Apply for a Discretionary Grant

Discretionary Grants Program
Funding requests are accepted once each year according to our grant cycle. Application requirements may change from year to year; therefore, grantseekers are advised to revisit this page prior to beginning the grant application process. Grants are normally given as one-time support of a project but may be considered for additional support for expansions or outgrowths of an initial project.

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Grant Cycle
We consider proposals for grants on a yearly cycle. In order to receive information about future grant cycles, nonprofits must sign up for email notification by clicking on the button to the right. 

The requirements and instructions provided on this page are to be considered current and accurate only for the duration of the Foundation's grant cycle, which generally begins in the late summer/early fall.  Proposals for the 2013 cycle will be accepted until noon (Central time), Thursday, September 20, 2012.  Proposals submitted after the September 20 deadline will not be considered. 

Grant Program Orientation

In lieu of a group orientation session, prospective grant applicants are invited to schedule a meeting with the Foundation's director, Renate Warner, to receive an overview of the funding opportunity and to ask specific questions. Contact Renate at 812.547.3176 or email her at renate@perrycommunityfoundation.org with questions or to set up a meeting.  

Eligibility
The Foundation welcomes funding requests from nonprofit organizations that are deemed tax-exempt under sections 501(c)(3) and 509(a) of the Internal Revenue Code and from governmental agencies serving the county. Funding requests from nonprofit organizations not classified as a 501(c)(3) public charity may be considered provided the project is charitable and supports a community need.  In some cases, a fiscal sponsor may be required.

Fiscal Sponsors
Funding requests submitted by an entity under the auspices of another agency must include a written statement signed by the agency's board president on behalf of the board of directors agreeing to act as the entity's fiscal sponsor, to receive grant monies if awarded, and to oversee the proposed project.

Program Areas Considered for Funding
Please visit our Program Areas page for details about the kinds of projects and programs supported through our Discretionary Grants Program.

Arts and Culture
Community Development
Education
Health
Human Services
Other Civic Endeavors, such as the Environment, Recreation, and Youth Development

Project Areas NOT Considered for Funding
Religious organizations for religious purposes
Political parties or campaigns
Endowment creation or debt reduction
Operating costs
Capital campaigns
Annual appeals or membership contributions
Travel requests for groups or individuals such as bands, sports teams, or classes

Deliberation

The grants committee will make its recommendations on funding to the Foundation's Board of Trustees, which will make final funding recommendations to the Board of Directors of the Community Foundation Alliance (our governing body). No lobbying or soliciting of grants committee members or board members will be permitted.

Award Announcement
All organizations that have submitted grant applications will be notified of the outcome of the grants committee's deliberation in writing no later than December 1. A Grant Awards Luncheon which will be held in December.

Reporting Procedures
A final report at project completion may be required by organizations whose proposals are approved for funding. Instructions on completing any required report will be provided at the time the grant is awarded.