Unity Foundation Community Grants
The 2024 application cycle is closed.
In 2024 each organization may submit one application.
“Power for Good” Community Grants are available on a competitive basis to qualified nonprofit organizations, governmental bodies, and educators serving La Porte County. We welcome and encourage contact from organizations and individuals that are considering applying for a grant and are happy to clarify and respond to questions concerning policies, guidelines, or application procedures.
When grant applications become available online, Unity will notify the public via traditional media, our website, and social media outlets. As a general rule, Unity does not offer grants outside of those listed on our website.
Applicants are required to apply online. Paper applications and submissions are not accepted.
Community Grants Cycle
The application period for 2024 Power for Good Grants was June 10 through July 19.
Frequently Asked Questions
As Unity Foundation embraces the future of serving La Porte County, the Grant Making Committee encourages submission of innovative projects. Many good repetitive projects have been supported over the years, but the preference is to seek out new concepts that will further enhance the quality of life and strengthen our county. Further considerations include:
- Issues not adequately being serviced by existing community resources
- One-time projects or needs
- Projects that provide leverage for generating other funds and community resources
- Projects that facilitate cooperation and collaboration between organizations and the communities within La Porte County
Requests should be at least $500 and no more than $5,000. Organizations may submit one grant application in 2023.
Unity Foundation’s Grant Making Committee is comprised of a diverse group of men and women from all around La Porte County. They review the grants and make recommendations on which programs should receive funding, as well as in what amounts. Committee members sign Confidentiality Statements and reveal any potential conflicts of interest each year, as required by the IRS. The Unity Foundation Board of Directors reserves the right to decline any request that may jeopardize the Foundation or its IRS 501(c)(3) status.
It is the general policy of Unity Foundation to operate without discrimination as to age, race, religion, gender, sexual orientation, or national origin in its overall administration and grant making. Diversity, creative community development, and problem solving are greatly encouraged. In reviewing grant proposals, Unity Foundation generally utilizes the following evaluation criteria:
1. Is there an established need? Will the project/program achieve the desired result?
2. Is it appropriate for Unity Foundation to make this grant or are there more compatible funding sources?
3. Does Unity Foundation have adequate resources or is the program/project too big?
4. Will Unity Foundation’s funds leverage additional resources?
5. Does it fit with the Foundation’s areas of interest and geography?
6. Does it foster collaboration?
7. Does it have multiple impacts?
The Grant Making Committee strives to fund as many applications as possible, but the primary goal is to invest in programs that will have the biggest impact on its respective constituencies. Not all requests are funded. Some requests may be partially funded.
Yes! Unity Foundation will share general information about its grants. Grant recipients may distribute publicity regarding their grant.
Unity Foundation may occasionally wish to highlight specific grants and would work closely with the recipient organization to determine the best strategy. Unity Foundation encourages the submission of project-related photographs to share with the community.
Generally, only charitable organizations with verifiable 501(c)(3) status with the IRS, and operating or offering programs in La Porte County, Indiana, will be considered. Start-up or ad hoc organizations may not yet have obtained 501(c)(3) status. If that is the case, we suggest you find an organization to “host” the project or program and have them request funds with you.
You may verify your exempt organization status by visiting IRS Exempt Organizations Select Check.
Churches may request funds for non-religious purposes only, such as community programs/projects.
Governmental bodies, such as townships and fire districts, as well as educational institutions including teachers, are also eligible; however, please note the additional restrictions for those organizations under General Grant Making Policies.
If you’re not sure if your organization is eligible to apply, contact us.
Generally, no grants are made to individuals other than through scholarships or special awards administered by Unity Foundation of La Porte County.
If you are not sure if your program is eligible for funding from Unity Foundation, contact us. Include a description of the project needs and enough information to determine fit.
To attract complete, innovative, and good quality requests, Unity Foundation recognizes that technical assistance may be needed by organizations. The Foundation staff is available for this purpose and you are encouraged to utilize them as needed. Our goal is to get the best applications for our Committee to review. Sometimes an applicant will want to see if their submission is as good as it can be. The Foundation staff cannot write a proposal for anyone, but will be happy to review and offer suggestions for improvement. If you would like such input, you must contact us and get us your draft at least 2 weeks ahead of the deadline. We will respond as quickly as possible to ensure your ability to consider the input we provide.
If your proposal is approved, you will need to sign a Grant Agreement with Unity Foundation before funding will be distributed. Most grant contracts require that you deliver what you promised in the proposal and may include special conditions set by the Grant Committee. The contract also requires you to notify Unity if there are any important changes with your organization. You will also be required to submit a Final Grant Report showing us how you delivered on your project. Failure to do so may eliminate your organization from future grants. Those organizations that successfully complete the grant process can look forward to future grant possibilities from the Unity Foundation.
