Vanderburgh Community Foundation Announces Grant Opportunity

Jan 25, 2023

The Vanderburgh Community Foundation is now accepting online applications for their Community Good Grants Program. The deadline to submit applications is Friday, February 17, 2023 at 5 p.m. 

 

The Foundation awards Community Good grants to charitable partners located in or directly serving Vanderburgh County. Funding opportunities are available to support a broad range of local needs. Consideration will be given to organizations that demonstrate:

 

  • Commitment to long-range planning, financial stability and sustainability;
  • Solid, realistic plans for program/project evaluation;
  • Desire to promote collaboration among organizations or institutions to prevent duplication of services;
  • Project methodology utilizing a preventative approach to addressing the issues and solving problems; and
  • Evidence of realistic organizational planning and management.

 

Charitable entities can view the full details related to funding requirements and access the grant application via the Foundation’s website at https://www.vanderburghcf.org/community-good-grants-program.

 

Agencies and projects not eligible for funding include religious organizations proposing activities that support a religious purpose, political parties or campaigns, endowment creation or debt reduction, capital campaigns, annual appeals or membership contributions, and travel requests for groups or individuals such as bands, sports teams, or school classes.

 

For questions, contact Sidney Hardgrave, Regional Director of Community Engagement and Impact at 812.429.1191, ext. 106 or via email shardgrave@communityfoundationalliance.org.

