HFBC: Community Fund Grants

The HFBC Community Fund Grants support local organizations in Bartholomew County with an annual budget of over $700,000. The program focuses on areas such as arts, culture, youth development, and downtown vibrancy. Grants are awarded to foster innovative community solutions, encourage collaboration, and promote sustainability. Priority is given to projects that enhance community engagement and address pressing needs, while ineligible projects include those primarily funded by Heritage Fund or seeking to cover operational expenses.

NOTE: A letter of intent (LOI) to notify staff of interest in the application is required one week prior to application deadline.
Each year, Heritage Fund grants over $700,000 to local organizations through our grants programs to support our nonprofit partners in our effort to build a better Bartholomew County.
Primary
Arts, Culture, Architecture and DesignDowntown VitalityYouth Development
Secondary
Diversity, Equity, InclusionLeadership DevelopmentResponsive Community Need

Ineligibility

The Community Foundation places low priority on the following, which are unlikely to receive funding:Projects where Heritage Fund is the sole funderReduction of debt (including payment for items purchased prior to grant approval)Programs that fall more appropriately under government fundingRequests from organizations that have an open Community Funds grant file (i.e., a balance remaining on a previous grant or an unfiled final report)The Community Foundation will NOT consider grants for:Ongoing operational expenses or unexpected gaps in operational budgetsIndividualsPolitical activities or those designated to influence legislationIndividual school needs, unless approved in writing by the school administrationNational and/or state organizations (unless the monies are to be used solely to benefit citizens of Bartholomew County)Faith-based organizations unless the project in question is not religious in nature, is not restricted based on faith, and involves no faith-based proselytizing.