToGrant.org.

2026 Give To Grant Cycle: Innovation Partners – Spring Grant Cycle
Big ideas. Bold investment. Transformational potential.
Open By Invitation Only (Invitations have already been sent to eligible organizations)

The Innovation Partners cycle is designed to support high-impact, forward-thinking projects that have the potential to create significant, lasting change in Grant County.
This opportunity is intentionally selective and offers a substantial, one-time investment in a single project or initiative that demonstrates:

– A clear and compelling vision for change
– Strong leadership and readiness to execute
– The potential for long-term community impact
– Align with one or more top priorities outlined in the Grant County Strategic Vision

Organizations can expect a highly competitive process focused on innovation, scale, and measurable outcomes. This cycle is best suited for initiatives that are ready to move from vision to transformational action.

All grant-related questions must be submitted via email to Grants@GiveToGrant.org.

2026 Give To Grant Cycle: Collaboration Partners – Summer Grant Cycle
Better together. Built for partnerships that move the needle.
Open By Invitation Only (Invitations have already been sent to eligible organizations)

The Collaboration Partners cycle strengthens our relationships with organizations that have demonstrated meaningful impact through past partnership. This invitation-only opportunity supports trusted partners as they take the next step in advancing their missions, deepening impact, expanding capacity, or pursuing innovative approaches that serve Grant County.

Funding in this grant cycle is prioritized for projects that:

– Drive transformational change, shifting systems, expanding possibilities, or creating breakthroughs in community well-being
– Clearly align with the organization’s mission and community goals
– Create measurable, lasting benefit for Grant County residents
– Align with one or more top priorities outlined in the Grant County Strategic Vision

This cycle celebrates continued partnership, investing in strong relationships that lead to broader, more sustainable community change.

Timeline:
Application open: June 1, 2026 – June 26, 2026
Reviews: June 29, 2026 – July 10, 2026
Committee Meets: July 13, 2026
Offers: July 17, 2026
Grant Agreement Due: July 24, 2026
Grant Award Made: July 31, 2025
Funding Amount: $200,000

All grant-related questions must be submitted via email to Grants@GiveToGrant.org.