Community Unity Grants

Open February 1, 2026

This Community Unity Grant Program aligns with our GIFT VII Implementation Grant Program with the same focus. The following program acknowledges that there may be additional projects and programs that encourage community unity that are not part of our Implementation Plan.

This program is open to projects and programs that meet these priorities:

Increased civic engagement
- Inclusivity, diversity, equity & accessibility
- Voter education and engagement
- Volunteerism including public and nonprofit Board service
Stronger sense of County pride/brand

If your program does not fall into one of the above categories you are likely ineligible and will not receive funding. However, if you have questions, please contact HCCF Vice President of Programs, Eric Hessel, at eric@hendrickscountycf.org BEFORE applying.

Eligibility

Who/What is eligible*:

501(c)(3) preferred; if you are not a 501(c)(3) but believe you have an eligible project or program, please contact HCCF
Organization must serve Hendricks County
Activities should predominantly serve Hendricks County
Initiatives that increase accessibility of events or expand the audience of events
Government agencies
School or school corporation-wide programs MAY be eligible

Who/What is Ineligible*:

Specifically partisan or faith-based activities
Projects/programs outside of Hendricks County
Classroom grants
Fundraising events
Members-only events
Youth/sports league

*These lists are not exclusive, if you are curious about whether or not your organization/project/program is eligible, please contact HCCF.

Timeline

Applications Live: February 1 – November 2, 2026

Applications Reviewed: Monthly, on the first Tuesday of the month

2026 Dates: (Closed January), Mar 3, Apr 7, May 5, Jun 2, Jul 7, Aug 4, Sep 1, Oct 6, Nov 3, (Closed December)

Applications Awarded: Monthly, on the second Tuesday of the month

2026 Dates: (Closed January), Mar 10, Apr 14, May 12, Jun 9, Jul 14, Aug 11, Sept 8, Oct 13, Nov 10, (Closed December)

Grant Details

This is a new grant program, so it is designed to be broad enough to better understand our community’s needs and the potential programs that meet our priorities. At this time we do not have a grant limit but anticipate they will fall below a one-time grant of $5,000.

That being said, the Community Foundation will consider larger grants or longer grant periods.

Preview Application
View a PDF version of the application before applying. NOTE: This is a preview only. Only applications submitted through the online grant portal will be accepted.

Past Recipients

Avon Outdoor Learning Center

The Avon Outdoor Learning Center received a $2,250 grant to stabilize the trails at the center to allow for better accessibility for students with mobility limitations. The grant will cover the costs of two of the OLC’s main trails, which will allow students with mobility limitations to get out and enjoy our cabin, bird feeder area, and the covered bridge over the stream.

Hendricks County Arts Council

The Hendricks County Arts Council received a $5,000 matching grant to support the Mural Society. The Mural Society’s fundraising efforts will support hiring artists to design Hendricks County-themed murals for the smaller towns in our county (e.g. Clayton, Amo, Coatesville, Lizton, North Salem) who may not have the funds provided by town government or service organizations to do a project of this scale. The funds will help hire artists, design murals, and print marketing materials to reach out to these communities. The 2023 mural is being planned in Mill Creek.

Hendricks County International Festival

The Hendricks County International Festival received a $25,000 ($5,000 per year for 5 years) grant to celebrate the diversity in Hendricks County and Central Indiana.

Hendricks Community Calendar

The Community Foundation used $1,000 to build and create the new Hendricks Community Calendar to allow local groups to post events both to allow nonprofits to coordinate and collaborate their fundraising and volunteer opportunities AND allow local residents to find ways to get involved in our community.

Hendricks County Chambers of Commerce

The Hendricks County Chambers of Commerce received a $5,000 grant to launch their collaborative Public Policy Learning Sessions on Advocacy, Attainable Housing, Education, Childcare and Workforce issues. These programs are open to the public and are listed on each of the four chambers’ websites.

If you have any questions about this program or grantmaking in general, please contact HCCF Vice President of Programs, Eric Hessel, at eric@hendrickscountycf.org.