Heritage Community Fund Grants

The Annual Community Fund Grants, administered by Heritage Fund, represent a longstanding commitment to enhancing the quality of life in Bartholomew County, Indiana. Through this initiative, the funder allocates over $700,000 annually to support local nonprofit organizations. This strategic investment is rooted in community collaboration, with guidance from stakeholders across sectors including healthcare, social services, economic development, government, and the arts. Their collective input shapes the funder’s proactive Areas of Impact framework, ensuring that grantmaking priorities align with the evolving needs of the region. The core focus areas for the grants are Youth Development, Downtown Vitality, and Arts, Culture, Architecture and Design. These are considered primary funding areas and are designed to uplift community infrastructure, provide equitable opportunities for youth, and enhance the cultural and architectural fabric of the county. Secondary emphasis is placed on Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion; Leadership Development; and Responsive Community Needs, enabling the funder to support a broader spectrum of high-impact initiatives. Eligibility for the grant appears to target nonprofit entities operating within Bartholomew County. While specific organization types or fiscal sponsorship provisions are not outlined, the emphasis on community impact and partnerships with local nonprofits suggests a geographic and operational limitation to the county's bounds. There is no mention of eligibility for governmental bodies, businesses, or individuals, pointing to a likely exclusive nonprofit recipient base. Applicants are required to submit a Letter of Intent (LOI) one week prior to the application deadline. For the 2026 grant cycle, the application deadline is April 3 at 4:30 p.m. Eastern Time, making the LOI due by March 27. This step serves to notify program staff of the applicant’s intention to apply, likely helping with workload management and early screening. Full proposals follow the LOI, and applicants can expect award notifications approximately eight weeks after the submission deadline. The program follows an annual cycle, with deadlines recurring each spring. The timeline includes LOI submission in late March, final application in early April, and notifications by early June. While no formal contact information or program officers are listed in the source material, communications are likely routed through the Heritage Fund’s administrative channels.

Discuss proposal with staff before applying; focus on innovation, collaboration, and sustainability. Avoid requests for operational costs or debt relief.