08 Jan, 2024
The Vanderburgh Community Foundation is now accepting online applications for the Community Good Grants Program. In recognition of the ongoing challenges of local nonprofit agencies, this year’s grant cycle is accepting applications for both one-year and multi-year programs/projects. The deadline to submit applications is Friday, February 9, 2024, at 5:00 p.m. The Community Foundation awards Community Good Grants to charitable partners located in or directly serving Vanderburgh County. Funding opportunities are available to support a broad range of local needs. Consideration will be given to organizations that demonstrate: · Evidence of realistic organizational planning and management; · Project methodology utilizing a preventative approach to addressing the issues and solving problems; · Solid, realistic plans for program/project evaluation; · Desire to promote collaboration among organizations or institutions to prevent duplication of services; and · Commitment to long-range planning, financial stability, and sustainability. Charitable entities can view the full details related to funding requirements and access the grant application via the Foundation’s website at https://www.vanderburghcf.org/community-good-grants-program . A virtual orientation session will be hosted for interested applicants on Friday, January 12 th at 9:00 am. Interested individuals should submit an RSVP to Sidney Hardgrave at shardgrave@communityfoundationalliance.org.
13 Dec, 2023
The Vanderburgh Community Foundation is pleased to announce the three recipients of the 2024 Lilly Endowment Community Scholarship for Vanderburgh County – Amishi Gandhi and Jeremy Li from Signature School and Luke Woodyard from Reitz Memorial High School. Lilly Endowment Community Scholars are known for their community involvement, academic achievement, character, and leadership. “This year’s recipients impressed the committee with their accomplishments, leadership skills, and maturity,” said Sidney Hardgrave, Regional Director of Community Engagement and Impact for the Vanderburgh Community Foundation. Amishi Gandhi is the daughter of Kaushai and Shimoli Gandhi. She is interested in becoming an attorney. Amishi served on the Teen Advisory Board for the Newburgh-Chandler Public Library and the Vanderburgh County Teen Court. She also volunteers with Youth Resources, Tri-State Food Bank and the Browning Funeral Home Genealogy Project. Amishi participates in numerous activities at school including the Mock Trial team, Math Club, Model UN, French Club, and Rotary Interact Club. Jeremy Li is the son of David Li and June Pan. He is interested in a career as a cardiothoracic surgeon. During high school, Jeremy founded a STEM tutoring program. He has also been active with Indiana Youth and Government and Tri-State Food Bank. He participated in the Youth Conference on National Affairs. At school, Jeremy has been involved with the USA Biology Olympiad, Mock Trial team, Student Council, and Model UN. Luke Woodyard is the son of James and Laura Woodyard. He is interested in studying industrial engineering. Luke has volunteered with Incognito Instructors, Boys and Girls Club, and been an active member of Scouts BSA, where he achieved recognition as an Eagle Scout. During high school, he participated in tennis, cross country, and track along with being a member of the Academic Team and International Club. Each Lilly Endowment Community Scholarship provides for full tuition, required fees, and a special allocation of up to $900 per year for required books and required equipment for four years. The scholarship is for full-time undergraduate students leading to a baccalaureate degree at any eligible Indiana public or private nonprofit college or university. Lilly Endowment Community Scholars may also participate in the Lilly Scholars Network (LSN), which connects both current scholars and alumni with resources and opportunities to be active leaders on their campuses and in their communities. Both the scholarship program and LSN are supported by grants from Lilly Endowment to Independent Colleges of Indiana (ICI) and Indiana Humanities. In determining Vanderburgh County’s Lilly Endowment Community Scholar nominees, consideration was given to academic achievement, involvement in the community, extracurricular activities, two essays, and an interview by the LECSP Nominating Committee. After the field of applicants was narrowed down, nominees were submitted to ICI, the statewide administrator of the Lilly Endowment Community Scholarship Program, which approves the final selection of scholarship recipients. “Our community has many students who excel both academically and in service to others. The selection process is never easy,” said Hardgrave. Lilly Endowment created the Lilly Endowment Community Scholarship Program for the 1998-99 school year and has supported the program every year since with grants totaling in excess of $505 million. More than 5,200 Indiana students have received the Lilly Endowment Community Scholarship since the program’s inception. The primary purposes of the Lilly Endowment Community Scholarship Program are: 1) to help raise the level of educational attainment in Indiana; 2) to increase awareness of the beneficial roles Indiana community foundations can play in their communities; and 3) to encourage and support the efforts of current and past Lilly Endowment Community Scholars to engage with each other and with Indiana business, governmental, educational, nonprofit and civic leaders to improve the quality of life in Indiana generally and in local communities throughout the state.
13 Dec, 2023
The Vanderburgh Community Foundation and the Warrick County Community Foundation are excited to announce the opening of the annual Community Scholarship Program for 2024. “Generous donors have honored their loved ones, high schools, or professions by endowing scholarship opportunities through the Community Foundations,” says Sidney Hardgrave, Regional Director of Community Engagement and Impact. “We administer many scholarship funds established by individuals, families, and organizations to assist local students in pursuit of advanced education. Together, these scholarships make up our Community Scholarship Programs.” Eligibility requirements and selection criteria for each scholarship are determined by the scholarship founder. Each scholarship is unique and supports students with a variety of backgrounds and educational goals. Students may apply for one or more scholarships, provided they meet the specific eligibility requirements. Details about each scholarship and the application requirements are posted online. The Vanderburgh Community Foundation offers 26 endowed scholarships providing over $70,000 in support each year. Community scholarship applications are due by 11:45 pm on Wednesday, January 31, 2024. Please visit https://www.vanderburghcf.org/community-scholarship-program for details and to begin the online application. The Warrick County Community Foundation has 20 endowed scholarships providing over $35,000 in support. Scholarship applications are due by 11:45 pm on Friday, February 2, 2024. Please visit https://www.warrickcountycf.org/community-scholarship-program for details and to begin the online application.
