Applications for Marion Community Foundation’s 2012 Grants Program are now available. Non-profit organizations in Marion County have potential access to approximately $550,000 in grant funds.
According to MCF president Brad Bebout, the Foundation issues its formal Request for Proposals to all area not-for-profit organizations. Applications, which will be due July 25, are available at the Foundation’s offices, 504 S. State St. and online at www.marioncommunityfoundation.org.
Award decisions will be finalized at MCF’s August 23 Board meeting.
“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.
The Grants Committee looks at each applicant’s organizational background, project description, key staff members involved in the project, budget, and publicity and promotion plan, among other things. Some of the information required for the grant application includes a list of the organization's officers, directors and staff, balance sheet and income statements, as well as budget and tax information.
According to Bebout, preference will be given to grant applicants whose projects demonstrate cooperation and collaboration with other organizations. Preference will also be given to evidence based models that have demonstrated success.
To assist in the application process, an information session for potential grantees will be offered June 20. Bebout will be available to facilitate a question and answer session for those interested in applying, beginning at 10 a.m. in the Foundation’s conference room, 504 S. State St. During the session, he will provide attendees with grant applications, an detailed outline of the grant process and a description of the priorities the Foundation’s grants committee will use to select recipients. Attendance at the information session is not mandatory. More information is available by calling Marion Community Foundation at 387-9704.
The competitive grant program draws awards from 12 funds managed by Marion Community Foundation specifically for the purpose of supporting local charitable programs and organizations.
“It is worth noting that while $500,000 is a great deal of money, the competitive grants program involves only a small portion of the more than 150 funds in the Foundation’s portfolio,” says Bebout. “Thousands of dollars of additional grant funds are awarded each year from designated, organizational endowment and donor advised funds in addition to the competitive grants.”
There are categories within the competitive grants program. One such category includes an array of six unrestricted funds. This means that MCF’s Board of Trustees has complete discretion to award the $36,000 available from these funds to meet pressing community needs. The unrestricted funds include:
- “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 and 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 series of gifts from the Conway Charitable Trust;
- 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; and,
- A. Merle Hamilton Fund – A fund created from the estate of the late Merle Hamilton, a lifelong citizen of Marion, noted businessman and philanthropist.
Several funds award grants for specific purposes or causes, as designated by the fund’s donor(s). Applicants are being sought to address transportation needs, promote the general welfare and recreation of persons with disabilities, and provide meals for the poor and homeless. Several funds award grants for health care-related projects, specifically those that treat or prevent obesity, arthritis, Parkinson’s disease, and blindness or vision impairment. Examples of these funds are as follows:
- Health Care Fund — MCF’s first fund, this fund awards grants for projects, programs, and organizations that address the health related needs of the community.
- 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 a gift from Dr. Henry Heinzmann, a former member of MCF’s board and past chairman.
- 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 a bequest from 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 projects, programs, organizations in Marion County, in consultation with the fund advisor.
- 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.
Last year, Marion Community Foundation awarded $435,000 in grants to fund 22 projects in the Marion area. The organizations receiving funds included: Christ Deliverance Center, Leadership Marion!, Eye-to-Eye Low Vision Support Group, Safety City Association of Marion, Marion Matters, I Can Center of Excellence, Marion Family YMCA, Marion Harding High School C-Tag Program, Mobile Meals of Marion County, Salvation Army, Royal Family Kids Camp, Palace Cultural Arts Association, Prairie Parks Foundation, Inc., Boys and Girls Club of Marion, Center Street Community Health Center, Marion Adolescent Pregnancy Program, Marion Area Counseling Center, and Ohio Heartland Community Action.
In the past 12 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.
MCF’s staff includes president Brad Bebout, public relations consultant Lori Stevenson, office manager Diana Rinesmith, administrative assistant Jackie Albert and bookkeeper Diane Mault. Members of the Board include: Larry Geissler (Chair), Sue Jacob, Dr. James Barney, Susie Brown, Rex Parrott, Ronald D. Cramer, Anne J. Davy, Doug Ford, Dr. Charles Garvin, Ted Graham, Judge Thomas K. Jenkins, Tom Johnston, Nicole Workman, Megan Queen and Dr. Scott Yancey.
Additional information on Marion Community Foundation and its grants program is available by calling 387-9704 during standard business hours or by visiting the offices at 504 S. State St., inside the Stengel-True Museum, or on the web at www.marioncommunityfoundation.org.
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