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.
ATTENTION: Agile and Engage Grants will be paused for one month starting May 1, 2024. Agile and Engage Grants submitted before April 29 will be evaluated. Any grants submitted or in draft mode after this time will be closed in the system and will have to be started over when the applications go live again on June 3, 2024. No applications will be saved in the system, and a new application must be completed after this time.
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. Applications will open on the first of the month in which the application is due. Applications are due on their due date by 11:59 PM EST.
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 this are organizations that support equity, access, civic engagement, pride in place, connectivity, and create a sense of belonging.
Application Opens: February 1
Application Deadline: March 1
Applications are due on their due date by 11:59 PM EST.
Decisions will be made within 60 days of the deadline.
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 Opens: April 1
Application Deadline: May 1
Applications are due on their due date by 11:59 PM EST.
Decisions will be made within 60 days of the deadline.
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 Opens: June 1
Application Deadline: July 1
Applications are due on their due date by 11:59 PM EST.
Decisions will be made within 60 days of the deadline.
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 Opens: August 1
Application Deadline: September 1
Applications are due on their due date by 11:59 PM EST.
Decisions will be made within 60 days of the deadline.
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 Opens: October 1
Application Deadline: November 1
Applications are due on their due date by 11:59 PM EST.
Decisions will be made within 60 days of the deadline.
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.
ATTENTION: Agile and Engage Grants will be paused for one month starting May 1, 2024. Agile and Engage Grants submitted before April 29 will be evaluated. Any grants submitted or in draft mode after this time will be closed in the system and will have to be started over when the applications go live again on June 3, 2024. No applications will be saved in the system, and a new application must be completed after this time.
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.
ATTENTION: Agile and Engage Grants will be paused for one month starting May 1, 2024. Agile and Engage Grants submitted before April 29 will be evaluated. Any grants submitted or in draft mode after this time will be closed in the system and will have to be started over when the applications go live again on June 3, 2024. No applications will be saved in the system, and a new application must be completed after this time.
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 1Q of 2024.
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 Do it Best Foundation is proud to partner with the Community Foundation of Greater Fort Wayne to enhance the intake, review, and distribution of their grants. The Do it Best Foundation is focused on funding projects, programs, and initiatives that support health and wellness, youth enrichment, the arts, and the community in the places their team lives, works, and plays. They do not fund event sponsorships or general operating expenses. Find out more!
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!
The mission of the Smock Foundation is to provide benevolent assistance to promote the health, welfare, and happiness of Indiana Presbyterians in need of support, focusing on senior Presbyterians. 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 goal of the Schwab Foundation is to support career education and career exploration programs that enable students to make informed career decisions. The Schwab Foundation funds programs with clearly defined goals, objectives/outcomes, and sound evaluation plans. In some cases, the Schwab Foundation is also willing to consider funding for planning grants and/or carefully controlled innovative pilot programs. 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:
Alison Gerardot, CFRM
Chief Impact Officer
260-969-3313
agerardot@cfgfw.org
You can also contact another member of our Philanthropic Services team.