Starke County ERI Grant Committee
Thank you for becoming a committee member for the Starke United Fund Economic Relief Initiative Grant Community Foundation. We hope to provide you with meeting information, applications and committee basics. If you have additional questions, please contact Corinne Becknell Lucas via email at corinne@nicf.org, 574.223.2227 (Rochester office), 574.835.4101 (cell phone), 877.432.6423 (toll free).
Starke United Fund Economic Relief Initiative Grant Meetings and Agenda
- Conflict of Interest Form.
- Next meeting March 11, 4:30pm – Zoom meeting. Get the Agenda
Grant Applications For Review
| Community Services of SC – Rent/Mortgage/Utilities – Get the application | $5,000 |
| St. Vincent de Paul Society Knox – Emergency needs – Get the application. | $2,500 |
| The Time is Now – Cleaning and Programming – Get the application | $4,000 |
| Culver Youth Club – Membership scholarships, supplies, operating – Get the application. | $10,000 |
Grant Committee Information
What is the NICF? Community foundations are tax-exempt public charities serving local people who share a common concern – improving the quality of life in their area. Individuals, families, businesses and organizations create permanent charitable funds and the foundation invests and administers those funds.
The Northern Indiana Community Foundation, Inc. (NICF), is a comprised of Fulton, Miami and Starke County Community Foundations who share costs and pool funds into a single cost-effective foundation.
The NICF is directed by a volunteer board consisting of five members from each of the three counties which provides consistent effective management of the endowments. Each county has its own volunteer local board. The executive director and staff are paid positions.
The Role of a Committee Member. Committee members ensure that the original intent of the fund is followed. Members are stewards of the fund, its purpose, and updates us on concerns and issues that arise in the community. We encourage members to share the public’s questions and comments about the granting process and welcome input on community issues.
Grant Committee Information. The Foundation awards grants from Community Funds (unrestricted funds) and field of interest funds. Community funds place no restrictions on how they may be used, and depends on committee recommendations to meet the community’s most pressing needs. Funds such as the Starke United Fund, are comprised of a named committee that follows the charitable purpose set out in the fund. Grants are awarded to 501(c)(3), tax-exempt nonprofit organizations, or projects that are charitable in nature.
What if I am involved with an organization that is requesting a grant? Members complete a “Conflict of Interest” form. If you have a conflict you will refrain from participating in the discussions of that particular application and will not vote on that application. If you have a leadership position with an organization requesting funds, you need to inform the committee chair in advance of the meeting.