Special Project Grants

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.

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

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
Individuals directly
Development or public relations activities (e.g. literature, videos, etc.)
Annual appeals or membership contributions
Travel for bands, sports teams, classes, etc.
Computers (unless presented as a necessary component of larger program or objective)