Allen Whitehill Clowes Charitable Foundation: Operations Grants

The Allen Whitehill Clowes Charitable Foundation provides Operations Grants to support arts and humanities organizations in Central Indiana. These grants, ranging from $1,000 to $75,000, aim to help smaller organizations fulfill their core missions. First-time applicants must submit a Letter of Intent, while previous recipients are exempt. Successful proposals demonstrate effective mission execution, leadership, and measurable outcomes to complement other funding sources.

NOTE: For the Operations Cycle – organizations that have previously received funding from the Foundation are not required to submit a LOI; otherwise, the LOI is mandatory for all other organizations.
Operation Grant Cycle
Our Operations Grants support eligible arts and humanities organizations in fulfilling their core mission on an ongoing basis. These grants are generally designed for smaller organizations and smaller dollar amounts, with awards typically ranging from $1,000 to $75,000. Organizations may apply annually for general operating support.
First-time applicants must submit a Letter of Intent (LOI) before receiving approval to proceed with a full proposal. A LOI is mandatory for all organizations that have not received previous operating grants. Operating LOIs are available through the grant portal two months prior to the LOI due date.
Successful proposals demonstrate sustained impact through effective mission execution, strong leadership, collaborative partnerships, resource development, and measurable outcomes. An AWCCF grant is intended to complement other sources of funding and should represent only a portion of an organization’s overall financial support, alongside earned and donated income.

Eligibility

AWCCF supports charitable organizations that promote or preserve the Arts and Humanities.The Foundation will make grants only to those organizations that are described in IRC Section 501(c)(3) and are public charities defined in IRC Sec. 509(a)(1), 509(a)(2) or 509(a)(3). In rare cases the Foundation will make grants to private operating foundations as defined in IRC Sec. 4942 (j) (3). Indianapolis and Central Indiana are the primary geographic areas for funding. The Foundation has a few legacy grants that fall outside of this area, but it is rare to consider any new funding outside of Central Indiana.

Ineligibility

The Foundation will not make grants to individuals or for endowments.