Grant Guidelines

Ohio County Community Foundation Grant Policy

The Ohio County Community Foundation will award Grants to non-profit organizations for projects and programs that benefit the residents of Ohio County, IN.  Grants are awarded in the areas of Community Development, Education, Health, Human Services and Cultural Affairs.

Applicants must qualify as an exempt organization under the IRS Code 501 (c), or be sponsored by such organizations, or qualify as a governmental or educational entity or possess similar attributes per IRS Code Section 509 (a).  The Ohio County Community Foundation reserves the right to verify the exempt status of an organization and request further documentation if deemed necessary.

 General Guidelines

Grants will not be made for programs and/or equipment which were committed to prior to grant award date. No reimbursements.

  • No grants will be made for the acquisitions of weapons, firearms, destructive devices or ammunition as defined in the Indiana Code under IC 35-41-1-8 or IC 35-47.5-2.4.
  • Grant funds may not be used in an attempt to influence legislation or to intervene in any political campaign.
  • Grants will not be made specifically for sectarian religious purposes but can be made to religious organizations for general community purposes.
  •  No grant proposals will be considered by the OCCF which have been proposed by individuals or organizations responsible to advisory bodies or persons unless letters of recommendation or approval from those advisory bodies or persons accompany the grant proposal.
  • No grants will be made solely to individuals but can be made for the benefit of certain individuals for such purposes as scholarships and special programs through educational institutions and other sponsoring recipient organizations.
  • Grant applied for brick-and-mortar projects must be only for charitable purposes, to further the mission of a public charity.
  • For organizations that have been awarded grants in the past, all grant reporting requirements must be current before applying.

Application Process

  • Applications are an on-line process.  Links are available on the website
  • Deadlines: Are visible on the applications.  Grant deadlines vary by grant type.
  • On-line access stops at 3:00 p.m. on the deadline date.  OCCF is not responsible for internet problems.
  • Upon successful submission of your application, you will see a confirmation page.

Grant Types

–Community Cycle Grant

  • Offered 2x per year. (Deadlines: Grant Cycle I-March  Grant Cycle II- August)
  • Organization may request up to $5,000 per application
  • Grant requests for multiple projects within an organization are permitted as long as the total request does not exceed $5,000. All requests must be submitted under one application.

-OCCF Annual Celebration Grant

  • Offered 1x per year (August Deadline)
  • The amount of the grant each year is $10,000, plus the number of years the Foundation has been in existence.  The Foundation was established in 1998. (EX: 2025 Grant is $10,027)
  • Grant requests should be for special projects and programs that are outside of the          organizations normal scope of funding.
  • One submission allowed per tax id#

 -Teachers’ Classroom Tools Grants

  • Offered 1x per year (March Deadline)
  • These grants are awarded to classroom teachers employed within the Rising Sun/Ohio County Community School Corporation-Rising Sun, IN to promote creativity in the classroom.
  • Grant funds may be used to buy supplies for an innovative classroom project/program, a field trip or to purchase teaching devices that enhance classroom learning.  (General supplies and furniture may NOT be purchased through this grant program).
  •  Each teacher may request up to $1,000.

Grant types listed below are awarded throughout the year on a first come, first served basis until all funds for the current year have been allotted.  These applications can be approved by the Executive Director and do not require full Board approval with the exception of the Junior Grant.

-Conference/Training Grant

  • Organizations may receive no more than 2 Conference/Training Grants per year totaling $300 or less.  Maximum of $150 per application.
  • For organizations using the grant to attend a conference, funds may only be used for registration fees. It cannot be used for lodging, food or travel expenses.
  • For organizations using the grant to provide training, funds may only be used for training materials and/or speakers.
  • Organizations may only submit one application per each specific conference/training session.

-Mini- Grant

  • Organizations may receive no more than 2 Mini-Grants per year totaling $200 or less.
  • Maximum of $100 per application

 -Junior Grants

  • Two members of the Foundation’s Future Grant Committee and the Executive Director must approve the grant. Applications are then given to the OCCF Board of Directors for final approval. (OCCF Board meets in Jan., Feb., April, May, Aug, Sept., and Oct.)  Please plan accordingly.
  • Organizations may receive no more than 2 Junior Grants per year totaling $500 or less.
  •  Maximum request of $500 on an application.                                                                             
  • Special consideration will be given to youth-oriented projects and programs.

Please fee free to contact the Ohio County Community Foundation at 812-438-9401 for any questions concerning grants or to discuss a proposal idea.