Fund Portal
Give Online

Grantmaking Impact

04 Aug

Posted at 12:25h in Community News, Featured Story, Grantmaking Impact
0 Likes

[vc_row css_animation="" row_type="row" use_row_as_full_screen_section="no" type="full_width" angled_section="no" text_align="left" background_image_as_pattern="without_pattern"][vc_column][vc_column_text css=""]Grant County, IN — The Community Foundation of Grant County is proud to announce the official launch of Vireo, a Career to Cradle initiative with five Collaborative Action Networks (CANs). This is a bold, countywide initiative that brings together cross-sector partners to tackle the root causes of child poverty and drive sustainable change starting from Employment and working down the network to Kindergarten Readiness. “Each of these networks represents the power of collaboration,” said Dawn Brown, President/CEO of the Community Foundation of Grant County, “bringing together passionate local leaders and organizations committed to improving outcomes for every child in Grant County.” These Collaborative Action Networks are the pillars of a community-powered effort known as Vireo, focused on transforming systems through data-informed strategy, community engagement, and long-term collaboration. Five networks have been awarded funding and are now taking flight: Employment CAN - Led by Greater Grant County Recognizing the vital connection between stable employment and community well-being, this CAN seeks to build a stronger pipeline from education to employment. By fostering relationships between schools and local employers, the network will expand work-based learning opportunities, equip students with real-world career readiness, and align local talent with the evolving...

09 Apr

Posted at 13:56h in Featured Story, Grantmaking Impact
0 Likes

For many of us, the word “endowment” can feel intimidating. It conjures up images of billion-dollar family foundations or Ivy League universities, entities that seem to exist in another dimension from our own. In reality, an endowment is far more accessible – and versatile – than many realize. For our purposes, an endowment is a financial asset invested by a not-for-profit and held like a long-term savings account (but with better investment returns). A percentage of the fund is available for withdrawal each year – on a tiered scale based on the average fund balance – 4.00% ($5K-$99K), 4.25% ($100K-$249K), and 4.50% ($250 or greater). It is the earnings from the investments that can provide revenue for the organization’s mission. The original (principal) investment remains intact to sustain the organization over the long term. Let’s say a donor plans to leave your organization $100,000 in their estate plan. First off, congrats! But why might you want to use that gift to start an endowment rather than spend it? In a word: sustainability. An endowment is a near-guaranteed source of yearly revenue. As long as it exists, you have flexible dollars to help fund your mission. Now, at 4.25%, that $100,000 is “only” going to...

02 Apr

Posted at 18:12h in Community News, Grantmaking Impact
0 Likes

Grant County, Ind. — The Community Foundation of Grant County and WindSwell Foundation (formerly AWS Foundation) have announced a new grant opportunity focused on creating more inclusive communities for individuals with disabilities. Through this collaboration, the WindSwell Foundation Accessible Communities Fund was established at the Community Foundation, supporting a new WindSwell Inclusive Communities Grant Cycle. This initiative is designed to empower nonprofits to better serve individuals by funding projects that promote accessibility, inclusion, and community engagement. Examples of eligible projects include sensory-friendly spaces, adaptive toys and equipment, entryway ramps, accessible vehicles, fencing for children with autism, universal restrooms, or inclusive playground upgrades. "We're thrilled about this opportunity with the WindSwell Foundation, as it will broaden our grantmaking capacity and bolster programs that advance inclusivity and empowerment for individuals with disabilities in Grant County," said Dawn Brown, President and CEO of the Community Foundation. Beginning May 1, 2025, local nonprofits can apply for grants between $2,500 and $10,000 to support inclusive programs and projects that align with WindSwell Foundation’s Guiding Principles, which emphasize: Self-determination – Individuals with Disabilities deserve a choice driven life (self-determination). Preferences, opinions, priorities, and accommodations are best defined by the individual rather than for the individual. Inclusion over segregation – Inclusion and...