21 Nov, 2023
The Women’s Fund of Vanderburgh County hosted their Annual Meeting on November 1, 2023 and awarded the 2023 Impact Grants to three local nonprofits, each of whom received a $35,000 grant. This year’s recipients are: · Albion Fellow Bacon Center to renovate the laundry facilities at the domestic violence shelter; · Holly’s House to support mental health services for abuse survivors; and · Youth First to support the Reconnecting Youth Program in area high schools. In addition, three finalist organizations each received a $10,000 grant: · Boys and Girls Club of Evansville; · Evansville Christian Life Center; and · Ozanam Family Shelter. “I am so pleased that, through the generous donations of Women’s Fund members, we are able to financially support the critical work of six great organizations in our community. Their work is vital to helping so many,” stated Kerrie Weinzapfel, Co-Chair of the Women’s Fund board of directors. “Through the generosity and commitment of our members, the Women’s Fund has provided nearly $1.5 million in grants since it was established in 2007.” Past Impact Grants have provided funding for projects and programs at Albion Fellows Bacon Center, Ark Crisis Child Care Center, Aurora, Boys and Girls Club of Evansville, Evansville Christian Life Center, EVSC Foundation Hangers Program, Holly’s House, House of Bread and Peace, Lampion Center, Little Lambs, Ozanam Family Shelter, Patchwork Central, Potter's Wheel, St. Vincent Early Learning Center, SWIRCA & More, United Caring Services, United Methodist Youth Home, Vanderburgh County CASA, Youth First, Youth Resources of Southwestern Indiana, and the YWCA. The Women's Fund of Vanderburgh County is a fund of the Vanderburgh Community Foundation. The Women’s Fund focuses on the efforts of women philanthropists to create positive social change by funding projects that address current needs in our community. The mission is to improve the quality of life in Vanderburgh County by collectively funding significant grants to charitable initiatives.
02 Nov, 2023
The Men’s Fund of Vanderburgh County held their annual meeting on Thursday, October 19 at the Evansville Country Club. Members of the Fund voted for one of three finalist organizations to receive their annual $30,000 Impact Grant, while the other two finalists are awarded $5,000 grants. This year, Holly’s House was awarded this year’s $30,000 grant to support technology upgrades. “In a time when we are receiving a record number of reports of child abuse, it’s important to equip our teams with the technology necessary to complete investigations. We’re grateful to the Men’s Fund of Vanderburgh County for recognizing the need and helping to keep our community safe”, stated Kristine Cordts, Holly’s House Executive Director. The other two finalists, Evansville Christian Life Center and Tri-State Food Bank, were each awarded $5,000 grants. This is the eighth year for the Impact Grants which support various programs benefiting residents of Vanderburgh County. Past Impact Grant recipients include: The Boys and Girls Club of Evansville, Cancer Pathways Midwest, Dream Center Evansville, Easterseals Rehabilitation Center, EVSC Foundation for the Hangers program, Ozanam Family Shelter, and Sleep in Heavenly Peace. This year’s grantmaking awards bring the Men’s Fund’s total grants to an impressive $272,300 since inception in 2015. The Men’s Fund of Vanderburgh County offers enjoyable social events and networking opportunities, all while raising funds to meet community needs. The group supports charitable causes in the community that address projects and programs important to the Men’s Fund members.
11 Oct, 2023
The Women’s Fund of Vanderburgh County has announced the six finalist organizations to be considered for their 2023 Impact Grant awards. This year’s Impact Program finalists are Evansville Christian Life Center and Holly’s House. The Impact Project finalists are Albion Fellows Bacon Center and the Ozanam Family Shelter. Finalists for the Impact Substance Abuse grant are the Boys and Girls Club of Evansville and Youth First. Grant recipients will be announced at the Women’s Fund Annual Meeting on Wednesday, November 1, 2023. After a meticulous deliberation process that begins with a review of funding requests, the Women’s Fund will award three impact grants aimed at improving the quality of life for Vanderburgh County families. At the annual meeting, members will select three organizations to receive $35,000 grants. Two of the grants focus on an Impact Program and an Impact Project, while the third grant opportunity is for either a program or project focused on substance abuse prevention or services. The remaining three organizations will receive $10,000 grant awards. “Because of our members’ generosity, we are able to look back fondly and with pride on seventeen years of impact giving totaling more than $2 million in grants”, stated Donita Wolf, co-chair of the Women’s Fund board of directors. “It is exciting to work with such a large group of female philanthropists dedicated to improving our community.” Past Impact Grants have provided funding for projects and programs at Albion Fellows Bacon Center, Ark Crisis Child Care Center, Aurora, Boys and Girls Club of Evansville, Evansville Christian Life Center, EVSC Foundation – Hangers, Holly’s House, House of Bread and Peace, Lampion Center, Little Lambs, Ozanam Family Shelter, Patchwork Central, Potter's Wheel, St. Vincent Early Learning Center, SWIRCA & More, United Caring Services, United Methodist Youth Home, Vanderburgh County CASA, Youth First, Youth Resources of Southwestern Indiana, and the YWCA. The Women's Fund of Vanderburgh County is a fund of the Vanderburgh Community Foundation that focuses on the efforts of women philanthropists to create positive social change by funding projects that address current needs in our community. The Women’s Fund was established in 2007 when a group of area women came together with the goal of improving the quality of life in Vanderburgh County by pooling their resources to provide funding for charitable initiatives. Since 2007, the Women's Fund has awarded over $2 million in grants to local nonprofit organizations.
09 Oct, 2023
