LevelUp Grant Program

LevelUp Grant Program

Administrator: Community Foundation of Hancock County (CFHC)
Geographic Scope: Hancock County, Indiana
Award Amount: Up to $20,000 per grant
Contact: Katie Ottinger, Community Investment + Grants Officer
Phone: 317-462-8870
Email: info@celebratehancock.org

Program Overview

The LevelUp Grant Program supports nonprofit leaders to more effectively advance their organization's mission and vision. CFHC recognizes that time and resources for internal capacity building are often limited; LevelUp removes those barriers for nonprofits seeking to improve operations and programs.

Eligibility Requirements

• Must be 501(c)(3) tax-exempt public charity
• Must serve Hancock County
• Must have received at least one previous grant from CFHC
• Cannot participate in Annual Grant Cycle during LevelUp participation year
• Preference given to organizations without prior LevelUp grants

Focus Areas

Organizations select ONE area to focus on:
• Mission & Strategy
• Board Development
• Financial Management
• Human Resources Management
• Fundraising & Donor Relations
• Program Outcome Measurement
• Governance & Administration
• Communications & Marketing
• Transition & Succession Planning
• Leadership & Organizational Culture

Program Structure

LevelUp consists of three key elements:

1. Planning Phase

Complete capacity-building assessment (with board/staff involvement)

Complete pre-survey benchmark for impact evaluation

Identify greatest area of opportunity for growth

Identify consultant specializing in selected area (RFP process likely)

CFHC Community Investment + Grants Officer provides support and approval

2. Grant Phase

Receive up to $20,000 grant to hire consultant/researcher/coach

Implement development strategies from capacity-building assessment

Organizations pay any costs exceeding $20,000

Complete post-survey as part of grant report for impact evaluation

3. Peer Learning Roundtables

CFHC convenes grantees every other month

Discuss organizational development progress

Share experiences working with consultants

CFHC facilitates informal, conversational meetings