Grant Process

Mission Statement

The Grants Committee of the Marshall County Community Foundation seeks to enhance the quality of life in Marshall County by providing funds through a grant making process for humanitarian, cultural, educational, recreational and environmental activities.

The general policy of the Marshall County Community Foundation is to make Community Fund Grants for innovative and creative projects serving Marshall County, and to programs which are responsive to changing community needs.

Grant Applications

Community Funds
Typically, the Foundation makes grants two times per year.  Applications are due on February 1 and August 1.  Recipients are announced in April (following the February due date) and October (following the August due date). New in 2023: Preference will be given to Community Fund requests of $5,000 or more. For project requests less than $5,000, please consider applications to United Way R4 Grant, or Marshall County REMC Operation Round Up.

Ralph C. Vonnegut, Jr. Fund
MCCF also accepts grant proposals once a year each February 1 for the Ralph C. Vonnegut, Jr. Fund. The purpose of this endowment fund is to provide funding for environmental, educational, or recreational projects directly related to Lake Maxinkuckee. 

MCCF considers grant requests only from organizations with 501(c)(3) IRS status or organizations with 501(c) IRS status whose request is charitable in nature for the following:

  • Start-up costs for new programs or the expansion of needed programs
  • One-time projects or needs
  • Other projects or needs specifically identified by the MCCF

MCCF evaluates grant proposals based on the following:

  • Organization
  • Program/project goals and objectives
  • Personnel
  • Activities
  • Materials
  • Timeline
  • Evaluation plan

Grant proposals must include compelling information about:

  • Convincing evidence there is a need for the project.
  • Innovative approaches that set this project apart from other projects.
  • A practical approach to solving a community problem.
  • The extent to which the project improves the quality of life for Marshall County residents.
  • Projects with collaborative partners.
  • The number of Marshall County residents who will benefit from or be served by the project.
  • The geographic area served.
  • The financial stability of the organization submitting the application and what financial controls are in place to ensure that the funds will be effectively utilized.
  • The project has a significant impact on the community.
  • The project is not a duplication of existing services.
  • The project’s ability to leverage additional funding such as challenge or matching grant programs.
  • The project has identifiable and adequate funding to continue after the grant expires.
  • Preference will be given to applicants that have not received a grant from the Marshall County Community Foundation in the prior six months.

MCCF does not consider grant requests for:

  • Individuals
  • Sectarian or religious purposes
  • Long-term funding
  • Operating budgets
  • Post-event or after-the-fact situations