Grantmaking

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The Endowment's grant cycle runs from May through October each year. Funding requests are accepted only during our grant cycle.  Requests submitted after the stated deadline will not be considered.  Nonprofit organizations wishing to receive email notification of the start of each year's grant cycle should sign up for our email mailing list by clicking on the box to the right.

Letter of Inquiry

A Letter of Inquiry is the required first step for submitting funding requests to be considered by the CEEF. The Letter of Inquiry helps in determining whether a funding request qualifies for consideration before the applicant invests time and effort in completing a full grant proposal. 

Funding Minimum/Maximum Range
The CEEF grants committee will consider funding requests of any amount.  Requests of at least $1,000 are preferred. 

Total Amount Available to Grant
The total amount available to grant is $195,000.  Multiple grants will be awarded from the total amount.  

Eligible Organizations and Activities
Applicant organizations must serve within the city limits of Evansville, Indiana. At least sixty percent (60%) of grant funding will be distributed for activities that will support or benefit the 4th and 6th wards of the City of Evansville.

Map of Evansville’s 4th Ward (PDF)
Map of Evansville’s 6th Ward (PDF)

Not more than thirty percent (30%) of any grant request may be for personnel costs, travel costs, office supplies and other program operating costs. Operating costs for any organization must be directly related to the capital project. CEEF serves to provide funds to organizations that qualify as tax-exempt organizations under sections 501(c)(3) and 509(a) of the Internal Revenue Code, so long as the activities of the organization meet one of the following criteria: 

• Social and community-based organizations for the acquisition, construction and renovation of permanent facilities used in the provision of services and activities.
• Arts and cultural activities; defined as the construction or renovation of facilities which promote the arts, culture and/or tourism.
• Recreation activities; defined as the construction and renovation of parks, playgrounds, and other public recreational facilities which are designed for public participation.
• Neighborhood revitalization; defined as the acquisition of property that is blighted, appropriate for rehabilitation, or what is needed to be used for the development of housing for low to moderate income persons.
• Economic development projects; defined as any project that will augment, supplement or replenish existing municipally operated loan programs, in pursuit of new economic development opportunities.

Ineligible Activities

CEEF grants shall not support or benefit the following activities or organizations:

• Any project that is sponsored, wholly or in part, by a for-profit organization.
• Proposals of endowment creation or debt reduction.
• Religious organizations for religious purposes.
• Political parties or campaigns.
• Annual appeals or membership contributions.
• Program costs, such as program materials, supplies, and equipment not directly related to the capital project.

Go to our Submit a Letter of Inquiry page.