Empower Your Nonprofit

The Community Foundation is here to help your organization to succeed! But before you start your application, be sure to review our guidelines and learn more about the various types of grants we offer.

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Grant Eligibility

• Type of Organization:  Grantees must be registered as a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization under the Internal Revenue Code, a governmental agency, or a qualified educational institution.

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• Geographic Area: DCCF grants are only awarded to organizations benefiting Decatur County residents. Organizations need not be located in Decatur County, but the program must benefit our community.

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• Funding Areas: Most of our grantmaking efforts are centered around the areas of civic and community, education, health and human services, arts and literacy, historic preservation, safety, and youth and recreation.

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• High Funding Priorities:

  • New and innovative projects or programs, including startups

  • Projects which Foundation funds can be used as match, seed money, or challenge grant funding from other donors

  • Projects which will make a significant impact in the community

  • Projects which act as a catalyst for action and community participation

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• Low Funding Priorities:

  • Individuals, except in the form of scholarships

  • Programs that fall appropriately under government funding

  • Projects where DCCF is the sole funder

  • Projects considered part of the school curriculum

  • Attendance to conferences, seminars, or other similar events

  • Advertising

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• Not Funded:

  • Make-up for operating deficits

  • Political activities

  • Post-event or after-the-fact situations

  • Debt reduction

  • Ongoing operating expenses 

  • Religious organizations for religious purposes

  • Individual and team travel expenses
  • Creation of an endowment

  • Annual appeals

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Large Project Grants

Large Project Grants support large-scale projects that will have the maximum impact in Decatur County. Learn more about Large Project Grants! →

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Small Project Grants

Small grants help organizations get the ball rolling on smaller-scale projects within the community. Learn more about Small Project Grants! →

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Capital Project Grants

These are designed to help with high dollar capital projects. An organization must have met 80% of the project cost before being eligible to receive a Capital Grant. Learn more about Capital Project Grants! →

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Teacher Grants

Teacher grants benefit creative teachers looking to implement projects when funding is not available in the school's normal operating budget. Learn more about Teacher Grants! →

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Women's Fund Grants

Women's Fund grants provide funding for programming that empowers women and children. Learn more about Women's Fund Grants! →

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Ag Field of Interest Grants

Ag grants are designed to provide support for nonprofit agricultural programming, training, and education. Learn more about Ag Field of Interest Grants! →