Tarter / Herman-Crum Grant

The Tarter / Herman-Crum Grants are annual, community-focused funding opportunities supported by the Frank Tarter Community Trust Fund (#403) and the Ray Herman & Louise Herman-Crum Memorial Endowment Fund (#418). These endowments were created to enhance the quality of life for residents living in and around the town of Osgood, Indiana. Administered by the Ripley County Community Foundation, the grant reflects the organization’s broader mission to strengthen and support local initiatives across Ripley County. The Ripley County Community Foundation offers a range of grants intended to enrich life within the county. Through programs like the Tarter / Herman-Crum Grants, the Foundation provides strategic, flexible funding that responds to community needs and supports promising projects. Their philosophy emphasizes support for innovative, change-driven projects, particularly those that function as pilots or leverage matching or challenge funds to increase overall impact. This approach aligns closely with the Tarter / Herman-Crum Grants, which serve as “seed money” investments to empower grassroots initiatives. The Tarter / Herman-Crum Grants offer up to $2,500 per application, making them particularly suitable for smaller-scale or emerging programs that might not yet qualify for larger institutional support. Funding is awarded annually, and applications are accepted each spring. The application window opens on April 1st and closes promptly at 11:59 PM on April 30th. If April 30 falls on a holiday observed by the Foundation, the deadline is extended to the next business day at the same time. Late submissions are not considered under any circumstances. Review and award decisions occur on or about May 30th, providing applicants with a relatively short turnaround time. This efficient timeline enables organizations to begin project implementation quickly, which is ideal for seasonal or time-sensitive community initiatives. There is no indication that pre-application steps—such as letters of intent or concept papers—are required, which simplifies the process for applicants. Applicants are expected to ensure alignment with the Foundation’s broader grantmaking priorities, which include supporting projects in the areas of arts and culture, health and well-being, education and workforce development, and the environment. While eligibility criteria for this specific grant center on geographic location—specifically Osgood and its rural surroundings—the Foundation more broadly supports nonprofit organizations. Evaluative criteria for all applications include organizational strength, community support, leadership capacity, proposal clarity, and mission alignment. Additional resources, guidelines, and support may be accessed through the Ripley County Community Foundation’s Grants Portal. While the specific application questions and documentation required were not listed in the source material, general guidance and assistance can be obtained by contacting the Foundation via email at [email protected] or by phone at (812) 933-1098. The Foundation's office is located at 13 E. George St., Suite B, Batesville, Indiana 47006. Applicants who miss the current cycle are encouraged to prepare for the next round, which is expected to follow the same annual schedule.

Strong proposals should demonstrate community support, strong leadership, and mission alignment with the Foundation's priority service areas.