The Shelbyville and Shelby County are pleased to offer a community grant program that is funded through racino income that they receive annually under state law.
Donor Name: Blue River Community Foundation
State: Indiana
County: Shelby County (IN)
Type of Grant: Grant
Deadline: 07/01/2026
Size of the Grant: $10,000 to $100,000
Grant Duration: Grant Duration Not Mentioned
Details:
The City and County recognize that many organizations are working continually to enhance the quality of life, and wish to support this work by offering grants to be awarded annually through a competitive selection process. The City and County partner with the Blue River Community Foundation to administer the grant selection process. The Foundation is a community-based philanthropic organization with over 20 years of experience in community grant making.
Funding Information
Grants range from $1,000-$50,000.
Eligibility Criteria
- Is your organization eligible for a BRCF Community Grant?
- Grants are awarded to local 501(c)3 nonprofits and organizations that are exempt from filing for a 501 (c)3 status. Organizations without 501(c)3 designation must show documentation of charitable purpose. It is advisable to have a fiscal sponsor secured and have proper documentation outlining the fiscal sponsors responsibilities. Units of government, school corporations, and religious organizations all qualify for funding. Religious organizations can only be awarded grants for projects that are non-proselytizing and do not promote the teachings of a particular church or denomination. BRCF does not award grants to individuals.
- Is your organization’s proposal eligible for funding?
- Only projects or programs serving Shelby County residents will be considered.
- Organization must have adequate accounting procedures in order to be considered for grants.
- Projects that have already been started or completed will not be considered nor will previously incurred debts.
- Travel for educational or other purposes will not be considered.
- Projects which are considered part of a regular school curriculum will not be covered.• Grants will not be made to create or augment organizational endowments or annual campaign drives.
- Political campaigns are not eligible for grants.
- General operating support is not typically eligible. Occasionally, they may provide general operating support for a new or pilot program.
Guidelines
There are several components and criteria that make up a favorable proposal. They encourage an organization to be sure one or more of the following components are a part of their project or program:
- The program or project is innovative, transformational and/or IMPACTFUL.
- The program or project is one that is proactive in responding to a local need or opportunity.
- The program or project is solution oriented and solves a pressing problem with documented needs.
- The plan enhances cooperation and collaboration among multiple organizations within the community.
- For larger requests, participation of other contributions by using matching challenges, government funding, grants from other foundations and associations and /or private contributions are encouraged.
- Demonstration of the commitment of the organizations governing board. Good board member attendance and contributions are important.
- The project is sustainable and able to be funded by the organization in the future.
For more information, visit BRCF.
