Collaborative Impact Grant Program

Collaborative Impact Grant Program

Overview: A one-time grant program designed to encourage nonprofit organizations to collaborate on projects addressing community needs. Part of the Foundation's Nonprofit Sustainability Program developed in response to challenges in the funding landscape.

Program Background

• Inception: Emerged from a 2023 forum with local nonprofit leaders discussing funding landscape changes
• Purpose: Develop strategies for long-term sustainability of nonprofits in Howard County
• Strategy: Encourage nonprofits to "think big and collaborate" when pursuing funding

Geographic Scope

• Howard County, Indiana

Grant Recipients and Projects (2024)

#### Unity for Impact

Total Award: $150,000 over three years

Objective: Enhance marketing efforts and visibility of four partnering agencies to attract new donors and increase financial support

Lead Partner: Family Service Association of Howard County Inc.

Collaborating Partners:

- Project Access
- Minority Health Alliance
- Howard County Food Access Alliance

Significance: Allows nonprofits to pool resources and overcome financial/operational challenges of maintaining individual full-time marketing staff

#### Bridges Mini-Golf

Total Award: $50,000 (one-time)

Objective: Construction of miniature golf course in Highland Park operated by Bridges Outreach; serves as social enterprise providing employment for local youth

Lead Partner: Bridges Outreach

Collaborating Partners:

- City of Kokomo
- Kokomo Parks & Recreation
- Play (partnering organization)

Impact: Provides work experience in nonprofit environment and generates both social impact and financial returns

Selection Process

• Competitive process
• Special committee facilitated by the Community Foundation
• Emphasis on collaborative partnerships

Eligibility

• Howard County nonprofit organizations
• Projects pursued in partnership with other local nonprofits

Contact Information

• Community Foundation of Howard County
• Phone: 765-454-7298
• Email: todd@cfhoward.org
• Address: 215 W Sycamore St, Kokomo, IN 46901
• Website: www.cfhoward.org