The Grove Foundation Annual Grant Program
This grant provides funding to grassroots organizations in Downers Grove, Illinois, to support community projects that improve the quality of life for local residents.
The Grove Foundation, a local philanthropic organization, offers an Annual Grant Program established in 2012 to enhance the quality of life for residents of Downers Grove, Illinois. Since its inception, the program has consistently supported grassroots initiatives and community-driven projects that align with the foundation’s mission. It prioritizes efforts that benefit local residents and encourages programs that are unique, eventually self-sustaining, and serve diverse populations. Funding is provided specifically for programs, program materials, or community experiences—defined as events, classes, or programs open to the public. Notably, the foundation does not fund day-to-day operational costs or overhead expenses. Organizations with their own foundations or established fundraising processes are generally ineligible unless they can clearly demonstrate a distinct financial need associated with the specific Downers Grove project. Large agencies may apply but must isolate and itemize the budget specific to the Downers Grove initiative. The Grove Foundation prefers to support smaller, grassroots efforts and encourages applicants to demonstrate the uniqueness and sustainability of their programs. Projects must explicitly benefit Downers Grove residents, and the application must clarify what percentage of participants are local residents. A detailed narrative describing the project’s purpose, budget, and community impact is required. Applications must be submitted via email to info@thegrovefoundation.org and should include a letter containing key elements such as organizational background, funding request, current funding sources, intended use of the grant, and a breakdown of the expected program expenses and revenue. The foundation emphasizes timely submission and requires applicants to seek email confirmation to ensure their application has been received. The application deadline is October 31 each year. Submissions are reviewed in November by a dedicated grant committee, with final selections made in late November. The grant ceremony occurs in early December, providing selected organizations with up to $1,000 in funding. The process is repeated annually, and applicants should prepare for the next cycle accordingly.
Award Range
$1,000 - $1,000
Total Program Funding
Not specified
Number of Awards
Not specified
Matching Requirement
No
Additional Details
Grants are for specific programs or community events and cannot be used for operations or overhead; each recipient receives up to $1000 per cycle.
Eligible Applicants
Additional Requirements
Eligible applicants include grassroots nonprofit organizations serving Downers Grove residents. Large organizations with their own foundations or established fundraising processes are typically ineligible unless they provide a clear and distinct program-specific budget. Programs must align with the foundation's mission and must not request funding for operations or overhead.
Geographic Eligibility
Downers Grove
Emphasize the benefit to Downers Grove residents and highlight uniqueness and sustainability to increase selection chances.
Application Opens
Not specified
Application Closes
Not specified
Grantor
The Grove Foundation
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