Vanderburgh Men’s Fund Grant Program
The Men’s Fund of Vanderburgh County focuses the efforts of male philanthropists to create positive social change by funding projects that address current needs in our community. The mission is to improve the quality of life in Vanderburgh County by collectively funding significant grants for charitable initiatives. We are proud to be “Men who get things done!"
Although applications are not being accepted in 2025, the Men's Fund typically conducts an annual grant cycle, awarding one Impact Grant for a program or project focused on improving the quality of life in Vanderburgh County. The 2024 Impact Grant Award will be for $30,000. For additional details, please review the Program Summary below.
Grant Cycle
The Men’s Fund grant cycle is not being held in 2025. The grant cycle typically opens in July of each year. At the start of each grant cycle, we send information to local media and an email announcement to nonprofit organizations on our mailing list.
We leave the information on this page year-round as a resource for grant-seekers, but the contents are to be considered current only during the period grants are under review (July – October of each year).
After a meticulous deliberation process that begins with a review of funding requests, the Men’s Fund Grant Committee will invite three organizations to present their proposed program or project at the Men’s Fund Annual Meeting. The members will vote to determine the Impact Grant recipient, who will be awarded a grant of $30,000. The remaining finalist organizations will receive smaller grants.
Eligibility
The Men’s Fund of Vanderburgh County welcomes funding requests from nonprofit organizations deemed tax-exempt under sections 501(c)(3) and 509(a) of the Internal Revenue Code, and from governmental agencies serving Vanderburgh County. Nonprofit organizations that are not classified as a 501(c)(3) public charity may be considered provided the proposal is charitable , supports a community need, and meets the criteria described on this page. In such cases, the applicant organization will be required to obtain a fiscal sponsor (see below). Past recipients of the Impact Grant must wait two years before applying again.
Only one application will be considered from an organization.
Additional Considerations for Funding
Proposals can be for either program activities or capital projects that benefit underserved residents of Vanderburgh County.
Consideration will be given to organizations that demonstrate:
- Commitment to long-range planning, financial stability, and sustainability
- Sound plans to address ongoing or emerging issues identified by research
- Specific, realistic plans for program or project evaluation
- Desire to promote collaboration among organizations or institutions to prevent duplication of services
- Project methodology utilizing preventative strategies for addressing the issues and solving problems
- Evidence of organizational planning and management
Fiscal Sponsor
Organizations applying for a grant under the auspices of a verified 501(c)(3) public charity acting as a fiscal sponsor are required to provide a written statement signed by the fiscal sponsor’s board president confirming agreement to receive grant monies (if awarded), and to oversee the proposed program/project.
Areas Considered For PROGRAM Funding
To review further information about each funding category, click in the “Program Areas” button below.
- Community Development
- Education
- Health/Mental Health
- Human Services
- Other Civic Endeavors (Arts & Culture, Environment, Recreation, and Youth Development)
- Endowment Creation
Areas Considered For PROJECT Funding
- Capital Projects
- Endowment Creation
To ensure long-term organizational stability, program grants are intended to supplement, not supplant, existing operations, staffing, and initiatives.
Program or Project Areas NOT Considered For Funding
- Requests for funding to reduce or retire debt
- Programs or projects which focus solely on the spiritual needs and growth of a church congregation or members of other religious organizations.
- Political parties or campaigns
- Operating costs not directly related to the program/project
- Event sponsorship, annual appeals or membership contributions
- Scholarships or other grants to individuals
Deliberation and Award
The Men’s Fund grant committee will review all applications and select a limited number of proposals for further consideration (semi-finalists). These organizations will be asked to participate in a site visit prior to the committee’s final deliberation. After further review and site visits with each semi-finalist organization, the committee will select three organizations as finalists.
The finalists and will be invited to give an oral presentation of their proposals at the Men’s Fund annual meeting in October. After hearing the presentations, the Men’s Fund membership will cast their votes at the event. The organization whose proposal receives the majority of votes will be awarded the Men’s Fund Impact Grant. Remaining finalists may receive grants in recognition of the depth and quality of their proposals.
No lobbying or solicitation of Men’s Fund representatives is permitted.
Grant Period & Reporting Procedures
Funded programs and projects must begin within six months of the award and be completed within two years from the date the grant is received.
The Impact Grant will require two reports. The first report will be due one year after the grant is awarded. A final report will be required upon project completion or two years after the grant is awarded. Instructions will be provided through the grant agreement.
Supporting Documents
The following supporting documents must be electronically attached to the grant application in PDF format.
- Current board roster with professional affiliations
- Organization’s current annual operating budget
- Statement of Financial Position / Balance Sheet (Including the past two years ending on June 30)
- Statement of Activities / Statement of Income & Expenses (Including the current fiscal year to date and two additional columns for the 12-month periods of your prior two fiscal years).
- Annual Audit Letter or Financial Review Report
- Fiscal sponsor agreement letter (if applicable)
- Proof of Property Ownership (for capital project only)
Your Questions Answered
Applications are available through our website. Deadlines and guidelines vary by fund or program.
Grants, planned giving guidance, capacity-building support, and endowment development are all available.
Review timelines vary by program but generally range from a few weeks to several months.
Yes. Funds must be used in accordance with the grant agreement and fund purpose.
We help organizations establish endowed funds that generate ongoing income to support their mission indefinitely.
Yes. We partner with nonprofits and advisors to structure gifts that maximize impact and meet complex needs.
Grantees submit brief reports showing how funds were used and the outcomes achieved, ensuring transparency and effectiveness.
Connect with our staff, attend informational sessions, and participate in community initiatives to engage with the Foundation.
Start Your Application Today
Take the next step toward funding opportunities, scholarships, and more.