Apply for an Impact
Grant Opportunity
This opportunity invites you to pursue a bold, high-impact initiative that could significantly strengthen outcomes for our communities.
The Goal
The Community Foundations of Howard, Clinton, and Carroll Counties believe that transformative change begins with bold ideas and the organizations that champion them. Thanks to Lilly Endowment, our three foundations have the opportunity to invest a combined $3 million into nonprofit organizations that are ready to dream big and deliver meaningful, lasting results for the residents of their communities. This is a one-time, competitive funding opportunity designed to go beyond the scope of our traditional grant programs, supporting initiatives that introduce new ideas, expand proven programs, remove persistent barriers, and spark innovative solutions to our communities' most pressing challenges.
Howard
The minimum request amount is $100,000, and projects of various scales are encouraged. Total available funding is $1,500,000. The Community Foundation intends to fund multiple projects across diverse service areas.
Clinton
The minimum request amount is $100,000, and projects of various scales are encouraged. Total available funding is $750,000. The Community Foundation intends to fund multiple projects across diverse service areas.
Carroll
The minimum request amount is $50,000, and projects of various scales are encouraged. Total available funding is $750,000. The Community Foundation intends to fund multiple projects across diverse service areas.
Please review steps #1, #2, & #3 for your county before starting your application.
Application opens March 12, at 12 PM.
2026 Impact Grant Timeline
| Date | What's Happening |
|---|---|
| March 2, 2026 | Opportunity Announcement |
| March 11, 2026 | Virtual Information Sessions |
| March 12, 2026, 12:00 p.m. | Application Opens on the Grant Portal |
| May 1, 2026, 4:00 p.m. | Phase 1 Applications Due |
| By May 22, 2026 | All applicants notified of Phase 1 Decisions |
| June 26, 2026, 4:00 p.m. | Phase 2 Materials Due |
| Mid July, depending on availability | Interviews with the Community Foundation |
| August 2026 | Recommendations to the Board |
| By September 1, 2026 | Awards Announced & Disbursements Begin |
To ensure everyone receives the same information, we kindly ask that all questions be held until the Virtual Information Sessions. Questions asked during the sessions will be compiled and made available.
Questions about the Impact Grant Opportunity can be directed to: Emerald Blankenship, emerald@cfhoward.org, 765-454-7298