Effective immediately, non-profit organizations in Marion County have potential access to more than $325,000 in grant funds. The 2010 grant cycle is in progress at Marion Community Foundation and applications are now available.
According to MCF president Brad Bebout, the Foundation has issued its formal Request for Proposals to all area not-for-profit organizations. Applications, which will be due July 28, are available at the Foundation’s offices, 504 S. State St., or online at www.marioncommunityfoundation.org.
Award decisions will be made by the grants committee and board of trustees by late August and the Grants Announcement Breakfast is scheduled for September 7.
“While the deadline is several weeks away, it is important for those considering applying that applications be started as soon as possible,” says Bebout. “Compiling all of the information required does take time and effort.”
To assist in the application process, an information session for potential grantees will be offered June 23. Bebout will be available to facilitate a question and answer session for those interested in applying, beginning at 1:30 p.m. in the Foundation’s conference room, 504 S. State St. During the session, he will provide attendees with grant applications, an outline of the grant process and a description of the priorities the Foundation’s grants committee will use to select recipients.
Those interested in this information session should contact MCF by calling 387-9704.
The competitive grant program draws awards from 11 funds managed by Marion Community Foundation specifically for the purpose of supporting local charitable programs and organizations.
“While the funds involved in our competitive grants program provide a great deal of support to Marion charities, it is worth noting that these funds are only a small portion of the more than 125 funds currently in the Foundation’s portfolio,” said Bebout. “Thousands of dollars of additional grant funds are awarded each year from designated and donor advised funds in addition to the competitive grants program.”
The following is an overview of the competitive grant funds available via Marion Community Foundation:
- Health Care Fund – MCF’s first and largest fund, this fund awards grants for projects, programs, and organizations that address the health related needs of the community.
- Henry Heinzmann Community Food Pantry Fund – Grants are available to support community food pantries and organizations which provide meals for the poor and homeless of Marion County. The fund was created by a gift from Dr. Henry Heinzmann, a former member of MCF’s board and past chairman.
- Francis & Thelma Wise Fund – Grants are available for projects, programs, organizations that: treat or prevent arthritis, Parkinson’s disease, and blindness or other vision impairment. This fund was created by a bequest from the estate of Francis Wise.
- Helen Cunningham Handicapped Fund – Grants are available to support and fund programs and organizations that promote the general welfare and recreation of persons with disabilities and that provide assistance for handicapped individuals and their families in Marion County.
- Robert M. & Dorothy C. Wopat Community Fund – Grants are available for any charitable projects, programs, organizations in Marion County, in consultation with the fund advisor.
- Vera O. McDanel Senior Citizens Transportation Fund – Grants are available to support and fund programs that provide for the transportation needs of senior citizens residing in Marion County.
Unrestricted Funds – Grants from the following unrestricted funds are available for projects, programs, and organizations that support any worthy charitable cause in Marion County, as determined by MCF’s Board of Trustees:
- “C” Fund – A fund created by an anonymous donor with a gift of stock;
- Founders’ Fund – A fund created by MCF’s staff and Board of Trustees, with other members of the community later adding to the fund;
- Chester and Mildred Roberts Fund – A fund created by the sons of Chester and Mildred Roberts to honor the memory of their parents, prominent figures in Marion history;
- Conway Family Charitable Fund – A fund created by a gift of the James Conway family; and,
- Kenny Martin Charitable Fund – A fund created from the estate of the late Kenny Martin, a long-time employee of the City of Marion and an avid model railroader.
Last year, Marion Community Foundation awarded $257,000 in grants to fund 12 projects in the Marion area. The organization’s receiving funds included the Center Street Community Health Center, Marion Adolescent Pregnancy Program, Ohio Heartland Community Action Commission, Salvation Army, Marion County Health Department, Operation Community Spirit,, Legal Aid Society, Marion Area Counseling Center, Eye-to-Eye Low Vision Support Group, and the Marion Family YMCA.
In the past 12 years, MCF’ has awarded nearly $4 million in grants and scholarships. Its funds address the Marion area’s needs in healthcare, the arts, environment, education and economic development.
The full-time staff includes president Brad Bebout, office manager Diana Rinesmith and administrative assistant Jackie Albert. Members of the Board include: Dr. Scott Yancey, Rex Parrott, Larry Geissler, Sue Jacob, Anne J. Davy, Dr. James Barney, Nicolle Brooks, Susie Brown, Phyllis S. Butterworth, Ronald D. Cramer, Pastor Doug Ford, Dr. Charles Garvin, Ted Graham, Judge Thomas K. Jenkins and Tom Johnston.
Additional information on Marion Community Foundation and its grants program is available by calling 387-9704 during standard business hours or by visiting the offices at 504 S. State St., inside the Stengel-True Museum, or on the web at www.marioncommunityfoundation.org.
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