The goal of the Shelby County Endowment Fund grant program is to improve the quality of life in the County by supporting needs that are not being met in the areas of civic, cultural, health, education and social service.

Nonprofit organizations considering applying for a grant are encouraged to call the Foundation office.  The application process begins with an application that is reviewed by the SCEF Grants Committee.  Based on that review; the Committee will deny, approve, or ask for further information.  Occasionally the Foundation will request a site visit.   The Grants Committee makes recommendations to the full Advisory Board of Directors who make the final determinations.

Eligible applicants are 501(c)(3) certified organizations that serve Shelby County.  The organization’s governing board must approve all applications prior to submission. 

Successful applications will include the following components:

• Respond to a demonstrated or emerging community need.
• Support effective, proven or promising solutions.
• Build upon and maximize other community resources.
• Offer a clear plan for financial sustainability.
• Fully complete the application.  Previous versions of the application form will not be accepted.
• Part of the selection criteria for successful application is the completeness, consciousness, and quality of the application.
• The SCEF, except under unusual circumstances, does not make grants for endowment campaigns, deficit financing, annual fund drives, or fundraising activities.
• The SCEF gives less consideration to applications from tax supported organizations, individual churches, or similar religious groups. 
• The SCEF will not consider applications from cemetery associations, veteran and labor organizations, social clubs, or fraternal organizations.

How to apply

Grant applicants are expected to complete the Common Grant Application Form, which includes specific questions related to the proposed project and its significance as well as the financing and management of the agency.

Grant requests will be considered annually.  The grant calendar is as follows:

Available Grant Monies

Approximately $52,846 will be available from the Shelby County Endowment Fund in 2008.  Of that amount $1,655 is restricted to the Harlan community. The Shelby County Endowment Fund grant dollars are awarded for a single year.

Additional contact, correspondence, or site visits with Foundation staff and committee members, when necessary, will be conducted following preliminary review of proposals.  All those submitting applications will be notified approximately one week after the grant committee meeting as to the determination of funding.