Women’s Fund Grants Program

The Women’s Fund Grants Program is administered by the Women’s Fund of Vanderburgh County, an initiative of the Community Foundation Alliance. The fund is focused on improving the quality of life for families within Vanderburgh County by investing in impactful programs and projects led by nonprofit organizations and public entities. The program operates as an annual competitive grant cycle, with outreach conducted through local media and direct communication with nonprofit organizations. The Women’s Fund emphasizes strategic philanthropy, community collaboration, and long-term sustainability in its funding approach. The primary purpose of the program is to support initiatives that address critical community needs through either programmatic efforts or capital and project-based work. Each year, the fund awards two major Impact Grants of 50000 dollars each, one designated for a program and the other for a project. In addition, four finalist organizations receive grants of 10000 dollars each. These grants are intended to support initiatives that demonstrate measurable impact, address identified community challenges, and contribute to long-term improvements in areas such as education, health, human services, and community development. Funding may be used for a wide range of activities depending on whether the applicant is applying under the program or project category. Program funding includes areas such as education, health and mental health, human services, and civic endeavors including arts, environment, recreation, and youth development. Project funding focuses more on capital projects and endowment creation. However, certain uses are explicitly prohibited, including debt reduction, political activities, religious programming limited to congregational benefit, general operating costs not tied directly to the project, event sponsorships, and scholarships to individuals. The program also emphasizes gender equity, requiring applicant organizations to demonstrate female leadership and a commitment to advancing gender equity. Eligibility is limited to organizations serving Vanderburgh County, including nonprofit organizations classified under sections 501(c)(3) and 509(a) of the Internal Revenue Code, as well as governmental agencies. Organizations that are not classified as 501(c)(3) public charities may still apply if their proposed project serves a charitable purpose and aligns with community needs, though they may be required to secure a fiscal sponsor. Only one application per organization is permitted, and organizations that have previously received an Impact Grant must wait three years before reapplying. Applicants must also demonstrate strong organizational capacity, including financial stability, evaluation plans, and collaborative approaches. The application process requires submission through the fund’s grant management system using a specified access code. Applicants must complete a full proposal and upload required supporting documents, including financial statements, board rosters, budgets, and audit reports. The review process is multi փուլ, beginning with an initial screening and followed by selection of semifinalists and finalists. Semifinalists may undergo site visits, and finalists are required to present their proposals at the Women’s Fund Annual Meeting. Applications for the current cycle must be submitted by July 16, 2026 before 5:00 pm. The grant cycle typically opens in June or July each year and remains active through a review period extending into November. Finalists present at the annual meeting in early November, and awards are determined by a vote of Women’s Fund members. Funded projects must begin within six months of award and be completed within two years. Grantees are required to submit progress and final reports, with the first report due one year after award and a final report due upon completion.

Focus on measurable impact, demonstrate sustainability, show collaboration, align with identified community needs, and ensure strong evaluation plans