11 Feb

Posted at 19:43h in Featured Story, Grantmaking Impact
0 Likes

The Community Foundation of Grant County is proud to announce the distribution of $350,000 in designated grants to local nonprofit organizations. These grants, made possible through the generosity of donors who have established over 200 designated endowment funds, provide long-term, sustainable support to organizations serving Grant County. These funds, along with the Community Foundation’s 250+ other charitable funds, are a testament to the power of philanthropy and its lasting impact on the nonprofits that help our community thrive. Designated grants support specific nonprofit organizations as named by the donors who established the funds. This year, several organizations across Grant County have received funding to advance their missions, enrich our community, and address critical needs. “Our designated endowment funds represent the vision of donors who want to ensure a sustainable future for the organizations and charitable causes they care about most,” said Dawn Brown, President and CEO of the Community Foundation. “These grants help organizations plan for the future, knowing they can rely on consistent financial support year after year.” A designated endowment fund is a charitable giving tool created by a donor to provide ongoing financial support to a specific nonprofit organization or cause. The principal amount of the fund is invested, and a...

17 Dec

Posted at 15:47h in Community News, Grantmaking Impact
0 Likes

We are thrilled to share this exclusive preview of our 2024 grantmaking-to-date—40th Anniversary Grantmaking Report, celebrating four decades of unwavering dedication to Grant County. Together, we’ve achieved incredible milestones, including over $28 million in charitable investments since our founding and over $4 million in grantmaking from January through November of 2024 alone. This report highlights the transformative power of our shared commitment to Asset Development, Grantmaking, and Community Leadership—the three pillars that guide our work and guide our mission. Take a moment to explore the remarkable stories, inspiring grants, and the impact made possible by our generous donors and partners. THANK YOU for being a vital part of this journey as we look ahead to an even brighter future for Grant County. Let’s celebrate together!  Click Here to check out ALL the grantmaking awarded yet this year and see how we’ve partnered with people and nonprofits to make Grant County a better place—all because of YOU.  Triple Your Impact Today This impact could be tripled when your end-of-year donation is matched! With your generosity, we can continue supporting vital programs and initiatives that create real, lasting change in Grant County. This is a rare opportunity to triple the power of your generosity and make a lasting difference. This is a...

07 Nov

Posted at 14:52h in Featured Story, Grantmaking Impact
0 Likes

City of Marion partners with Community Foundation to award $400,000 in grants to fifteen nonprofit organizations serving Marion The Community Foundation of Grant County, in partnership with the City of Marion, is excited to announce the award of $400,000 in grants to fifteen nonprofit organizations that are making a significant impact in the city. Through the 212° Grant Cycle, these organizations will receive essential funding for programs and projects that drive positive change across the City of Marion. The grant cycle's name is inspired by the metaphor that at 211 degrees, water is hot, but at 212 degrees, it boils—creating steam powerful enough to move a train—this grant cycle reflects the transformative impact of small but powerful efforts. The nonprofits selected are making that extra degree of difference, driving progress that propels our community forward. The City of Marion formally celebrated the grant recipients during the Community Spotlight segment of the City Council meeting on Wednesday, November 6th. This celebration was an opportunity for the city to honor the remarkable work of local nonprofits and the impact they continue to make across Marion. Dawn Brown, President and CEO of the Community Foundation, shared her enthusiasm for the impact of the 212° grant cycle and...

22 Oct

Posted at 16:45h in Community News, Featured Story, Grantmaking Impact
0 Likes

GRANT COUNTY — Greater Grant County has been awarded a $325,000 CAPE II Career Exploration Grant from the Community Foundation of Grant County and Indiana Wesleyan University. The grant, distributed over five years at $65,000 annually, aims to bridge the gap between local education and career readiness by funding a newly established Director of Workforce Development position. The CAPE II Career Exploration Grant aligns with Greater Grant County’s mission to be a catalyst for business growth, a convener of leaders, and a champion for a stronger community. The new position will focus on fostering meaningful connections between local schools and employers, facilitating internship opportunities, and guiding students toward successful career pathways. “This grant will make a significant impact in helping us address a critical need in our community,” said Kylie Jackson, President/CEO of Greater Grant County. “By investing in the future workforce, we are creating stronger connections between education and career opportunities, ultimately driving economic growth in Grant County.” Dawn Brown, President/CEO of the Community Foundation of Grant County, shared her enthusiasm for the initiative, stating, “This is a momentous step for our community. I truly believe we will look back at this as a pivotal moment in Grant County’s history. Congratulations to...

