Bright Future Grant

Bright Future Grant

Funding Amount: $200,000 available in 2025-2026 Fiscal Year

Award Range: $2,000 to $10,000 per application

Funder: South Madison Community Foundation (SMCF) - created in 1991 with $14.6 million in assets

Geographic Scope: Projects must provide direct benefit to residents of Adams, Fall Creek, Green and/or Stony Creek Townships of Madison County, Indiana. Applicant organization does not need physical location in South Madison County.

Eligible Applicants:

501(c)3 public charities

501(c)4 social welfare organizations

509(a)1 public entities serving charitable purposes

Grants to non-charities considered on case-by-case basis with expenditure responsibility

Cumulative Limits: Organizations may be awarded more than once during a year, but no single organization shall receive more than $10,000 in cumulative Bright Future Grants in Fiscal Year 2025-2026

Project Timeline: Funded projects are expected to be completed within one year of the date of award

Strategic Focus Areas

SMCF seeks projects that advance community impact initiatives in these four areas:

Initiative 1: Address Unmet Needs

Raise awareness and foster empathy for people in need

Sponsor and promote service delivery for people in need

Invest in and advocate for universal accessibility and inclusive public policies

Initiative 2: Encourage Lifelong Learning and a Resilient Economy

Expand upon current youth development offerings

Build a robust college/career/community pipeline

Support educational offerings for lifelong learners

Initiative 3: Enhance Physical Spaces and Interpersonal Connections

Support efforts to preserve, protect, restore, and expand greenspaces

Invest in community amenities that foster social engagement and mental well-being

Initiative 4: Expand Civic Capacity

Ally with anchor institutions to plan and deliver exemplary service to residents

Equip residents to become informed on civic matters and to serve in public roles

SMCF Mission and Vision

Mission: To connect residents, support local organizations, and propel transformative and sustainable impact that enriches lives across South Madison County.

Vision: For South Madison County to be a caring and connected community that enjoys natural amenities, an active civic life, economic vitality, and a philanthropic culture.

Organizational Roles: Catalyst, connector, educator, and funder

Contact Information:

Executive Director: Tammy Bowman

Phone: 778-8444

Email: info@southmadisonfoundation.org

Address: 233 S. Main Street, Pendleton, IN 46064