Hamilton County Community Foundation Strategic Grants
The Funding Opportunity
Strategic Grants provide larger, targeted investments in initiatives designed to create meaningful, long-term impact in Hamilton County. This funding pathway supports organizations pursuing significant opportunities—such as scaling proven programs, strengthening organizational capacity, or advancing transformational projects—in alignment with HCCF’s priority areas.
Strategic Grants may also support organizations navigating significant funding disruptions, where a targeted investment can help stabilize operations, preserve critical services, or position the organization for long-term sustainability.
What is Funded
Strategic Grants support high-impact opportunities that are significant in scope and positioned for long-term community benefit. Funding may include:
- Organizational capacity-building and expansion
- Transformational or large-scale community initiatives
- Capital campaigns (matching funds required)
- Time-sensitive opportunities to stabilize operations following the loss of significant funding
The Process
Strategic Grants are offered through an invitation-only process. HCCF proactively engages organizations whose work aligns with this funding pathway and demonstrates strong potential to create lasting community impact.
In prioritizing invitations, HCCF often considers organizations with a history of partnership or prior funding, while also remaining responsive to emerging opportunities and community needs.
Organizations that have not received an invitation but believe their work aligns with the goals of Strategic Grants may submit a brief request for special consideration. Due to the limited and highly targeted nature of this funding opportunity, submission of this form does not guarantee an invitation to apply.
Organizations not invited to apply are encouraged to explore HCCF’s other funding opportunities, including Competitive and Flexible Grants, which are designed to support a broader range of organizational needs.
Letter of Intent (LOI) Opens:
April 27, 2026
LOI Deadline:
May 17, 2026
Invitation to Full Application:
May 22, 2026
Eligibility
To be eligible to apply for the grant funding, applicant organizations must meet the following criteria:
- Applications must be led by a nonprofit with 501(c)(3) public charity status and have an EIN number.
- Organizations must have an existing partnership with the Hamilton County Community Foundation
- Applicants must have engaged in prior conversation with HCCF staff before submitting a Letter of Intent.
- A 501(c)(3) public charity may serve as a fiscal sponsor if needed (prior approval required).
- Grants are made to organizations, not individuals.
- Grants will not be made to organizations or projects that discriminate based on race, ethnicity, age, gender, or sexual orientation; to political campaigns or direct lobbying efforts by 501(c)(3) organizations; for post-event or debt retirement; or to projects aimed at promoting a particular religion.
Geographic Area: Organizations must serve Hamilton County, Indiana residents to be eligible for funding
About the Review Process
- Strategic Grants begin with a required Letter of Intent (LOI).
- HCCF staff review submissions and may invite selected organizations to submit a full application.
- Applicants invited to the next stage will engage in conversation with HCCF staff to further develop their proposal.
- Applicants will be notified of a final decision by the end of June.
- Grants are typically paid out within 30 days of approval.
How to Apply
Strategic Grants are offered through an invitation-only process. Organizations invited to apply will receive instructions to submit a Letter of Interest (LOI) outlining the proposed initiative, including its scope, goals, and potential for long-term impact. Selected organizations may be invited to submit a full application.
Organizations that have not received an invitation but believe their work aligns with this opportunity may submit a request for special consideration.