Community Grants

SMALL GRANTS

Program Overview

Small Grants Program

Independent Financial has a steadfast commitment to building strong, healthy communities and one way we honor that commitment is philanthropic giving through our Small Grants Program. Local, nonprofit organizations who serve the needs of low- and moderate-income individuals, families and small businesses can apply online for funding in either the spring or fall each year.

To achieve the greatest impact, we direct funding priorities to three specific areas: 

  1. Community Development – workforce development, affordable housing, small business development and community revitalization;
  2. Education – early childhood development, technical and career training, after-school programs, financial literacy for children and/or adults, summer camps and college-preparedness; and
  3. Health & Wellness – community health services, preventative healthcare services, basic needs and behavioral therapy for children.

To be considered for a grant from Independent Financial, organizations must provide proof of providing services to low-to moderate-income communities. Low-to moderate-income is defined as 80% or less of area median income.

 

2022 Recipients

In 2022, Independent Financial proudly awarded over $600,000 to nonprofit organizations working to create healthy, strong and vibrant communities. Our Small Grants program supports the work of nonprofits in our communities and focuses on serving low- and moderate-income population programs impacting Community Development, Education and Health & Human Services.

2022 Spring Grants

 

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APPLICATION PROCESS

The application process is changing in 2023, more detail coming soon.

To receive notifications about future funding opportunities, please subscribe to our communication here.

GRANT ELIGIBILITY

To receive funding for any type of grant, organizations must:

  • Serve low- and moderate-income individuals, families, or small businesses.
  • Have a 501(c)(3) tax-exempt designation or fiscally sponsored by a nonprofit organization.
  • Have programs that fall under Independent Financial’s philanthropic funding priorities: Community Development, Education, and Health & Wellness.
  • Be located in one or more of the counties we serve in our Market Areas.

Grant applications are evaluated based on the following considerations:

  • Scale best practices
  • Ability to measure and report on established outcomes-based success metrics aligned to strategic objectives
  • Deliver innovative and scalable solutions
  • Are completed in partnership, cooperation, and consultation with other agencies

Independent Financial will not consider grants for:

  • Organizations that do not primarily address the needs of low- and moderate-income communities.
  • Individual or team sponsorships
  • Event conferences or research projects
  • Organizations that discriminate against any classification protected by federal, state, or local law.
  • Religious organizations that are not engaged in a specific project that is nonsectarian and benefits a broad base of the community.
  • Political action committees, candidates, or causes.
  • Capital costs (brick and mortar, the purchase of capital equipment, or other capital projects).

Access to a list of our FAQs can be found here.

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