Wayne County Foundation Program Support and Rapid Response Grants

The Wayne County, Indiana, Foundation, Inc. offers funding through two main types of grant opportunities aimed at supporting local nonprofit organizations: Program Support Grants and Rapid Response Grants. The Foundation exists to foster private philanthropic giving and improve the quality of life in Wayne County, Indiana. As a community foundation, it actively encourages nonprofit initiatives that address significant local challenges or opportunities, emphasizing projects that are innovative, practical, and demonstrate organizational stability. Program Support Grants are structured around two annual cycles. The first cycle opens on March 1 and closes on March 31, with award notifications released in June. The second cycle opens on September 1 and closes on September 30, with awards announced in November. These grants support projects with a minimum funding request of $25,000 and a maximum of $50,000. The Foundation prioritizes initiatives that target significant community issues or special projects lacking sufficient internal funding. Eligibility is limited to 501(c)(3) nonprofit organizations operating in or serving Wayne County, Indiana. While typically only one program grant is awarded per organization each year, an exception is made for Rapid Response Grants. Rapid Response Grants are designed to address emergency situations or unplanned needs requiring immediate funding. These grants can be requested at any time throughout the year and are limited to a maximum of $5,000. The application process for Rapid Response Grants is streamlined and includes a faster decision-making timeline, making them ideal for urgent scenarios. Organizations may receive one Rapid Response Grant annually, in addition to one program grant, thus broadening access to funding when unexpected circumstances arise. The application process for all grants begins with a careful review of the Foundation's updated Grantmaking Guidelines (as of 2025), followed by registration and login to the Foundation’s online application software. New applicants receive confirmation via email after registration approval. Applicants must also complete a Project Budget Form, which is submitted as part of the grant application. The application portal handles both program and Rapid Response Grant submissions. All applications must be submitted by 5:00 PM on the respective cycle's closing date. Additional support is available for first-time applicants and those who have previously been unsuccessful. The Foundation encourages such applicants to contact Brian Schleeper, Director of Nonprofit Engagement, for guidance before applying. His contact information includes a phone number (765-962-1638) and email address ([email protected]). The Foundation also provides a Grant FAQ and a press kit to assist awardees in publicizing their grant wins. Awardees must submit a post-grant report and a final project budget within 30 days of the project’s conclusion. These documents are accessed and submitted through the same application portal used for initial submissions. Overall, the Wayne County Foundation’s approach emphasizes clarity, support, and targeted community impact, encouraging nonprofits to engage in meaningful, measurable projects for the benefit of Wayne County residents.

Projects should address a significant community issue, be practical in approach, and demonstrate the qualifications and stability of the applicant organization.