The Spencer County Community Foundation, an affiliate of the Community Foundation Alliance, administers the Impact Grant Program to support transformational projects addressing critical challenges in Spencer County, Indiana. This competitive grant is designed to catalyze lasting change by targeting three key focus areas: breaking the cycle of poverty, addressing mental health and substance use issues, and increasing economic opportunity within the county.

The 2025 Impact Grant cycle runs from March 14 to August 29, 2025. The application process consists of two steps. First, interested applicants must submit a Letter of Inquiry (LOI) between March 14 and April 14, 2025. These preliminary submissions allow the Foundation’s grants committee to determine whether a proposed project aligns with funding priorities before applicants are invited to complete a full application. Notifications regarding LOI status will be issued by May 15, 2025.

Applicants whose LOIs are accepted will be invited to submit formal grant applications, due by June 12, 2025. Finalists will be notified of their status by July 18, 2025, and selected applicants will be asked to present their proposals orally to the Spencer County Community Foundation County Advisory Board on August 4, 2025. The recipient of the 2025 Impact Grant will be announced by August 29, 2025.

The Impact Grant awards a single $50,000 grant to one successful applicant. The total cost of the proposed project or program must be at least $50,000, ensuring the scope of the work meets the Foundation’s expectation for large-scale, innovative community impact. Eligible applicants include nonprofit organizations with valid 501(c)(3) and 509(a) tax-exempt status and governmental agencies serving Spencer County.

Certain types of activities and organizations are ineligible for funding, including religious organizations applying for religious purposes, political campaigns, endowment creation, general operating costs unrelated to the project, annual appeals or membership drives, and travel requests for individuals or groups such as bands or sports teams. A final report will be required at the conclusion of the funded project, with reporting instructions provided upon grant award.

The Foundation encourages organizations pursuing innovative solutions to systemic local issues to apply and begin the LOI process promptly. The application portal is accessible online, and more details on the county's strategic priorities can be found in the Community Impact Report.