Grant Guidelines and Procedures
Community Foundation Grants are as varied as a community. Some are awarded through an open, competitive grant application process, while others reflect an advised fund donor’s recommendation or are part of an estate gift. However, they all have a single goal: improving our communities.
Applications for grants from the Community Grants Program will be accepted from any new or existing charitable organization or community agency with a charitable purpose in serving Parke County as they seek funds to establish or expand programs to address a community needs or with projects to “build community capacity.”
The Foundation accepts grant applications year-round.
Application Process
Targeted Areas for Grants
Our Community Grants program is dedicated to supporting initiatives that enhance and enrich our communities. These grants focus on key areas of interest that drive positive change and growth, including:
- Agriculture
- Community Development
- Education
- Family Support
- Fine Arts and Cultural
- Initiatives
- Health and Human Services
- Historic Preservation
- Recreation
- Religion
- Scholarship
- Youth Development
Through these targeted funding areas, we aim to foster thriving, inclusive, and vibrant communities.
Follow-up Process
The Foundation Board carefully reviews all grant applications in a timely manner. Applicants requesting grants of $1,000 or less will receive a funding decision within 7-10 days. For grants exceeding $1,000, funding notifications will be provided within 90 days of application submission.
Each grant application is evaluated based on eligibility, established criteria, and the Grants Committee’s review process. Funding decisions may result in full approval, partial approval, or denial.
Eligibility to Apply
The Foundation issues grants to qualified charitable purposes, many of which will be deemed by the IRS to have 501(c)(3) status. If your organization is not an official 501(c)(3), your project should be an effort designated to assist the needy and promote well-being in Parke County.
For Grants questions, please contact
Amy Edwards at amy@parkeccf.org
Mathas Educational Grants
The purpose of this grant is to preserve and perpetuate the enthusiasm and ability of educators to meet the needs of their individual classrooms in a Parke County public school.
The Mathas family understands and appreciates the expenses incurred by a teacher attempting to motivate and inspire students during the learning process. This grant (up to $250) is to be used towards a project that will enhance students’ learning experience. The grant may be used to help create a stimulating learning environment or experience, including materials, books, classroom supplies, special projects to expand classroom curriculum, field trips, teaching aids, etc.
The Mathas Educational Fund was created in 2000 in memory of Jeanne Mathas Fields. Mrs. Mathas, as she was known to generations of school children in both Parke and Vermillion Counties, taught for 36 years including the final 25 years at Rockville Elementary School. Prior to her time at Rockville, she also taught at Clinton, Montezuma, Mecca, Rosedale and Bloomingdale Elementary Schools. The fund was expanded in memory of Kim Mathas in 2001. Kim was a member of the Parke County Community Foundation Board from 1998-2001. He believed strongly in the mission of the Foundation and the important role it plays in the community.
The Mathas family’s belief in the value of quality education is deep-rooted in the family’s past and present. In addition to Jeanne Fields, several other members of the family have and continue to be actively involved in education, including: Darrell Mathas, Wendell Adams, Alisa Mathas, Michelle Stewart Henry, Courtney Mathas Ross and Carlye Dorfmeyer Mathas. Collectively, Jeanne’s grandchildren are continuing her educational legacy.
Representatives from the Mathas family will assist and advise the Foundation in its review of the applications.
Each grant application is evaluated based on eligibility, established criteria, and the Grants Committee’s review process. Funding decisions may result in full approval, partial approval, or denial.
Early Learning Curriculum Grants
The Parke County Community Foundation is proud to offer the Early Learning Curriculum Grant, designed to support high-quality early childhood education in Parke County, Indiana. This grant helps local qualified early education providers access approved curriculum resources that promote school readiness and align with state standards.
Eligibility Requirements
To qualify for funding, early education providers must meet the following criteria:
- Be located in Parke County, Indiana
- Be one of the following and provide proof of qualified status:
- Legally licensed exempt
- State licensed
- Registered ministry
- School corporation
- Select curriculum from the Indiana Department of Education’s approved list (Paths to Quality Indiana Early Learning Curriculum)
- Be able to contribute at least 20% of the total curriculum cost
Grant Conditions
- All recipients must submit receipts and a final project report to the Parke County Community Foundation upon completion.
- Funding may be used only for approved curriculum materials.
This grant represents our commitment to strengthening early learning opportunities across the county and ensuring every child has access to quality educational foundations.
Each grant application is evaluated based on eligibility, established criteria, and the Grants Committee’s review process. Funding decisions may result in full approval, partial approval, or denial.