When communities and organizations have a shared vision, strategic plan and an ability to capitalize on their strengths and resources, even relatively small influxes of funding support can make a profound difference. The average Initiative Foundation grant is about $5,000. Grant amounts vary according to the type of project and the number of communities that will benefit:

• Up to $2,500 for projects that enhance nonprofit organizational effectiveness.
  
  
• Up to $5,000 for short-term program or project planning efforts.
  
  
• Up to $10,000 for implementing a program or project.
  
  

Eligibility
Applicants must be a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization, a local unit of government or a public school district serving the Initiative Foundation's 14-county service area. Regardless of circumstance, we cannot provide grants to individuals or businesses.

Ineligible Expenses
We desire to maximize our limited resources and ensure grant investments advance our own strategic plan and focus areas. Unfortunately, this means that not all proposed expenses are eligible for funding. The following do not qualify for Initiative Foundation grants.

• Any programs or projects that DO NOT directly benefit residents in the Initiative Foundation’s 14-county service area.
  
  
• Replacement of government or other funding.
  
  
• Endowments, local fund drives, grants to individuals and businesses.
  
  
• Religious activities.
  
  
• Capital expenses (e.g. buildings, equipment, signs, vehicles, etc.)
  
  
• Development or purchase of school curriculum.
  
  
• Expenses incurred prior to receipt of grant award.
  
  
• Lobbying or campaigning for a candidate, issue or referendum vote.
  
  
• School athletic programs.
  
  
• Arts, health-related and media production project applications are discouraged, unless they are a part of a strategic plan developed through an Initiative Foundation program.
  

• Multiple applications from a single organization at the same time are discouraged.