Applications for Marion Community Foundation’s 2013 Grants Program are now available to all area not-for-profit agencies and organizations. More than $725,000 in grant funds will be available this year from the 12 funds which generate awards for the competitive grants program.
Applications, which will be due July 26, are available at the Foundation’s offices, 504 S. State St., or online at marioncommunityfoundation.org. Award decisions will be made by the Grants Committee and Board of Trustees by late August.
“While the deadline is several weeks away, it is important for those considering applying that applications be started as soon as possible,” says Bebout. “Compiling all of the information required does take time and effort.” Mini-grants of up to $2,500 are also available with a shorter and easier application process.
To assist in the application process, an information session for potential grantees will be offered June 21, 2013 beginning at 10 a.m. in the Foundation’s conference room. The session will include a detailed outline of the grant process and a description of the priorities the Grants Committee will use to select recipients.
Priorities for the upcoming grant cycle were explored at the Foundation’s annual meeting and include programs and projects which address issues of transportation assistance for Marion County residents and those who face challenges getting to work, medical appointments and child care. Another area of priority is programs that help Marion County residents transition from generational poverty to education and employment.
The competitive grants program draws awards from a dozen funds managed by MCF specifically for the purpose of supporting local charitable programs and organizations.
It is worth noting that the competitive grants program represents only a portion of the total grants awarded annually by Marion Community Foundation. A record 72 grants were generated this year from the 90+ funds which make up MCF’s nondiscretionary grant-generating funds. “Non-discretionary” refers to funds, such as designated, donor advised and organizational endowment funds, which make specific awards to fulfill the intention of their donor(s).
The following is an overview of the competitive grant funds available via Marion Community Foundation:
- Health Care Fund — Grant are available for projects, programs, and organizations that address the health related needs of the community. This was MCF’s first fund.
- Henry Heinzmann Community Food Pantry Fund – Grants are available to support community food pantries and organizations which provide meals for the poor and homeless of Marion County. The fund was created by former MCF board member Dr. Henry Heinzmann.
- Francis & Thelma Wise Fund — Grants are available for projects, programs, organizations that treat or prevent arthritis, Parkinson’s disease, and blindness or other vision impairment. This fund was created by the estate of Francis Wise.
- Helen Cunningham Handicapped Fund – Grants are available to support and fund programs and organizations that promote the general welfare and recreation of persons with disabilities and that provide assistance for handicapped individuals and their families in Marion County.
- Robert M. & Dorothy C. Wopat Community Fund – Grants are available for any charitable project, program or organization in Marion County.
- Vera O. McDanel Senior Citizens Transportation Fund – Grants are available to support and fund programs that provide for the transportation needs of senior citizens residing in Marion County.
Grants from the following funds are available for projects, programs, and organizations that support any worthy charitable cause in Marion County, as determined by MCF’s Board of Trustees:
- A. Merle Hamilton Fund – A fund created by the estate of well-known, local philanthropist Merle Hamilton;
- “C” Fund – A fund created by an anonymous donor with a gift of stock;
- Founders’ Fund – A fund created by MCF’s staff and Board of Trustees, with other members of the community later adding to the fund;
- Chester & Mildred Roberts Fund – A fund created by the sons of Chester and Mildred Roberts to honor the memory of their parents, prominent figures in Marion history;
- Conway Family Charitable Fund – A fund created by a gift of the James Conway family; and,
- Kenny Martin Charitable Fund – A fund created from the estate of the late Kenny Martin, a long-time employee of the City of Marion and an avid model railroader.
Over the past 13 years, MCF has awarded more than $5 million in grants and scholarships. Its funds address the Marion area’s needs in healthcare, the arts, environment, education and economic development.
Marion Community Foundation is located at 504 S. State St, inside the historic Stengel-True Museum. Office hours are weekdays 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. The staff, which includes president Brad Bebout and office manager Diana Rinesmith, may be reached by calling 387-9704 or visiting the website at marioncommunityfoundation.org.
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