Overview
The Women’s Fund of Knox County is used to make grants to support a variety of projects or programs that are important to women. Funding requests are accepted once each year according to the Fund’s grant cycle. Funding requirements may change from year to year; therefore, grantseekers are advised to revisit this page prior to beginning the grant application process. Grants are normally given as one-time support of a project but may be considered for additional support or for expansions or outgrowths of an initial project.
Grant Cycle
We consider funding requests for grants on a yearly cycle. The requirements and instructions provided here are to be considered current and accurate only for the duration of the Women’s Fund grant cycle. The grant cycle timeline has not yet been determined for 2016.
Grant Program Orientation Meeting
In lieu of a group orientation session, prospective grant applicants are invited to schedule a meeting with the Foundation’s director, Mary Smith, to receive an overview of the funding opportunity and to ask specific questions. Contact Mary at 812-886-0093 or mary@daviesscommunityfoundation.org to schedule an orientation meeting.
Eligibility
The Women’s Fund welcomes funding requests from nonprofit organizations that are deemed tax-exempt under sections 501(c)(3) and 509(a) of the Internal Revenue Code and from governmental agencies serving the county. Requests from nonprofit organizations not classified as a 501(c)(3) public charity may be considered provided the project is charitable and supports a community need.
Fiscal Sponsors
Funding requests submitted by an entity under the auspices of another agency must include a written statement signed by the agency’s board president on behalf of the board of directors agreeing to act as the entity’s fiscal sponsor, to receive grant monies if awarded, and to oversee the proposed project.
Program Areas Considered for Funding
Please visit our Program Areas page for details about the kinds of projects and programs supported through our Discretionary Grants Program.
- Arts and Culture
- Community Development
- Education
- Health
- Human Services
- Other Civic Endeavors, such as the Environment, Recreation, and Youth Development
Project Areas NOT Considered for Funding
- Religious organizations for religious purposes
- Political parties or campaigns
- Endowment creation or debt reduction
- Operating costs (Costs that keep the organization running and the doors open, i.e., general computer software or hardware, staff salary, general office supplies or equipment, utilities, etc.)
- Capital campaigns (Large capital projects that may take several years to complete where there is no defined area for use of the grant)
- Annual appeals or membership contributions
- Travel requests for groups or individuals such as bands, sports teams, or classes
Deliberation
The Women’s Fund grants committee will make its recommendations on funding to the Board of Directors of the Community Foundation Alliance. No lobbying or soliciting of grants committee members or board members will be permitted.
Award Announcement
All organizations that have submitted grant applications will be notified of the outcome of the grants committee’s deliberation in writing.
Reporting Procedures
A final report at project completion may be required by organizations whose requests are approved for funding. Instructions and any required forms will be provided at the time the grant is awarded.
Application Deadline
To be determined.