Last year, a Grant County high school senior used a Community Foundation scholarship to cover her tuition and books, easing her family’s financial stress. You could be next, with nearly 200 awards available for students pursuing education or healthcare paths. The process is competitive, but meeting the criteria puts you in the running for meaningful support. Find out what it takes to qualify and how to submit your application.
Key Takeaways
- The Grant County Community Foundation offers nearly 200 scholarships annually to students of all backgrounds.
- Scholarships support education, healthcare, and general student needs, funded by local donors and the Lilly Endowment.
- Eligibility includes U.S. citizens or eligible noncitizens planning to attend accredited institutions in Grant County.
- Applications open December 1 and close March 31, with the Lilly Endowment period from August 1 to September 21.
- Volunteers help evaluate grant proposals and support local nonprofits, with training provided for new volunteers.
Community Foundation Mission and Impact
While the Community Foundation of Grant County has deep roots in supporting local needs, its mission is clear: to connect people, resources, and causes for lasting impact.
You’ll see this in action through their commitment to community engagement and sustainable development. They empower residents by funding diverse causes, from educational initiatives to essential community projects.
Their work guarantees that every dollar invested creates a ripple effect, uplifting Grant County now and for generations to come. By fostering collaboration and encouraging local involvement, the foundation builds a stronger, more resilient community where everyone has the chance to thrive.
Overview of Available Scholarships
To equip yourself for college or career training, you’ll find that the Grant County Community Foundation makes the search for scholarships both broad and streamlined, offering nearly 200 awards each year to students from all backgrounds and academic levels.
Whether you’re a high school senior, adult learner, or somewhere in between, you’ll discover a range of opportunities tailored to your goals—and your potential to succeed.
- Diverse Scholarship Categories: Choose from awards targeting fields like education and healthcare, or opt for general support—there’s something for nearly every interest and aspiration.
- Major Funding Sources: Benefit from the generosity of local donors and flagship programs like the Lilly Endowment Community Scholarship, which covers full tuition and fees at Indiana colleges.
- Eligibility for All: U.S. citizens and eligible noncitizens residing in Grant County, pursuing accredited programs full-time or part-time, qualify to apply.
- Competitive, Transparent Process: Selection is rigorous, based on donor criteria and IRS rules, so prepare for essays and documentation to stand out.
- Clear Timelines: Mark your calendar—most applications open February 1 and close March 31, with the Lilly Endowment program following its own key dates.
You won’t find a one-size-fits-all approach here. Instead, you’ll encounter targeted support designed to help you reach higher—regardless of your starting point.
Scholarship Eligibility Criteria
Grant County’s scholarship landscape reflects a commitment to opportunity, but understanding eligibility criteria sharpens your ability to access these resources. Scholarships are open to U.S. citizens or eligible noncitizens of all ages planning to attend an accredited institution. Some require a minimum 3.5 GPA and an SAT score of 1200 or ACT 25. The application must be submitted online, often including essays and recommendations. Review each scholarship’s specific requirements carefully for the best approach. Below are key scholarship requirements and application tips to guide you.
| Criteria | Requirements | Application Tips |
|---|---|---|
| Citizenship | U.S. citizen or eligible noncitizen | Confirm eligibility upfront |
| Academic Performance | Min. 3.5 GPA, SAT ≥1200 or ACT ≥25 | Prepare transcripts and test scores |
| Institution | Accredited college/university | Verify school accreditation |
| Application Process | Online submission, essays, letters | Complete all components fully |
| Eligibility Variation | Varies by scholarship | Review Community Foundation website |
Application Procedures and Deadlines
How do you make sure your scholarship application stands out and meets every deadline? Follow these application tips and essay guidance to boost your chances:
- Submit your application online by March 31; the window opens December 1.
- Complete all required fields, including two essays and supporting documents.
- Double-check eligibility—scholarships are for all ages and income levels.
- Review the detailed guidelines on the website for each scholarship.
- Watch for the Lilly Endowment window (August 1–September 21) and finalist notifications by December 9.
Stay organized, meet every deadline, and let your essays shine.
