The Clinton County Foundation’s Legacy Fund provides an opportunity for nonprofit organizations to receive funding for projects that enhance the health, welfare, and safety of the Clinton County community. The Legacy Fund encourages proposals that aim to meet the pressing needs of local residents through impactful initiatives. The fund aims to support projects with clear goals and measurable outcomes, as well as those that contribute to the overall betterment of the community.

Before submitting a full application, applicants are required to submit a Letter of Intent (LOI), also known as a Letter of Inquiry. This letter should include a brief summary of the proposed project, addressing the community need it aims to address. The LOI is an essential step in determining whether a project aligns with the foundation’s mission, and only accepted LOIs will be invited to submit a full application. Organizations must have 501(c)(3) status or be supported by a fiscal sponsor to be eligible to apply.

The funding scope of the Legacy Fund focuses on supporting projects that directly benefit Clinton County. Applicants must clearly outline the total project budget, as well as the amount of funding requested from the Legacy Fund. The budget should detail the costs involved in the project, and the amount requested from the fund must be justified with appropriate explanations for each budget item.

For the full application, a more detailed project budget will be required, including information about organizational finances, the number of residents served, and the cost per resident. Narrative questions in the full proposal include descriptions of the community need, how the project will be implemented, the impact it will have on the community, sustainability, and a plan for evaluating the project's success. Organizations are encouraged to be thorough and provide sufficient detail for the foundation’s review.

The timeline for the Legacy Fund is as follows: the LOI opens on February 1 and is due by March 1. Applicants will be notified of the status of their LOI by April 15. Full proposals are due by June 1, and awards will be announced by the end of August. Successful applicants will receive funding to support their proposed projects, contributing to the development and wellbeing of the Clinton County community.

The Clinton County Foundation is committed to transparency, and organizations are expected to provide documentation such as organizational financial statements, a list of collaborators or partners, and other relevant supporting materials. If applicable, the foundation may also inquire about challenge or matching funds to supplement the funding request. The foundation aims to ensure that awarded projects align with the overall goals of the Legacy Fund, which is focused on improving the lives of Clinton County residents.