Each year, the Wabash Valley Community Foundation provides grants to charitable organizations for projects that meet the charitable needs in the Wabash Valley. These grants respond to specific community challenges and improve the vitality of our community. We provide leadership with special community initiatives that identify key issues and develop innovative approaches. The Foundation teaches the area's youth leaders by engaging them in allocating limited resources for them to grant to worthy charitable projects.


Good Grant Writing Advice

A Top Ten list of recommendations from private and community foundations in Indiana (heard at "Meet the Funder" events hosted by the Indiana Youth Institute across the Hoosier State):

1. Do your homework on the foundation using the foundation's Web site and annual report.
   
   
2. But don't chase dollars based on what you learn. Foundations will see right through this. Instead, apply only for grants that support your mission. Stick to your mission!
   
   
3. In your grant proposal, articulate the problem and how you will try to solve (or at least reduce) the problem. Do not over-promise. Be realistic.
   
   
4. Explain how you will know when you are successful. That means include an evaluation plan.
   
   
5. Keep the proposal clear, simple and concise.
   
   
6. Do not write a generic proposal that then is mass produced for multiple foundations. Tailor each proposal to the specific interests of each foundation.
   
   
7. Do not go to a foundation too late, with an urgent need or as a last resort.
   
   
8. Foundations do not want to be the Lone Ranger. The more broad-based financial support you can demonstrate, the more you are demonstrating sustainability to the foundation.
   
   
9. The accompanying budget needs to be detailed and include a written justification. Do not submit general estimates. Don't ask for more than you need, thinking you will receive less.
   
   
10. After receiving the grant, submit an accurate grant report and an accurate financial report by the foundation's deadline. Good grant management strengthens your reputation among funders.