Community Unity Grants
This Community Unity Grant Program aligns with our GIFT VII Implementation Grant Program with the same focus. The following program acknowledges that there may be additional projects and programs that encourage community unity that are not part of our Implementation Plan.
This program is open to projects and programs that meet these priorities:
- Increased civic engagement
- Inclusivity, diversity, equity & accessibility
- Voter education and engagement
- Volunteerism including public and nonprofit Board service
- Stronger sense of County pride/brand
If your program does not fall into one of the above categories you are likely ineligible and will not receive funding. However, if you have questions, please contact HCCF Vice President of Programs, Eric Hessel, at eric@hendrickscountycf.org BEFORE applying.
Eligibility
Who/What is eligible*:
- 501(c)(3) preferred; if you are not a 501(c)(3) but believe you have an eligible project or program, please contact HCCF
- Organization must serve Hendricks County
- Activities should predominantly serve Hendricks County
- Initiatives that increase accessibility of events or expand the audience of events
- Government agencies
- School or school corporation-wide programs MAY be eligible
Who/What is Ineligible*:
- Specifically partisan or faith-based activities
- Projects/programs outside of Hendricks County
- Classroom grants
- Fundraising events
- Members-only events
- Youth/sports league
*These lists are not exclusive, if you are curious about whether or not your organization/project/program is eligible, please contact HCCF.
Timeline
Applications Live: January 4, 2022 - December 15, 2025
Applications Reviewed: Monthly, on the first Tuesday of the month
- 2024 Dates: Feb 6, Mar 5, Apr 2, May 7, Jun 4, Jul 9*, Aug 6, Sep 3, Oct 1, Nov 5, (Closed December)
Applications Awarded: Monthly, on the second Tuesday of the month
- 2024 Dates: Feb 13, Mar 12, Apr 9, May 14, Jun 11, Jul 16*, Aug 13, Sept 10, Oct 8, Nov 12, (Closed December)
*Adjusted one week due to the Fourth of July holiday.
Grant Details
This is a new grant program, so it is designed to be broad enough to better understand our community's needs and the potential programs that meet our priorities. At this time we do not have a grant limit but anticipate they will fall below a one-time grant of $5,000.
That being said, the Community Foundation will consider larger grants or longer grant periods.
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View a PDF version of the application before applying. NOTE: This is a preview only. Only applications submitted through the online grant portal will be accepted.
Past Recipients
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The Avon Outdoor Learning Center received a $2,250 grant to stabilize the trails at the center to allow for better accessibility for students with mobility limitations. The grant will cover the costs of two of the OLC's main trails, which will allow students with mobility limitations to get out and enjoy our cabin, bird feeder area, and the covered bridge over the stream.
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The Community Foundation used $1,000 to build and create the new Hendricks Community Calendar to allow local groups to post events both to allow nonprofits to coordinate and collaborate their fundraising and volunteer opportunities AND allow local residents to find ways to get involved in our community.
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The Hendricks County Arts Council received a $5,000 matching grant to support the Mural Society. The Mural Society's fundraising efforts will support hiring artists to design Hendricks County-themed murals for the smaller towns in our county (e.g. Clayton, Amo, Coatesville, Lizton, North Salem) who may not have the funds provided by town government or service organizations to do a project of this scale. The funds will help hire artists, design murals, and print marketing materials to reach out to these communities. The 2023 mural is being planned in Mill Creek.
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The Hendricks County Chambers of Commerce received a $5,000 grant to launch their collaborative Public Policy Learning Sessions on Advocacy, Attainable Housing, Education, Childcare and Workforce issues. These programs are open to the public and are listed on each of the four chambers' websites.
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The Hendricks County International Festival received a $25,000 ($5,000 per year for 5 years) grant to celebrate the diversity in Hendricks County and Central Indiana.
If you have any questions about this program or grantmaking in general, please contact HCCF Vice President of Programs, Eric Hessel, at eric@hendrickscountycf.org.