09 Aug

Posted at 19:09h in Community News, Grantmaking Impact
0 Likes

The Community Foundation of Grant County is excited to announce three crowdfunding campaign goals with East Central Indiana Robotics - PhyXTGears Team 1720 (PhyXTGears), Habitat for Humanity of Grant County (Habitat), and Indiana Motorcycle Preservation Society (IMPS). PhyXTGears launched their crowdfunding campaign on July 15th and aims to crowdfund $20,000 to prepare high school students for Indiana’s technology workforce through hands-on STEM training. PhyXTGears’ campaign will end September 13th at midnight. Learn more and donate online to support this campaign by visiting www.GiveToGrant.org/RoboticsCF. Habitat launched their crowdfunding campaign on July 21st and aims to crowdfund $20,000 to provide a new 3-bedroom home for the Williams family. Habitat's campaign will end September 19th at midnight. Learn more and donate online to support this campaign by visiting www.GiveToGrant.org/HabitatCF. IMPS launched their crowdfunding campaign on July 17th and aims to crowdfund $10,000 to showcase Indiana's motorcycle history and preserve Marion's “hog” heritage with a permanent exhibit. IMPS’ campaign will end September 15th at midnight. Learn more and donate online to support this campaign by visiting www.GiveToGrant.org/IMPSCF. The Foundation will track all charitable contributions made by donors for each campaign. If the organizations meet their fundraising goals, the Foundation will award them a dollar-for-dollar matching grant to complete...

18 Jul

Posted at 12:49h in Featured Story, Grantmaking Impact
0 Likes

The Community Foundation of Grant County is excited to announce the recipients of the Give to Grant Cycle as a part of the Give to Grant Collaborative. A total of $50,556 was awarded in grants to six local organizations along with $50,000 to three Crowdfunding Campaigns for programs and projects supporting positive impact for the betterment of Grant County. The Foundation is home to a variety of 400+ charitable funds established by generous donors with a passion for supporting worthwhile charitable causes. The Give to Grant Collaborative uniquely consists of endowment funds that were established to provide support for general charitable purposes, identified as the most pressing needs and opportunities in the community. These grants were awarded at the discretion of the Foundation’s Board of Directors. “The Community Foundation is proud to assist these quality organizations in making a positive impact in our community.” said Meagan Mathias, Community Leadership Director of the Foundation “The Give to Grant Collaborative streamlines the process of charitable giving and amplifies philanthropic impact by matching dollars from many contributing funds to create a significant outcome for the community. Annually, the Foundation awards grants ranging from $1-3 Million to nonprofits, community organizations, and aspiring college students residing in...

02 Feb

Posted at 18:40h in Community News, Featured Story, Grantmaking Impact
0 Likes

Every day at the Community Foundation of Grant County, individuals and families create lasting impact for the betterment of Grant County by ensuring their generosity will benefit generations to come through endowment. Last week, $316,000 was distributed to 65 local nonprofit organizations that benefit from an endowment fund at the Community Foundation. This Designated Grant Cycle is the first of six grantmaking cycles offered in 2023 by the Foundation. The grants come from designated funds, which support one or more specific organizations. The funds have been established by the organization itself or by donors to provide a reliable source of support for organizations they care about. This year’s designated fund grants range from $110 to more than $22,000. “No doubt, nonprofit budgets continue to be challenged. We are grateful for the donors who have established these funds and for the opportunity to provide these designated grants to support the good work of our nonprofits,” said Dawn Brown, Community Foundation President and CEO. “Because the funds are endowed, our nonprofits can count on these grants every year.” Earnings provide an additional source of annual income for the nonprofit organizations. Each year, a portion of each organization’s fund growth is distributed through a grant and a...