The Hamilton Community Foundation is very concerned about accountability and sustainability of programs. Organizations should have a diversified funding base. HCF is interested in innovative programs that are responsive to community needs, partnerships and collaborative efforts. Lower priority is given to equipment requests, requests to pay staff for existing services, and duplication of existing services.
Eligibility: Grant seekers may only apply for one project per year. Organizations must be located in or provide services to residents within the greater Hamilton area. Grant seekers outside Butler County must provide information describing how area residents are served. Generally grants will only be awarded to tax-exempt organizations classified as 501(c)(3) charities by the Internal Revenue Service. If your program does not have a tax-exempt ruling from the IRS, please complete the Fiscal Sponsor Information Form.
Restrictions: Reporting requirements from prior grants must be fulfilled before applying again. Grants will not be made to individuals, for debt reduction, loans, for-profit businesses, tickets for benefits, annual appeals, telephone solicitations, political campaigns or religious activities.
Grant Packet and Application
The Board meets five times per year to review and authorize grant requests.
All applicants receive notification of the Board’s action. Those selected for grants must adhere to the stipulated terms.
Capital grants
The Foundation will consider grants for building construction, renovation and specialized equipment. Decisions are based on Foundation priorities, degree of community need, potential impact, and a determination of whether the Foundation can make a significant difference in the proposed project.
Please note:
The deadline for submitting your Capital Grant Request is May 1st. Capital grants are reviewed only at the June board meeting.
Key Factors in Evaluating Proposals
- Capacity of the organization to undertake the project
- Extent that the project builds upon existing resources and services
- Quality and effectiveness of the project
- Level of coordination and cooperation with other organizations
- Potential for leveraged funding, especially from national sources
- Opportunity for project replication by other organizations
- A plan for continued funding after the grant period
