Who can apply?   
CICF welcomes grant applications from charitable organizations that are tax exempt under section 501(c)(3) of the Internal Revenue Code, and from governmental agencies.

If your project is new or your organization’s 501(c)(3) status is pending, you may submit an application with the assistance of a charitable organization that has agreed to serve as your fiscal sponsor.

CICF does not make grants to individuals except through our scholarship funds. If you live in central Indiana and need emergency assistance, contact the Helpline at 317.926.4357 or helpline@IRNi.org.

Competitive grant opportunities   
CICF hosts a variety of separate funds that meet the charitable interests of donors and respond to community needs. Funds accept grant applications and proposals on a competitive basis.

Each grantmaking fund at CICF has its own guidelines and set of volunteers who make the final award decisions. Below is a list of the competitive grant opportunities.

Statewide

TechPoint Foundation – grant guidelines, eligibility and application materials are available at www.techpointfoundation.org.

Hamilton County

City of Noblesville Community Fund
Legacy Fund’s Community Endowment

Marion County

The Indianapolis Foundation’s Community Endowment
The Indianapolis Foundation’s Library Fund
Summer Youth Program Fund
 
Central Indiana ( Boone, Hancock, Hamilton, Hendricks, Johnson, Marion, Shelby)

Efroymson Fund
Indianapolis Retirement Home Fund
Women’s Fund of Central Indiana  - grant guidelines, eligibility, and application materials available by Spring 2008

In general, CICF’s competitive grant funds will not support the following costs   

• Projects aimed at promoting a particular religion or construction projects of churches and other religious institutions
• Political campaigns or direct lobbying efforts by 501(c)(3) organizations
• Operating, program and construction costs at schools, universities and private academies unless there is significant opportunity for community use or collaboration
• Long-term operating support
• Post-event or after-the-fact situations, or debt retirement
• Medical, scientific or academic research
• Publications, films, audiovisual and media materials or programs produced for artistic purposes, or produced for resale
• Travel for bands, sports teams, classes and similar groups
• Fundraising events such as golf tournaments, walk-a-thons and fashion shows
• Annual appeals, endowment funds, membership contributions or funding events

Other Frequently Asked Questions
How can my organization connect with all of CICF’s competitive grant programs?
After receiving the completed two page application, CICF’s staff will review your application and forward it to the fund or funds for which it may be eligible.

May my organization apply directly to a donor-advised fund at CICF?
CICF’s donor-advised funds are vehicles for individuals, families, and companies who use CICF as their partner in charitable giving. The funds enable the donors to engage in their own philanthropic goals, and, with the exception of the Efroymson Fund and The Indianapolis Retirement Fund, do not invite unsolicited proposals. However, CICF staff may ask you to submit information at a donor’s request.

Can CICF staff help me develop my program or organization?
CICF staff can answer questions about your grant request and its potential fit with our guidelines and often can refer you to other resources in the community. We generally cannot provide extensive help in shaping your program or developing the ability of your organization to meet the expectations of our funds or other funders.

May I submit my information in a language other than English?
Our volunteers, staff and board members only conduct business in English. However, CICF has a limited number of staff members who are literate in Spanish. They can be available to translate during a site visit or initial meeting if you are uncomfortable explaining your ideas fully in English. For help in Spanish, contact Julie Cole Mecum at juliec@cicf.org or 317.634.2423 ext. 553. For other languages, contact the International Center of Indianapolis for possible assistance at 317.955.5150.

May I submit a previously prepared proposal or case statement?
CICF asks all organizations to use our application and proposal formats to help organizations at all levels of development compete equitably.

Does CICF favor certain types of organizations?
Though some organizations are more experienced in writing proposals, we remain committed to considering all worthy projects, whether an organization has received a grant from CICF before or not. However, given the competition for limited funds, our competitive funds will only make grants to organizations that can demonstrate enough financial, organizational, and program planning to make a project successful.

Where else can I go for help?
CICF has grant writing resources for not-for-profits available online at www.cicf.org.