VCF: Women’s Fund Grants Program

The Women’s Fund Grants Program, conducted by the Community Foundation Alliance, Inc., supports nonprofit organizations serving Vanderburgh County. This year's cycle includes two Impact Grants of $50,000 each for programs and projects, alongside four additional grants of $20,000 for finalists. Eligible organizations must demonstrate long-term planning, financial sustainability, and a commitment to gender equity. Applications will be accepted from 501(c)(3) tax-exempt entities and governmental agencies.

The Women’s Fund of Vanderburgh County conducts an annual grant cycle. Two Impact Grants will be awarded this year, one for a program and the other for a project. Impact Grants will be $50,000. Four additional grants of $20,000 each will be awarded to the organizations selected as finalists for the grants this year.
Areas Considered for Program Funding:
Community DevelopmentEducationHealth/Mental HealthHuman ServicesOther Civic Endeavors (Examples include Arts and Culture, Environment, Recreation, and Youth Development)Endowment Creation
Areas Considered for Project Funding:

• Capital Projects
• Endowment Creation
• For all three grant opportunities, consideration will be given to organizations that demonstrate:
• Commitment to long-range planning, financial stability, and sustainability
• Sound plans to address ongoing or emerging issues that have been identified by research
• Solid, realistic plans for program/project evaluation
• Desire to promote collaboration among organizations or institutions to prevent duplication of services
• Project methodology utilizing a preventative approach to addressing the issue and solving problems
• Evidence of realistic organizational planning and management

Eligibility

The Women’s Fund of Vanderburgh County welcomes funding requests from nonprofit organizations deemed tax-exempt under sections 501(c)(3) and 509(a) of the Internal Revenue Code and governmental agencies serving Vanderburgh County.Funding requests from nonprofit organizations not classified as a 501(c)(3) public charity may be considered provided the project is charitable and supports a community need and meets the other criteria described on this page. In some cases, organizations without the 501(c)(3) designation may be required to obtain a fiscal sponsor.Non-charitable organizations applying for a grant under the auspices of a verified 501(c)(3) public charity acting as a fiscal sponsor are required to provide a written statement signed by the fiscal sponsor’s board president confirming agreement to receive grant monies if awarded and to oversee the proposed program/project.Organizations may apply for either an Impact Grant (in the program category or project category), or the Focus Grant opportunity.In addition, any organization which received an Impact Grant must wait three years before applying again in either Impact Grant category. Organizations receiving Impact Grants within the past three years, are eligible to submit an application for the Focus Grant. Only one application will be considered from an organization.

Ineligibility

Program or Project Areas not Considered For Funding:Programs or projects of organizations that are not committed to gender equity. Applicant organizations are expected to have established female leadership on their staff and board, and generally promote gender equity within the community.
Requests for funding to reduce or retire debt
Programs or projects which focus solely on the spiritual needs and growth of a church congregation or members of other religious organizations.
Operating costs not directly related to the program/project
Event sponsorship, annual appeals or membership contributions