HCSBC Foundation Grant

The HCSBC Foundation Grant, offered by the Hancock County Savings Bank Charitable Foundation, aims to promote charitable and educational initiatives within Hancock County. This grant supports innovative programs, matching grants, and one-time funding for direct human services. Organizations must have IRS 501(c)(3) status to apply, and applications are due by September 30 each year. The Foundation anticipates high demand for funds and will evaluate proposals based on community needs and organizational capacity.

Our Mission of Giving Back to the Community
Funding for the Foundation is primarily from contributions by HCSBank as part of its Mission, which includes a commitment to “making our community a better place to live.”
The Foundation generally provides funding in areas such as seed money for startup costs of new and innovative programs, human services or educational programs, capital and equipment needs, matching grants, and one-time grants for programs not requiring refunding. Grant applications must be submitted by September 30 of each year, and awards are announced soon after, celebrated with a presentation ceremony. Do not be intimidated by the application process, you do not have to be a grant-writer to complete the process.
Guidelines for Grants
The purpose of this Foundation is to promote charitable and educational activities within the meaning of Section 501 (c)(3) of The Internal Revenue Code of 1986, as amended, including but not limited to the following:
Supporting youth development programs to improve life options through education and work skills;Supporting community organizations that contribute to the quality of life; andReceiving by gift and otherwise acquiring and holding all property, real. and personal.
Each year, the Foundation will distribute the earnings from its investment portfolio to selected qualifying organizations in the market area of Hancock County Savings Bank.
You should understand that we anticipate many more requests for funding than we will be able to accommodate; therefore, we will use our best judgment in evaluating community needs, priorities, and the ability of the organization to carry out the proposal. Additionally, you should be aware that you are competing with other worthwhile groups whose work also serves the best interests of our area.
Grant Types
The Foundation will generally limit its grants to organizations in our area for the following purposes:
Seed money for the startup costs of new and innovative programs;Grants which generate additional funding (matching grants);One-time grants for programs that do not require refunding;Grants for programs that provide direct human services; orGrants for capital and equipment needs.

Eligibility

Your organization should have received a ruling or determination letter from the Internal Revenue Service recognizing your exempt status under Internal Revenue Code 501(c)(3). You must attach a copy of your exemption certificate to your completed application.

Ineligibility

The Foundation will not generally recommend grants for any of the following purposes: Annual fund raising campaigns;Endowments;Sectarian religious purposes;Loans of any kind; orOperating or maintenance grants.