CFEC: Community Investment Grants (over $25,000)

The Community Foundation of Elkhart County offers Community Investment Grants exceeding $25,000 to support impactful projects that enhance the quality of life in Elkhart County. These grants focus on areas such as early childhood development, career pathways, and placemaking. Nonprofit organizations, public charities, and other eligible entities are encouraged to apply for funding aimed at fostering community engagement and addressing local needs. Learn more about the application process and eligibility criteria on their official website.

NOTE: Applications for requests under $25,000 are received and reviewed on a weekly basis. You can find that page here.
Community Investment Grants are made from the unrestricted pool of resources at the Community Foundation of Elkhart County. Grant decisions are intended to support the mission of the Community Foundation — to improve the quality of life in Elkhart County by inspiring generosity.
The Community Foundation has identified the following areas of emphasis for grantmaking:

• Early Childhood Development & Education
• Career Awareness, Exploration & Employability Skills (grades 4-12)
• Internship & Apprenticeships (grades 4-12)
• Vibrant Downtowns
• Parks
• Connected Network of Trails
• Community Investment Priorities

Kids & Families: To improve the living experience for Elkhart County citizens through safe, stable, nurturing relationships and environments, with a focus on impacting children birth to age 8.
Area of Emphasis Early Childhood Development & EducationAdditionally:Parents
Vulnerable populations
Career Pathways: To improve the quality of life for Elkhart County residents by generating, developing and supporting career advancement and educational opportunities.
Area of Emphasis:Career Awareness, Exploration & Employability Skills (grades 4-12)Internships & Apprenticeships (grades 4-12)Additionally:Post-Secondary Access
Youth & Mentoring
Placemaking: To create open communities in Elkhart County which inspire, attract, engage, and connect people, to enrich their living experience.
Area of Emphasis:Vibrant DowntownsParksConnected Network of TrailsAdditionally:Events (arts, culture, entertainment)Public Art

Eligibility

Organizations classified as nonprofits, tax-exempt public charities, by the Internal Revenue Service serving Elkhart County residents are eligible to apply. Most will be identified as a 501(c)(3) under the IRS Tax Code. However, other institutions, such as schools, municipalities, governmental units, or chambers of commerce, may also qualify. Religious organizations can apply for non-proselytizing programs that do not promote religious doctrine or instruction.For large organizations with multiple departments, such as schools and municipalities, the highest- ranking official (such as superintendent or mayor) must approve grant applications before submission.

Ineligibility

Projects not Eligible for Funding:Direct assistance to individuals or scholarships for tuition
For-profit organizations
Projects aimed at promoting a religion or construction projects for religious institutions without community access
Projects that do not serve residents of Elkhart County
Reduction of debt, including payment for expenses incurred before grant approval
Medical, scientific, or academic research
Problems resulting from an organization’s failure to plan adequately. Such as:Relying on a small number of donors for support without developing a plan to sustain programming
Not anticipating construction contingency costs
Not planning for maintenance costs or replacement costs of existing equipment