The Foundation unrestricted grant funds are dispersed in three separate categories:

1. Large Community Grants
   These grants are reviewed three times per year and are for up to a maximum of $25,000. To apply, you must complete a Letter of Intent. (click here for form)
   
   Letters of Intent may be turned in at any time and will be kept until the next grant cycle. To be a part of the first grant cycle, Intents must be received by February 15, for the second cycle by May 15 and the third cycle by September 15. Intents must be in the Foundation office by 4:00 on those days to be considered in that cycle. All fire departments letter of intents will be reviewed during the second cycle.Letter of Intents are reviewed to make sure that the request meets Foundation guidelines. Upon approval grant applicationswill be sent to eligible applicants. No grant application will be accepted without an approved Letter of Intent.
   
   A grant committee comprised of local volunteers reviews all applications. The applications are reviewed to determine how the request meets with community needs, meets Foundation guidelines and falls in line with available funds. The grant committee makes recommendations to the Board of Directors for final approval.
   
   All applicants are notified in writing of grant decisions. Grant recipients will receive a cash agreement, which outlines details of the grant. The cash agreement must be returned to the Foundation prior to collecting any funds. Within 6 months of collecting funds, grant recipients are requested to complete a grant report form. All paperwork must be completed and returned to the Foundation to apply for any other funding.
   
   
   
2. Small Project Grants
   These grants are intended for smaller groups seeking to do projects not requiring an extensive budget. Requests can be for up to $1500.  If the application is in by the first Friday of the month, the application will be reviewed in that month.              
   
   (Click here for Small Grant Application Form )
   
   
   
3. Thank a Teacher Grants 
   Recognizing governmental budget cuts have placed a strain on the ability of teachers to do innovative classroom projects, the Board of Directors established a thank a teacher grant programs. These grants of up to $250 are available to classroom teachers at any school in Decatur County. The grants are for innovative classroom projects and will typically not be given to purchase equipment, for field trips or for items normally part of the school budget. Grant applications are due in the Foundation office by 4:00 pm on October 1, and February 1.  
   (Click here for Thank A Teacher Grant Application)