The Community Foundation of Jackson County, established in 1992, aims to promote philanthropy and enhance the quality of life in Jackson County, Indiana. The Foundation offers a grant program that supports projects in the areas of education, economic development, human services, and arts and culture. The program is designed to emphasize change-oriented grants that address emerging community needs and foster innovative solutions to local problems.

Grants are made only to organizations that serve the residents of Jackson County, with a focus on projects that encourage collaboration, innovative thought, and the expansion of capacity by non-profit organizations. The Foundation prefers grants that provide significant impact relative to the amount awarded, promote volunteer involvement, and show evidence of matching funds or community collaboration. The program also looks for projects that address underlying causes of local needs, propose practical solutions, and benefit a broad spectrum of the population.

The Foundation has specific grant policies. For example, grants are not made to individuals, religious organizations for sectarian purposes, or political organizations. Additionally, the Foundation generally avoids funding ongoing operating expenses, previously committed programs or equipment, endowment purposes, or state and national fundraising efforts. Only 501(c)(3) tax-exempt organizations, or those with sufficient "charitable class" designation, are eligible to apply.

Grant proposals must be submitted using the Foundation's formal Grant Proposal Form, available through their office or website. The submission deadline is July 31st each year, with grants awarded in October. Proposals that are incomplete or from organizations that have not met reporting requirements from prior grants will not be considered.

Once the Grant Committee reviews the proposals, they make recommendations to the Board of Directors, which then votes on the proposals. Successful applicants are notified within 30 days, and those receiving funding must sign a Grant Agreement outlining program and financial reporting requirements. Non-compliance with reporting can disqualify organizations from future grant opportunities.