Special Project Grants

Special Project Grants

Status: ACTIVE
Funder: Community Foundation of St. Joseph County
Last Updated: January 14, 2026

Summary

The Community Foundation of St. Joseph County offers the Special Project Grant to support nonprofit organizations serving local community needs. This initiative matches every dollar raised by the grant recipient, encouraging collaborative fundraising efforts. Eligible projects focus on community development, health services, environmental initiatives, and youth education. While arts-related proposals are generally directed to a separate grant process, those that primarily address health and human services using arts as a tool may apply here.

Overview

NOTE: If the grant deadline falls on a weekend or holiday, the application is due the next business day at 9:00 a.m. The Community Foundation’s Special Project grants process encourages projects in the following areas: Community developmentHealth and human services Parks, recreation, and environment Youth and education What is the Special Project Grant? The Community Foundation of St. Joseph County offers the Special Project Grant to assist public and other 501(c)(3) agencies in their efforts to serve community needs. For every $1 raised by the chosen agency, the Community Foundation will match $1. Why a Challenge Grant? Challenge grants work. Donors are more willing to give and often willing to give more if their contributions are matched by other funds. Used wisely, not-for-profit agencies will find challenge grants an excellent tool to raise the funds necessary to complete projects Areas of Interest The Community Foundation encourages projects in the following areas (listed alphabetically): Community Development & Urban AffairsHealth & Human ServicesParks, Recreation, & EnvironmentYouth & Education *An important note regarding Arts & Culture requests: The majority of arts & culture related proposals should be submitted to the ArtsEverywhere Grants process (Separate guidelines available). Only requests that are primarily health and human service oriented in nature, but that utilize the arts as a tool or method, should be submitted through this Special Project Challenge Grant process. Capital Campaigns Capital campaigns are considered eligible projects for the Special Project Challenge Grant process. If you are interested in submitting an application for a capital campaign, please contact Program staff prior to submission to discuss your project. The Board has defined as the role and priorities of the Community Foundation: To promote organizations whose programs benefit the residents of St. Joseph County To assist existing agencies to better respond to the needs of the community To encourage and reward excellence in the not-for-profit field To maintain both a proactive focus for grants dollars and the ability to respond to creative ideas from grant seekers To promote innovative, collaborative efforts to improve the health and well-being of St. Joseph County residents To encourage programs that enhance cooperation and collaboration among institutions within the area

Eligibility

You can learn more about this opportunity by visiting the funder's website. Nonprofit organizations serving the citizens of St. Joseph County are eligible to submit a Special Project Grant application.

Ineligibility

Grants are not made to fund:Operating support for established programs Endowment campaigns Religious organizations for religious purposes Individuals directly Development or public relations activities (e.g. literature, videos, etc.) Retirement of debts Camperships Annual appeals or membership contributions Travel for bands, sports teams, classes, etc. Computers (unless presented as a necessary component of larger program or objective) Post-event or after-the-fact situations Annual or recurring events