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 qualified 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

Applications up to $1000 are processed year-round.

Applications over $1,000 are processed bi-monthly and must be submitted by the following dates to be processed in that cycle:

  • February 2, 2026
  • April 6, 2026
  • June 1, 2026
  • August 3, 2026
  • September 28, 2026
  • November 30, 2026

All grant applications are available on our website or can be accessed here.

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

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