Starke County Grant Committee
Thank you for becoming a committee member with the Community Foundation. We hope to provide you with meeting information, applications, scoresheets, 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 County Community Foundation Grant Meetings and Agendas
- 2023 Grant Committee Meeting Calendar. Get the schedule.
- Next meeting March 6, at noon.
Join Zoom Meeting: https://us02web.zoom.us/j/81895102478?pwd=TFVnYVQycGdVZUhvdjBiY3gzUTlsdz09
Grant Applications For Review
| Impact Grants and Letters of Intent | |
| Community Support | |
| North Judson Zoo – New roof. Get the application | $200,000 |
| Joey’s Cat/Kitten Rescue – Veterinary costs. Get the application | $5,000 |
| McMillen Health- Preventive health education sessions. Get the application | $5,000 |
| Advocacy Links – Program Support. Get the information | $5,000 |
| Education Grant applications – $1,500 per school available | |
| None at this time |
2022 Grant Applications Approved
| North Judson Fire Department – Locker room upgrades. | $3,725 |
| Junior Achievement – Programming. Get the Final Report | $3,000 |
| Oregon Davis – Frog in the Bog | $1,500 |
| Knox Elementary School – Ready, Set Science. | $1,500 |
| Healthlinc – Vision Spot Machines. | $6723 |
| NJ Mint Festival Committee – Tables and umbrellas. Get the final report | $3,200 |
| NJWT Public Library – electronic tablets |
$2,500 |
| SC Extension Homemakers – Books for Headstart students | $700 |
| San Pierre Fire Dept. – Siren for San Pierre. ($12,235 from Hardesty, Total awarded $24,470) | $12,235 |
| Starke County EMS – Advanced training and equipment (Hardesty $7,000, Total awarded $13,747 ) | $6,747 |
| Hope Restored – Start-up costs | $21,000 |
| Hamlet Baseball – mower | $10,000 |
| Community Services of Starke County, Inc. – Purchase of turkeys for the holidays |
$2,000 |
| Knox Society of St. Vincent de Paul – Assistance for the poor | $5,000 |
| Food Bank of Northern Indiana – Thanksgiving distribution | $5,000 |
| Community Services of Starke County, Inc. – General support | $1,000 |
| Knox Society of St. Vincent de Paul – General support | $1,000 |
| North Judson Society of St. Vincent de Paul – General support | $1,000 |
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.
How often do we meet and do I need to come to every meeting? Grant committees meet quarterly. Meetings typically last 1 hour depending on the number of applications received, and longer if a visit to a grantee is planned.
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.
How many applications will I review and how do we make the selections? We have no deadlines on the majority of our applications. We typically meet on a quarterly basis, but could meet between those times to help an applicant this is under a time restraint. Below you will find the applications which are posted as they are received at the NICF office. Also posted are grant review sheets that will help you in evaluating the applications your review process.