The Men’s Fund of Vanderburgh County has announced the three finalists being considered for their 2023 Impact Grant addressing critical needs in Vanderburgh County. Finalists include Evansville Christian Life Center, Holly’s House, and Tri-State Food Bank. The Impact Grant for $30,000 will be announced at the Men’s Fund Annual Meeting on Thursday, October 19, 2023. “The Men’s Fund motto has always been “Men Who Get Things Done”, stated Jim Johnson, president of the Men’s Fund board of directors. “It has been a pleasure to provide leadership on the board and participate in the grant review process. We are always looking to expand the membership and impact of the Men’s Fund and hope others will see the value in joining our efforts.” Past Impact Grants recipients include Boys and Girls Club of Evansville, Cancer Pathways Midwest, Easterseals Rehabilitation Center, Dream Center Evansville, EVSC Foundation – Hangers, Ozanam Family Shelter, and Sleep in Heavenly Peace. Established in 2015, the Men’s Fund of Vanderburgh County focuses the efforts of male philanthropists to improve the quality of life in Vanderburgh County by collectively funding significant grants to charitable initiatives. Over the past seven years, they have awarded over $250,000 in grants to local nonprofit organizations.
12 Sep, 2023
The Community Foundation Alliance would like to congratulate staff member Melissa Rudolph on her recent anniversary of employment. Rudolph selected Friends of Woodmere Dog Park to receive a $500 grant through the Generosity at Work Grant Program to recognize her work anniversary with the Alliance. The recently introduced Generosity at Work Grant Program enables Alliance staff members to contribute to the communities they serve by recommending a $500 grant to the 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization of their preference through the Ronald L. Bauer Regional Fund on their work anniversary. Rudolph recently celebrated her fourth work anniversary as the Executive Assistant with the Community Foundation Alliance, supporting all nine county affiliates in southwest Indiana. She works closely with the President and CEO ensuring efficiency in all aspects of operations. Rudolph diligently focuses on our mission, which allows for a greater impact within our communities. She is vital to the effectiveness and sustainability of our organization. As both a dog owner and an advocate for creating pet-friendly spaces in Vanderburgh County, she acknowledges the potential this initiative holds. She believes that this upcoming dog park will serve as a venue for pet owners to foster social connections among their furry companions while ensuring they receive the necessary exercise. Rudolph's generous contribution to the dog park project will have a significant impact, as it will be matched dollar for dollar through a special matching grant provided by the Indiana Housing and Community Development Authority Campaign. This matching grant opportunity is available until October 27, 2023, online at https://www.patronicity.com/project/friends_of_woodmere_dog_park#!/ . Woodmere Dog Park is a privately funded and nonprofit organization. The dog park will be centrally located on Evansville’s beautiful State Hospital grounds. The dog park will provide and sustain a premier off-leash dog park in the Southwest Indiana region, to enhance the quality of life and the quality of place in this area. Learn more at woodmeredogpark.org . These grants are made possible by the Ronald L. Bauer Regional Fund, a community good fund established through his charitable remainder trust to benefit the Community Foundation Alliance’s regional grantmaking.
29 Aug, 2023
The Vanderburgh Community Foundation would like to recognize board members who recently completed their volunteer service on the county advisory board: Josh Armstrong and Rob Henson. In addition, a special thanks is extended to Dick Eykamp, who retired after serving three consecutive terms on the advisory board and two terms on the Alliance board of directors. We extend a heartfelt appreciation for their service and dedication to making a lasting impact in our community. The 2023-2024 fiscal year’s advisory board includes Lori Newman (president), Mike Powers, Sr. (vice president), Angie Brawdy (secretary), Jim Back, Jonas Cueche, Va Cun, JoAnn Weber Drennen, Lily Durcholz, Natalie Hedde, Kelly Lovell, Ryan Parker, Jackie Russell, and Kim Schultz. Volunteer members of the advisory board play a vital role in the success of the Community Foundation. They focus on local asset development, learning about the community’s greatest needs and nonprofits that support those needs, and recommending grants and scholarships. "The accomplishment of our mission depends significantly on the active involvement of community members within our advisory board. Their enthusiastic volunteer efforts represent a consistent and dedicated commitment of time, all aimed at guaranteeing that donations consistently generate a positive influence on the well-being of individuals in Vanderburgh County,” said advisory board president, Lori Newman. While the Vanderburgh Community Foundation is an affiliate of the Community Foundation Alliance, at least one county advisory board member serves as a county representative on the Alliance Board. This fiscal year's representatives are Lori Newman and Kim Schultz. For more information about the Vanderburgh Community Foundation activities, follow us on Facebook at www.facebook.com/vancommfoundation or visit www.vanderburghcf.org .
By Jesika Ellis 28 Aug, 2023
The Community Foundation Alliance has announced the recipients of this year’s Mark Kniese Scholarship. The annual scholarship is made possible by a fund established through August Neal in memory of Mark Kniese, who had been a counselor with her at Camp Carson in Princeton. In addition to demonstrating dedication to and rapport with campers, applicants must exhibit the YMCA’s core values of caring, honesty, respect, and responsibility. Breanna Bailey from Evansville, Indiana, and Clark Fehrenbacher from Chandler, Indiana have been selected to each receive a $2,500 scholarship.  Bailey is attending the University of Southern Indiana where she is studying biology. She commented, “I am so happy to receive the Mark Kniese Scholarship. It warms my heart to know that his love for camp still goes on strong and that I get to share that with many others as well.” Bailey continued, “Without camp, I would not be the person I am today. I would not have experienced all these wonderful opportunities. I am truly honored to work as a counselor at Camp Carson.” Fehrenbacher is attending Indiana University where he is studying human biology. “Camp Carson is a truly magical place. From attending when I was just seven years old, to working there this past summer, it truly amazes me of the impact this camp has on our youth. It has always let me express my truest self and allowed me to focus on being the best person I can possibly be. It has taught me to constantly better myself and that I am valued,” stated Fehrenbacher. He went on to say, “As a young man in the military, the looming possibility of getting deployed weighs a lot on your mental health. Being only 20 years old I have to live with that, but Camp Carson relieves that stress by allowing me to be a kid again. It also gives me a legacy to leave behind by impacting so many kids. This camp has truly changed my life.” 2023 marks the 21 st year of the Mark Kniese Scholarship with awards totaling just over $57,500.
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