The Community Foundation offers many different grant programs whose goal it is to bring about positive change and impact while making our community the best place to live, work, and play. The following grant opportunities help enhance the lives of residents within Allen County and Northeast Indiana. With the help of donors, nonprofits and volunteers, the Community Foundation is committed to making lives better in every corner of our community.
Rising Together Grants: Our “Let’s Rise!” Vision Plan resulted from rigorous strategic planning the Community Foundation has embarked on since 2019. Rising Together Grants are the next step in our effort to realize our Community’s vision. These signature grants align with each pillar in our “Let’s Rise!” Vision Plan and are funded through the Paul Clarke Endowment and the Community Impact Fund. The grant cycle includes five windows; each window is aligned with a pillar. View the Rising Together Grant Guidelines.
We affect change in our community by being an advocate for the underserved, instilling pride, and building relationships to create a sense of belonging. Examples of groups that fit within this category are the arts, transportation, animal rights, and groups supporting people with health conditions or impairments.
Application deadline: February 1*
Decisions by: March 31 *
*For 2023 only, we will be working with anyone in the connected community pillar on a case-by-case basis throughout the year.
We help create an economy where every citizen has the opportunity for upward mobility and increased security, and is motivated to achieve their goals. Examples of groups that fit within this category are workforce development, housing, and basic needs.
Application deadline: April 1
Decisions by: May 31
We work to Build a culture of lifelong learning that helps people flourish, strengthening our workforce and increasing resiliency. Examples of groups that fit within this category are education, after-school programs, and adult learning.
Application deadline: June 1
Decisions by: July 29
We provide resources and support to create a community filled with spaces that engage, connect and energize residents and visitors. Examples of groups that fit within this category are arts, environment, and community development.
Application deadline: August 1
Decisions by: September 30
We help each person in our community feel mentally and physically healthy, with access to tools and resources to reach their highest potential. Examples of groups that might fit within this category are healthcare, mental health, food and fitness, and basic needs.
Application deadline: October 1
Decisions by: November 30
Agile Grants: These project-oriented and interest area-specific grants are available from funds established by donors to support specific interest areas. These grants, of up to $20,000 are available year-round. View the Agile Grant Guidelines.
Engage Grants: These grants offer funding to first-time grantees and organizations or first-time projects that positively impact our community’s well-being. These grants are available year-round. View the Engage Grant Guidelines.
Emergency Grants: These rapid-response grants are available year-round and offer financial resources to grantees facing an emergency due to a sudden, unexpected occurrence which demands immediate attention.*
*These grants will be available in 4Q of 2023.
Foundation-Guided Grants: The Community Foundation manages grant applications for multiple Foundations and Funds. Each Foundation and Fund has specific application requirements and a distinct area of focus.
For more than thirty years, Barbara Burt demonstrated outstanding commitment to and leadership of Allen County charitable and philanthropic organizations. To celebrate the contributions Mrs. Burt made to the leadership of nonprofit organizations, both public charities and private philanthropy, the Foellinger Foundation Board of Directors established the Barbara Burt Innovative Leader Fund. Find out more!
The purpose of the Fund is to encourage exceptional nonprofit board governance, support adaptive thinking within nonprofit organizations, and promote exchanges about best leadership styles and practices within nonprofit organizations.
The Knight Foundation supports transformational ideas that promote quality journalism, advance media innovation, engage communities and foster the arts. The Knight Foundation supports Fort Wayne’s city vibrancy through supporting projects around entrepreneurship, the arts, and smart design. Find out more!
The Luminous Fund is proud to partner with the Community Foundation of Greater Fort Wayne. The Luminous Fund is a donor advised fund and uses the Community Foundation to streamline the investment process and the distribution of their grants. The Luminous Fund is interested in funding specific programs and innovative new efforts. They will not fund general operating expenses. Find out more!
Since 1955, the Frank L. and Laura L. Smock Foundation has helped countless needy Indiana Presbyterians. The foundation has grown in worth as well as in the scope of how its funds can help others. Find out more!
The August Tomusk Foundation, established in 1990, is dedicated to the advancement of patient care, teaching and research in cardiothoracic surgery, vascular surgery, cardiovascular medicine, and transplantation. Find out more!
The Donald F. Wood and Darlene M. Richardson Foundation focuses on community assistance for health and welfare as well as supporting educational opportunities for specialized and at-risk individuals in Northeast Indiana. Find out more!
To learn more, please contact:
Lisa Pickerman
Senior Impact Advisor
260-969-3304
lpickerman@cfgfw.org
You can also contact another member of our Grants and Scholarships team.