Apply for Grant Funding

Grant Cycle Currently Closed - please check back in early July.

• Commitment to long-range planning, financial stability and sustainability of the project
• Solid, realistic plan for project evaluation
• Sound plan to address ongoing or emerging women's and/or children's issues that have been identified by research
• Desire to promote coordination among organizations or institutions to prevent duplication of services
• Project methodology utilizing a preventative approach to addressing the issue and solving problems
• Evidence of realistic organizational planning and management

Eligibility
Consideration will be given to 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 Vanderburgh County. Nonprofit organizations not classified as a 501(c)(3) public charity may be considered provided the project is charitable and meets the criteria described on this page. In such cases, the applicant organization may be required to obtain a fiscal sponsor. Organizations that have received a grant from the Women's Fund must wait five years to reapply for Women's Fund grants; this restriction does not apply to organizations that have received "finalist" awards.

Fiscal Sponsors
Organizations seeking consideration via the auspices of a 501(c)(3) public charity must include a written statement signed by the public charity'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.

Project Areas Considered for Funding
The program or project for which funding is being requested must address needs and opportunities that improve the quality of life for Vanderburgh County's women and children and meet at least one of the following criteria:

• Capital Projects: Small capital projects that will be completed within two years from the date of the grant award.
• Community Development: Activities that benefit women and/or children in the community or address gender equity issues within all segments of the population.
• Education: Activities that promote or strengthen the educational attainment of women and/or children, both in and out of the classroom.
• Health: Activities that improve the health outcomes for women and/or children.
• Human Services: Activities that support public protection, employment/jobs, food and nutrition, agriculture, housing and shelter, public safety, disaster preparedness, and relief for women and/or children.
• Endowment Creation: Assistance with the establishment of an endowment fund to provide a future funding source for the project. However, only a portion of the grant may be used for the creation of an endowment fund.
• Other Civic Endeavors: Other activities that will improve the quality of life for women and/or children in Vanderburgh County.

Project Areas NOT Considered for Funding

• Projects or programs of organizations that are not committed to gender equity. Applicant organizations are expected to have established female leadership on their staff and board and generally promote gender equity within the community.
• Requests for funding to reduce or retire debt of the organization.
• Projects that focus solely on the spiritual needs and growth of a church congregation or members of other religious organizations.
• Political parties or campaigns.
• Operating costs not directly related to the proposed project (the organization's general operating expenses inlcuding equipment, staff salary, rent, and utilities).
• Event sponsorships, annual appeals, and membership contributions.
• Travel expenses for groups or individuals such as bands, sports teams, or classes.
• Scholarships or other grants to individuals.