Grant Application https://www.grantinterface.com/Home/Logon?urlkey=hcfne

The Hamilton Community Foundation grant program was created to help address unmet and emerging charitable needs in Hamilton County. We have formulated a set of general guidelines to help in the allocation of funds since requests generally exceed the amount of funding available.

NOTE: The foundation now has multiple types of grants and has added grant cycles.

When you apply, please be sure to read all of the guidelines and select the correct type of grant you are applying for (HCF quarterly grant or Women in Philanthropy Grant). If you only see one type of grant, that indicates other grant opportunities are currently closed so proceed with the application.

Guidelines for consideration include:

• Organizations with 501(c)(3) tax exempt status under the IRS

• Community groups working for public benefit projects

• A demonstrated need for this project/program in the community

• Project has a direct impact on Hamilton County residents

• Requests from organizations which have operated successfully for at least one year and demonstrate an ability to enlist financial support from the public

• Funding for the project is limited or unavailable from other sources

The Foundation does not provide grant funding for the following:

• Expenditures incurred prior to formal grant approval

• Tax supported school systems or municipalities 

• More than 50% of a project (this includes all HCF grant applications combined for one project)

• Ongoing operating expenses

• Events

• Organizations with unused funds from a prior grant

One grant may be awarded per organization per calendar year. All previous grant receipts and reports must be turned in to the Foundation and payment made before a new grant application can be completed. Grant requests should be submitted online by clicking the link above.

Grants are generally awarded to cover projects that are completed within 12 months of the grant application.  Funds spent prior to grant approval do not qualify as an eligible grant expense.  If you are requesting funds for a portion of the project, please outline the details in your application.  Each approved grant is often offset by requests that could not be funded. It is important that organizations request only the funds needed to complete the project.

PLEASE NOTE: As of December 1, 2020, grant applications are 100% online. Please direct all questions to the office at 402-694-3200 or email lfleming@hcfne.org. Applicants are encouraged to reach out to the Foundation prior to submitting a request.

Grant applications are considered quarterly. Please see the grant calendar below.  All applications must be received online by 4:00p.m. on the deadline date. 

                                 Grant Application Opens    Deadline                       Notification

1st Quarter               December 1   January 8                         2nd week in February

2nd Quarter                 February 25 April 1                             2nd week in May

3rd Quarter                  May 25 July 1                              2nd week in August

4th Quarter                  August 25 October 1                        2nd week in November