COMMUNITY FOUNDATION GRANT CYCLE ONLINE APPLICATION NOW OPE

Nonprofit organizations serving Jefferson County, Indiana encouraged to apply

Madison, IN – The Community Foundation of Madison and Jefferson County Annual Competitive Grant Cycle online 
application is now open. Online applications will be accepted from Monday, June 1, 2026, until Tuesday, August 4, 2026,
at Noon. There will be approximately $400,000 available for the 2026 cycle. Organizations can access the application 
platform through the “Apply” link available on the Grants page of www.cfmjc.org

Competitive grants are made possible by Flexible Community Funds and Field of Interest Funds. Flexible Community 
Funds give the Foundation’s Grants Committee the flexibility to assist in fulfilling the ever-changing needs and dreams of 
Jefferson County’s citizens. Grants from Field of Interest Funds benefit a specific interest, such as the arts, the 
environment, or youth development. Last year, the Community Foundation awarded nearly $435,000 to 22 nonprofit 
organizations that serve Jefferson County, Indiana. 

“We encourage 501(c)3 organizations interested in applying to contact myself or Bill Barnes to discuss their grant idea 
before submitting an application,” said Community Foundation staff member Kelly Miller, who oversees the Competitive 
Grants process. “We’ve found through the years that these discussions result in better applications and an opportunity 
to save time if the project isn’t a good fit with the Foundation’s Guidelines and Criteria. We’re here and available to help 
applicants put their best foot forward.” Miller shared some tips when applying for grants:

-Don’t wait until the last minute to submit your application
-Set a realistic timeline for and demonstrate sustainability of the project
-Break out the specific costs of the project, include pricing quotes, and only show costs and data related to serving 
Jefferson County
-Make sure 100% of your Board of Directors contribute financially to your organization
-Don’t apply with a project that will be completed before the end of September 2026 as funds will not be released 
before then

Established in 1991 by a group of local volunteers, the Community Foundation of Madison and Jefferson County fulfills 
the mission of building a strong, vibrant community by helping donors provide perpetual funding for the people, 
projects, and passions of Jefferson County. In the past 35 years, the Community Foundation has reinvested over $20
million dollars into the community through grants and scholarships.

For more information about the Community Foundation Competitive Grant Cycle, visit www.cfmjc.org/grants, contact 
Kelly Miller at 812-265-3327, or email kelly@cfmjc.org