Community Unity Grants

Community Unity Grants is sponsored by Hendricks County Community Foundation. Supports projects and programs that meet priorities such as increased civic engagement, inclusivity, diversity, equity & accessibility, voter education and engagement, volunteerism, and a stronger sense of county pride.

Community Unity Grants : Apply for a Grant : For Nonprofits : Hendricks County Community Foundation SPECIAL NOTE: HCCF is currently transitioning to a new grant portal. In the interim, please contact Eric Hessel, HCCF Vice President of Programs, to discuss this grant opportunity. This Community Unity Grant Program aligns with our GIFT VII Implementation Grant Program with the same focus.

The following program acknowledges that there may be additional projects and programs that encourage community unity that are not part of our Implementation Plan.

This program is open to projects and programs that meet these priorities: Increased civic engagement Inclusivity, diversity, equity & accessibility Voter education and engagement Volunteerism including public and nonprofit Board service Stronger sense of County pride/brand If your program does not fall into one of the above categories you are likely ineligible and will not receive funding.

However, if you have questions, please contact HCCF Vice President of Programs, Eric Hessel, at eric@hendrickscountycf. org BEFORE applying.

501(c)(3) preferred ; if you are not a 501(c)(3) but believe you have an eligible project or program, please contact HCCF Organization must serve Hendricks County Activities should predominantly serve Hendricks County Initiatives that increase accessibility of events or expand the audience of events School or school corporation-wide programs MAY be eligible Specifically partisan or faith-based activities Projects/programs outside of Hendricks County *These lists are not exclusive, if you are curious about whether or not your organization/project/program is eligible, please contact HCCF.

Applications Live: February 1 - November 2, 2026 Applications Reviewed: Monthly, on the first Tuesday of the month 2026 Dates: (Closed January), Mar 3, Apr 7, May 5, Jun 2, Jul 7, Aug 4, Sep 1, Oct 6, Nov 3, (Closed December) Applications Awarded: Monthly, on the second Tuesday of the month 2026 Dates: (Closed January), Mar 10, Apr 14, May 12, Jun 9, Jul 14, Aug 11, Sept 8, Oct 13, Nov 10, (Closed December) Applications should be $5,000 or less.

For larger grants, please contact Eric Hessel, HCCF Vice President of Programs. View a PDF version of the application before applying. NOTE: This is a preview only.

Only applications submitted through the online grant portal will be accepted. Avon Outdoor Learning Center The Avon Outdoor Learning Center received a $2,250 grant to stabilize the trails at the center to allow for better accessibility for students with mobility limitations.

The grant will cover the costs of two of the OLC's main trails, which will allow students with mobility limitations to get out and enjoy our cabin, bird feeder area, and the covered bridge over the stream.

Hendricks Community Calendar The Community Foundation used $1,000 to build and create the new Hendricks Community Calendar to allow local groups to post events both to allow nonprofits to coordinate and collaborate their fundraising and volunteer opportunities AND allow local residents to find ways to get involved in our community.

Hendricks County Arts Council The Hendricks County Arts Council received a $5,000 matching grant to support the Mural Society. The Mural Society's fundraising efforts will support hiring artists to design Hendricks County-themed murals for the smaller towns in our county (e.g. Clayton, Amo, Coatesville, Lizton, North Salem) who may not have the funds provided by town government or service organizations to do a project of this scale.

The funds will help hire artists, design murals, and print marketing materials to reach out to these communities. The 2023 mural is being planned in Mill Creek. Hendricks County Chambers of Commerce The Hendricks County Chambers of Commerce received a $5,000 grant to launch their collaborative Public Policy Learning Sessions on Advocacy, Attainable Housing, Education, Childcare and Workforce issues.

These programs are open to the public and are listed on each of the four chambers' websites. Hendricks County International Festival The Hendricks County International Festival received a $25,000 ($5,000 per year for 5 years) grant to celebrate the diversity in Hendricks County and Central Indiana.

If you have any questions about this program or grantmaking in general, please contact HCCF Vice President of Programs, Eric Hessel, at eric@hendrickscountycf. org . Meet our Platinum Corporate Partner