Community Accessibility Grant

The Community Accessibility Grant offered by the Community Foundation of Huntington County is designed to support projects that enhance accessibility and inclusivity for residents throughout Huntington County, Indiana. This funding opportunity is made possible through a partnership with two key organizations—Pathfinder Services and AWS Foundation—both of which have established funds dedicated to breaking down barriers to participation and access within the community. The Community Foundation serves as the grant administrator, and the application process has been streamlined into a single portal for all accessibility-related funding, regardless of which fund the project ultimately aligns with. The primary goal of the grant is to support projects that address various aspects of accessibility. Applicants are asked to align their project with one or more of eight “Domains of Accessibility,” including architectural, environmental, attitudinal, employment, communication, technology, transportation, and community integration. The funders emphasize that proposals should exceed minimum legal standards (such as those set by the ADA) and instead strive toward the principles of Universal Design. Projects should also align with guiding values such as fostering independence, encouraging peer integration, and supporting social settings that include friends and family. Eligible applicants include private businesses, schools, individuals, churches, nonprofit organizations, and governmental entities. Notably, the grant is also open to individuals, although direct payment to individuals is not permitted; instead, the foundation will pay vendors or contractors directly upon funding approval. This structure allows personal projects—like home modifications or specialized equipment purchases—to be implemented while maintaining accountability and oversight. Applications are accepted twice annually in alignment with the foundation’s general grantmaking cycles. Cycle I opens on December 1st, and Cycle II opens on June 2nd each year. There is no rolling or year-round application window; applicants must submit during one of the two defined cycles. Projects can cover a wide range of activities, including installing entryway ramps, purchasing vehicles for individuals with disabilities, adding universal bathrooms, or upgrading playgrounds to be more inclusive. Each proposal is evaluated on five core criteria: alignment with values and accessibility domains, urgency of need, clear and measurable goals (including outputs and outcomes), sustainability beyond the grant period, and the applicant’s capacity to follow through on the proposed work. Applications must include a detailed budget, project description, S.M.A.R.T. goals, and may be supplemented with supporting documentation such as vendor quotes or partnership letters. Questions about the application can be directed to the foundation via email at info@huntingtonccf.org . All applications are submitted through the foundation’s online portal, which saves entries automatically and allows users to resume their work later. The next application window opens on December 1, 2025, and closes in early 2026, aligning with the standard Cycle I deadline.

Highlight the accessibility domain clearly, connect to guiding principles, demonstrate SMART metrics, and ensure the project benefits the wider community.