The Scott County Community Foundation extends an open invitation to the community to submit proposals for the Foundation?s 2021 Community Grants Program. The grants may be used for any charitable purpose in the areas of community service, social service, education, health, the arts, environment and entrepreneurship. The Foundation has awarded over $3 million in grants and scholarships to the community since being established in 1997, which includes over $1.7 million from the competitive grants process.

The Foundation has $96,340 that may be awarded in this year?s program from unrestricted funds, including the Borden Family Community Granting Fund, Laurence and Myrtle Bridge Memorial Fund, Donald R. Collins Sr. Family Fund, Community Enrichment Fund, Terry Fewell Memorial Fund, The Garten Foundation, Addie Mae Graham Memorial Fund, the Lauren Graham Memorial Fund, Dale and Rosemarie Hobbs Fund, Dustin and Derek Jones Memorial Fund, Hazel and Lowell Lowry Sr. Memorial Fund, L.L. and Juanita Lowry Unrestricted Fund, John and Janice Martin Unrestricted Endowment Fund, Neighbors Helping Neighbors Fund, Dr. William and Diann Scott Memorial Fund, Dan and Mary Lou Slattery Fund, Scott County Memorial Fund, Scott County Immediate Response Fund and Wesbanco Fund. In addition, there is $46,007 available from the CAPE Endowment Fund, which provides funding for educational initiatives carried out through the Scott County Partnership.

The Scott County Community Foundation welcomes proposals from charitable organizations which have their tax-exempt 501(c)(3) status, schools, and government entities. Proposals 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.

Because this is a competitive process, application standards and expectations will be high. Applicants are encouraged to meet with staff to review applications and receive tips for a successful proposal. The Foundation will be hosting a grantwriting 101 workshop on March 2 from 11-1 at Mid-America Science Park. The cost is $10 per person, which includes lunch and materials. Registration is required by Feb. 26.

Applications should be submitted online, and in addition applicants are required to submit 10 hard copies for the grants committee. To submit an application, visit the Foundation?s website at www.www.scottcountyfoundation.org and find the link from the Scholarships and Grants menu.

Grant applications are due Friday, April 30 at 3 p.m. Finalists may be interviewed at the beginning of June, and recipients will be announced mid-June.

For more information, please call Jaime Toppe at 752-2057 or email info@www.scottcountyfoundation.org. You may also stop in the office at 60 N. Main St., Scottsburg.