Grant Programs and Funding Opportunities
You’ve taken the steps to submit a strong scholarship application, but the support doesn’t stop there.
The Grant County Community Foundation also offers diverse grant programs for nonprofits and community projects. These grants, fueled by generous funding sources, create real grant impact—supporting everything from local events to essential infrastructure.
Whether you’re leading a nonprofit or a community group, you can access opportunities that address specific needs and promote sustainable change.
The foundation’s open grant cycle means you can apply year-round, ensuring your project gets the attention it deserves.
Volunteer Opportunities in Grant Review
You can play an essential role as a grant reviewer by volunteering to evaluate proposals that impact Grant County’s nonprofits.
No prior experience is needed since training will guide you through the process focused on community impact, equity, and innovation.
Volunteering offers a significant way to shape funding decisions and support local initiatives that make a difference.
Grant Reviewer Roles
Although grant evaluation experience can be helpful, the Grant County Community Foundation welcomes a diverse group of 18-20 volunteers—including civic and nonprofit professionals—to serve as grant assessors for their Community Grant Program.
Your volunteer involvement will help guide funding decisions while ensuring diverse perspectives enrich the process.
As a grant reviewer, you will:
- Assess applications using your unique knowledge
- Provide constructive feedback to applicants
- Prioritize equity by uplifting underserved voices
- Collaborate with peers during review discussions
- Receive guidance to navigate the evaluation criteria
This role advances community impact through meaningful grant assessment.
Apply via the Foundation’s Grant Reviewer Application.
Volunteer Benefits
Serving as a volunteer grant reviewer offers significant benefits, including the opportunity to influence essential funding decisions that support local nonprofit initiatives addressing arts, education, health, and community development. Your volunteer engagement directly magnifies community impact by bringing diverse perspectives to evaluating proposals that uplift underserved populations. No prior grant experience is needed, making your unique knowledge valuable in shaping meaningful investments. This role connects you with local efforts and improves your understanding of nonprofit challenges and solutions.
| Benefit | Description |
|---|---|
| Influence Funding | Shape grants to meet real community needs |
| Diverse Perspectives | Utilize your unique experience |
| Accessible Role | No prior grant experience required |
| Community Impact | Support underserved sectors |
| Local Engagement | Connect with initiatives and nonprofits |
Contact Information and Support Resources
When seeking support or information about scholarships provided by the Grant County Community Foundation, you can directly contact the Foundation by phone at 765-662-0065 or via email at [email protected].
For smooth contact support and swift application inquiries, keep these key resources in mind:
- Access detailed application guidelines and timelines on the Community Foundation’s website
- Apply for scholarships covering tuition, fees, and books
- Inquire about eligibility and renewal criteria
- Get updates on deadlines and award notifications
- Receive personalized help for completing applications or understanding requirements
These resources guarantee you stay informed and supported throughout the process.
Frequently Asked Questions
How Much Do You Get for a Community Grant?
You can receive community grant amounts ranging from $2,000 to $20,000 through Grant County Community Foundation, with general operating grants available up to $40,000. These funding opportunities target nonprofit initiatives with clear goals and community impact.
Can I Get Free Grant Money?
You can’t get truly free grant money, but scholarship opportunities and financial assistance are real. Apply for grants and scholarships—they’re not free cash, but they don’t need to be paid back if you meet the requirements.
Who Qualifies for the Indiana State Grant?
You qualify for the Indiana State Grant if you’re an Indiana resident by December 31 before applying, enrolled at least half-time in an eligible program at an accredited Indiana institution, and demonstrate financial need via FAFSA.
What Are Foundation Grants?
Foundation grants are financial awards you can apply for to support your nonprofit’s projects. You’ll need to submit a grant application to get foundation funding for impactful community work.
Conclusion
You can access a world of opportunity with the Grant County Community Foundation Scholarships, which offer nearly 200 awards tailored to diverse academic and career goals. Imagine Sarah, a nursing student from Grant County, who, thanks to these scholarships, covers her tuition and books, easing financial stress and letting her focus on training to become a healthcare professional. By applying, you join a community that invests in your success and the county’s future.