The Kosciusko County Community Foundation (KCCF), in partnership with the K21 Health Foundation, has created a special grant initiative aimed at addressing abuse and neglect in Kosciusko County. The purpose of this initiative is to provide funding for proposals from local service providers that either establish new services or support existing programs designed to help individuals, children, or families who have experienced or are at risk of experiencing abuse and neglect. Proposals must be targeted at this specific population and should explain how the proposed project will serve their needs effectively.

The foundation will accept grant applications until March 1, 2025, with grant awards expected to be announced in mid-May 2025. Applicants must carefully review the Request for Proposals (RFP), which outlines the priorities and guidelines for the initiative. Interested parties should also preview the application questions through the downloadable preview application available on the foundation's website. Formal applications, however, must be submitted via the grant portal, and first-time applicants are required to set up a user login with assistance from KCCF staff.

Applicants are required to contact Alex Hall, the vice president of programs at KCCF, to schedule a discussion about the proposal before submitting a formal application online. This conversation is essential for ensuring that the proposal aligns with the grant’s priorities. Along with their application, organizations must submit specific documents, including an IRS Determination Letter (for 501(c)(3) organizations), a list of board members and staff with their city or town of residence, financial documents (e.g., Statement of Activities and Statement of Financial Position), and a completed Authorization Signature Form.

The grant application process includes detailed documentation of financials, including the organization’s most recent financial statements, and a copy of the 990 form, although the 990 is not mandatory. After a grant is awarded, grantees must submit payment requests through the online portal, following the guidelines set out in the grant agreement. A Request for Payment Form is also available through the grant portal.

This initiative is an essential part of the community foundation's broader efforts to strengthen Kosciusko County by addressing pressing social issues, including abuse and neglect. The foundation's support of local service providers reflects its commitment to improving the well-being of county residents through targeted philanthropic efforts.