OVERVIEW: The Community Foundation of Greater Fort Wayne supports nonprofit leadership development, economic development, civic engagement, arts and culture, health professional development, education and other community needs in Indiana.
IP TAKE: The Community Foundation of Greater Fort Wayne has “one of the easiest grants to apply for in the area.” This transparent funder provides grantseekers with access to financial information and a slew of nonprofit resources. Although this foundation administers hundreds of funds, only very few allow unsolicited grant requests, making CFGFW a challenging funding source for new nonprofits. Reach out to staff with questions.
PROFILE: Established in 1922, the Community Foundation of Greater Fort Wayne (CFGFW) was founded by local community leaders and manages over 400 funds that serve the greater Fort Wayne area. The foundation aims to “serve as a community leader to improve the quality of life by building permanent endowments, promoting effective grantmaking, fostering philanthropy, stimulating community dialogue, and helping donors achieve their charitable goals.” CFGFW funds local efforts for nonprofit leadership development, economic development, civic engagement, health professional development, arts and culture and education.
Grants for Community Development
The Community Foundation of Greater Fort Wayne funds a range of local efforts that support children and families, arts and culture and community development and engagement. It has half a dozen distinct grantmaking programs, some of which are subdivided into even more programs.
Rising Together Grants are divided into five funding categories, each with its own interest area and deadline schedule. The application process is the same for all, however.
Connected Community works to bring the community together through projects that build relationships, serve the marginalized, and promote pride in the Greater Fort Wayne area.
Everyone’s Economy supports projects that uplift the community through workforce development, housing, and basic needs.
Lifelong Learning supports education programs that that help people acquire better employment and achieve economic security.
Inspiring Places supports development of public spaces that create a sense of community.
Healthy Mind & Body supports programs that increase mental and physical health.
Youth Empowered Philanthropy allows young people to award $1,000 to $5,000 grants to help teach them about the power of philanthropy.
Agile Grants give up to $20,000 for specific projects that align with the foundation’s Field of Interest Funds.
Engage Grants provides up to $3,000 to first-time grantees or first-time projects. These do not have a deadline.
Emergency Grants support area nonprofits faced with an unexpected problem, expense, or set-back. These grants can also be used to provide relief to organizations impacted by a natural disaster.
Foundation-Guided Grants are given by different foundations and funds. Each has its own application and eligibility requirements, and a distinct area of focus.
Barbara Burt Innovative Leader Fund helps nonprofits to train non-staff board members.
Do it Best Foundation supports projects focused on health and wellness, youth enrichment, the arts, and the local community.
Knight Foundation Fund supports the arts, journalism, and media innovation, as well as projects that promise to expand economic opportunities and enhance civic engagement in the area.
Luminous Fund supports “specific programs and innovative new efforts,” especially those of interest to Briljent employees and Carrier family members
August Tomusk Foundation Fund awards grants to health industry professionals who work in cardiothoracic and vascular surgery for their research and professional development.
Schwab Foundation supports programs that help students make informed career decisions.
Donald F. Wood and Darlene M. Richardson Foundation supports health and welfare programs and efforts to increase educational opportunities for at-risk individuals youth.
The community foundation offers a number of scholarships to area students. These are grouped into K-8 Scholarships, High School Scholarships, College Scholarships, and Non-traditional Scholarships.
CFGFW also offers trainings and educational events to local nonprofits.
Important Grant Details
Grants typically range between about $5,000 and $300,000, but they have gone as high as $4 million. The foundation gave out over $9 million in grants in a recent year and held more than $190 million in assets.
Grantmaking focuses on Greater Fort Wayne and Allen County, Indiana.
This foundation accepts unsolicited grant applications from nonprofits for certain funds.
Each fund has its own guidelines and deadlines.
Apply via the online application portal.
Direct general questions to the staff at info@cfgfw.org or 260-426-4083.
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