Thank you for your interest in the Hardin County Community Foundation! The information below will help you determine whether you are eligible to apply for funding and guide you through the application process. Please take a moment to review these materials carefully.

ELIGIBILITY FOR FUNDING

The Hardin County Community Foundation awards grants to tax-exempt 501(c)(3) organizations that operate, or propose to operate, programs benefiting Hardin County residents. While the Foundation values and appreciates the important work of local nonprofit organizations, available funding is limited. Grant decisions are made using the guidelines outlined below.

Grant Awards & Requirements

• If you are awarded a grant, a check will be mailed to the address listed on your grant application.
• Grant funds must be spent by December 31 of the year in which they are received, unless an extension is approved due to extenuating circumstances.
• Upon completion of your project, a Grant Recipient Report is required and can be found on our website under the Grants tab.

Grant Notifications

• If you are not awarded a grant, you will be notified by mail using the address provided on your grant application.

Funding Preferences

The Hardin County Community Foundation gives priority to grant proposals that:

• Develop innovative, creative, and practical solutions to current and emerging community needs
• Create programs that enhance the quality of life for a substantial number of residents
• Encourage volunteerism, civic engagement, and community involvement
• Promote compassion, efficiency, and responsible delivery of social services
• Focus on the prevention and/or remediation of community problems
• Support projects that create long-term community resources
• Demonstrate sound financial management and effective use of funds, with plans for sustainability after grant funding ends
• Promote collaboration, efficiency, and reduce duplication of services
• Include matching grant funds when possible
• Improve the quality of life for youth and senior citizens in Hardin County

Funding Limitations

The Hardin County Community Foundation generally does not fund:

• Operating expenses, including salaries, utilities, or annual campaigns
• Projects that promote specific religious beliefs or practices
• Budget deficits or debt reduction
• Lobbying, political activities, or political organizations
• Endowment funds
• Capital improvements to buildings or property not owned by the organization or covered by a long-term lease
• Projects that are already underway or have been completed
   

Public School Applications

• Public schools physically located outside of Hardin County are not eligible to apply, with the exception of Riverdale Schools, which were previously located in Hardin County.
• Grant applications from Riverdale Schools must clearly state where the funded event or activity will take place:
  • If held entirely within Hardin County, funding may be approved as allowed by the Grant Committee.
  • If held outside of Hardin County, any approved funding will be proportional to the number of Hardin County students participating and benefiting from the project.

Grant Award & Notification Information

If You Are Awarded a Grant:

• Grant checks will be mailed to the address listed on your grant application.
• Grant funds must be spent by December 31 of the year in which they are received, unless an extension is approved due to extenuating circumstances.
• Upon completion of your project, a “Grant Report Form” is required.
  • The report can be found on our website under the Grants tab.
  • Failure to submit the Grant Recipient Report may result in future grant requests not being considered.

If You Are Not Awarded a Grant

• You will be notified by mail using the address provided on your grant application.

The Foundation believes that federal, state and local governments have the resources and the primary responsibility for advancing issues involving healthcare, education, economic development and infrastructure.

For more information regarding the Foundation and/or our grant procedures and timeline, please call our offices at 419.674.4053

Grant applications will be accepted from February 1st to February 28th

Click here to apply for a grant!