Quarterly Competitive Grants

The George and Frances Ball Foundation offers Quarterly Competitive Grants to support organizations with 501(c)(3) designations. These grants focus on capacity building in East Central Indiana, enhancing education, civic engagement, nature preservation, and the arts. Applications are accepted four times a year, with deadlines on January 21, April 9, July 8, and November 5. Successful applicants can expect a decision within 6–8 weeks of the submission deadline, fostering community improvement and support.

NOTE: The grant deadlines for 2025 are January 21, April 9, July 8, and November 5, with submissions due by 5:00 PM EST on each date, and applicants can expect a decision within 6–8 weeks following the deadline.
Our mission is to demonstrate the continuing legacy of the Ball Family values and to honor the gifts of George and Frances Ball by providing capacity building advice and grants that make a real difference to organizations sharing similar values, with a primary focus on improving the livability and educational attainment of the citizens of East Central Indiana.
The Foundation has a strong commitment to the needs of East Central Indiana. Support beyond the East Central Indiana region has largely been limited to institutions of higher education. In fact, grants to educational institutions have comprised a large portion of the Foundation's contributions for more than 85 years.
When considering grant requests, the Foundation’s Board of Directors remains dedicated to the spirit and the donor intent of the G.A. Ball family. Thus, the Foundation has historically provided grants to and partners with organizations in the following categories:

• Education and Youth
• Civic Enhancement
• ​Nature and Historic Preservation
• Wrap-Around Services
• Arts and Culture

Eligibility

Grants are awarded only to organizations and institutions that have received 501(c)(3) designations by the Internal Revenue Service. While not a requirement, the Foundation looks with favor on grant applications which propose leveraging the requested funds with those of other funding sources or matching funds.

Ineligibility

The Foundation will generally not consider requests:

• ​From individuals
• For support of sectarian religious activities
• Representing new grants to be awarded for regular operational expenses
• For grants that make-up for a shortfall in an organization’s fundraising​