COMMUNITY FOUNDATION ACCEPTING GRANT CYCLE APPLICATIONS

Nonprofit organizations serving Jefferson County encouraged to apply

Madison, IN–The Community Foundation of Madison and Jefferson County Annual Competitive Grant Cycle is now open for applications. Online applications will be accepted until Friday, August 4, 2023, at Noon. During last year’s cycle, the Community Foundation awarded nearly $300,000 to 21 nonprofit organizations that serve Jefferson County.

Competitive grants are made possible by Flexible Community Funds and Field of Interest Funds. Flexible Community Funds give the Foundation’s Grants Committee the flexibility to assist in fulfilling the ever-changing needs and dreams of Jefferson County’s citizens. Grants from Field of Interest Funds are chosen to benefit a specific interest, such as the arts, the environment, or youth development. Organizations must create a profile and complete the online application through the link available at www.cfmjc.org.

“We encourage 501(c)3 organizations interested in applying to contact myself or Bill Barnes to discuss their grant idea before submitting an application,” said Community Foundation staff member Kelly Miller, who oversees the Competitive Grants process. “We’ve found through the years that these discussions result in better applications and an opportunity to save time if the project isn’t a good fit with the Foundation’s Guidelines and Criteria. We’re here and available to help applicants put their best foot forward.” Miller shared some tips when applying for grants.

-Don’t wait until the last minute to submit your application

-Set a realistic timeline for and demonstrate sustainability of the project

-Break out the specific costs of the project, include pricing quotes, and only show costs and data related to serving Jefferson County

-Make sure 100% of your Board of Directors contribute financially to your organization

-Don’t apply with a project that will be completed before the end of September 2023 as funds will not be released before then, and

-Don’t assume that your request amount is too large or too small.

Established in 1991 by a group of local volunteers, the Community Foundation of Madison and Jefferson County fulfills the mission of building a strong, vibrant community by helping donors provide perpetual funding for the people, projects, and passions of Jefferson County. In the past 32 years, the Community Foundation has reinvested over $16.5 million dollars into the community through grants and scholarships.

For more information about the Community Foundation Competitive Grant Cycle, visit www.cfmjc.org/grants, contact Kelly Miller at 812-274-0242, or email kelly@cfmjc.org