Become Our Partner
Through shared power, relationships, and a desire for community results, The Community Foundation of Muncie and Delaware County supports and partners with nonprofit organizations contributing to what our community needs. Want to learn more about the ways we can help your organization? Contact our team today!
How We Can Help
Because of our unique role as funder, The Community Foundation has a broad view of the needs of the Muncie and Delaware County. We can use this view to advocate for your organization’s needs with donors, other funders and organizations, as well as local, state, and federal governments!
We regularly convene community organization leaders for shared conversations or training opportunities. Our staff takes the time to listen to your organization’s needs and serve as a sounding board for challenges and opportunities that present themselves.
The Nonprofit Support Network provides nonprofits with the resources and time they need to meet their mission. The Community Foundation supports and partners with the Nonprofit Support Network to ensure the proper resources and tools exist to strengthen all nonprofits in our community!
Community Grants
Each year, we partner with nonprofit organizations by providing funding in the form of community grants. A committee of volunteers review applications and make funding recommendations to The Community Foundation’s Board of Directors.
What to Expect
Applicants can submit a Letter of Intent (LOI) to apply. Letters of Intent are reviewed by our staff on a rolling basis. Following the submission of your LOI, we will follow up with you to learn more about your goals and provide guidance for next steps. If appropriate, your LOI will be approved, and a grant application will be requested. Organizations will have two weeks to complete an application after it is requested.
We understand dates are helpful! While both the LOI and application will be accepted on a rolling basis, we need time to contact you, research, and think through your match. Below is a helpful guide:
If you desire a decision by February 2025, we will likely need your LOI by December 13, 2024, to process for review.
If you desire a decision by May 2025, we will likely need your LOI by March 14, 2025, to process for review.
If you desire a decision by August 2025, we will likely need your LOI by June 13, 2025, to process for review.
If you desire a decision by November 2025, we will likely need your LOI by September 12, 2025, to process for review.
*Staff approval of letters of intent or requests for applications is not a guarantee of funding as all requests must be reviewed by appropriate grants committees and approved by the Board of Directors of The Community Foundation.
Designated Funds
The Community Foundation can work with your nonprofit organization to establish a permanently endowed fund to further benefit your organization!
Designated funds support a specified organization or set of organizations. These funds may support an organization’s general operations or a specific program, as identified by the individual who established the fund. Once the fund is established, the benefiting organization can request distributions from the fund to support their work!
Frequently Asked Questions
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Grants are generally awarded to 501(c)(3) organizations. However, there are circumstances where an organization who is not a qualified 501(c)(3) may apply. Please call 765-747-7181 or email grants@cfmdin.org and speak with program and nonprofit relations staff. The Community Foundation also cannot grant to individuals. Students may apply for scholarships; however, the actual scholarship payment is sent directly to the educational institution.
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Yes! Please call 765-747-7181 or email grants@cfmdin.org and speak with program and nonprofit relations staff. First-time applicants are required to contact the Foundation. In some cases, a meeting may be required. The Foundation does not make grants to individuals and generally does not make grants for religious purposes, for covering budget deficits, for travel, for fundraising events, for endowments or for projects normally the responsibility of a government agency.
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Our grant processes require new organizations be well established prior to applying for or receiving a grant. We must ensure the organization could financially accept and steward grant funding. Please note that funding is never guaranteed, as a volunteer committee makes recommendations to our Board of Directors, who makes the final approval of all grants. When calling as a first-time applicant, you will typically be asked the following questions. We also reserve the right to request corresponding documentation or ask additional questions as necessary.
Is your organization a 501c3 nonprofit organization or unit of government?
When was the organization established?
Do you have an established Board of Directors (usually at least five or more members)?
Do you have a financial account dedicated to the organization?
Do you have approved bylaws?
Did you file a 990 in the previous year?
Have you received any funding from earned income, donations or grants to date?
What is the mission/programming of the organization?
Does the mission/programming benefit Delaware County, Indiana residents?
What is the purpose and amount requested of your proposed grant application?
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About Spending Policy Calculation
Each year, the Board of Directors of The Community Foundation determines the spending policy, which is the rate at which distributions from all funds are calculated. Spending policy allocations for the next year are calculated in the final quarter of the previous year. Organizations benefitting from a designated fund can expect to receive notice of their allocation amount before the end of the previous calendar year.
The spending policy rate for 2024 is 4.25%. (Funds with balances below historic gift total are eligible for a spending policy rate of 1.5%)
