General Operating Grants

2027 GENERAL OPERATING APPLICATION OVERVIEW

General Grant Information 

The Foundations of East Chicago defines an operating budget as the funds an (East Chicago) or (organization located in East Chicago) needs for daily operating expenses during a calendar or fiscal year. 

• Applications will be available online beginning November 30, 2026.  

• Applications are due December 15, 2026 – 3:00 p.m., CST. 

• An application received after the deadline will be ineligible for funding. 

• Award announcements will be released mid February 2027.  

                                

All organizations must submit their 2025 and 2026 Operating Budget. (Click here for the 2025 and 2026 Organization’s Operating Budget form). 

You can modify this form to meet your needs, or you can use your own 2025 and 2026 Operating Budget already approved by your Board of Directors. 

Applicant Eligibility Requirements: 

• Must be an organization located in East Chicago. 

• A recognized agency in good standing with the IRS (Internal Revenue Service). 

• In good standing with the Foundations of East Chicago. 

• Maximum of one submission per 501 (c) 3. 

• Municipalities or governmental taxing bodies are not eligible to apply. 

• Organizations that operate out of a “Home Office,” are not eligible to apply. 

Applications not meeting all the above-listed criteria are automatically disqualified. 

APPLICATION INFORMATION

The maximum amount requested cannot exceed $10,000. 

The following attachments are required: 

• Organization’s 2025 and 2026 Operating Budget. 
• Copy of 501 c 3

 If awarded, the following conditions must be met: 

• All funds must be spent between March 1, 2027 – October 30, 2027. 

• All expenditures must be supported by financial documentation. 

• All receipts submitted must be dated prior to or on October 30, 2027. 

 

All information must be detailed. Incomplete narratives or descriptions of budget items and any other required information left blank/unanswered will disqualify this application. 

2027 General Operating Grants: 

General Operating grant awards are made to provide one-time supplemental funding to a qualified agency that has demonstrated a budget shortfall. Funds are restricted to operating expenses outside of salaries and must be used for designated purposes as detailed in the grant application. Grant funds must be used during the 2027 calendar year. This is the last year General Operating funds will be awarded. 

Considered Funding for the Final 2027 General Operating Grant application is as follows: 

Utilities: NIPSCO, water, internet, and phone bills (landline ONLY). 

Insurance: Premiums for general liability, property, and workers’ compensation insurance to protect business assets. 

Office Expenses: Routine supplies (printer paper, ink, stationery), software subscriptions. 

Professional Services: Fees paid to external experts like accountants, lawyers, or business consultants.

 

 2026 General Operating Grants: 

General Operating grant awards are made to provide one-time supplemental funding to a qualified agency that has demonstrated a budget shortfall. Funds are restricted to operating expenses outside of salaries and must be used for designated purposes as detailed in the grant application. Grants must be used during the 2026 calendar year. 

The following organizations were awarded General Operating grants for 2026. The total award amount: $288,952.00. 

Boys & Girls Clubs of Greater NWI                    

First Baptist Church, Inc. 

Friendship Baptist Church, Inc. 

God’s Word in Action 

Grace Beyond Borders 

Grace Missionary Baptist Church 

Greater Destiny Bible Church 

Greater First Baptist Church 

HealthLinc 

Iglesia Cristiana Pentecostes 

Iglesia Shalom 

Mission of Jesus Christ 

New Horizons Child Care Ministries 

New Life Outreach Church Ministries 

Our Lady of Guadalupe Church 

Robertson Child Development 

Safe Coalition for Human Rights 

Safe Haven Ministries, Corp. 

Saint Mark A.M.E. Zion Church 

Saint Mary Church 

Saint Patrick Church 

Saint Stanislaus Catholic Church 

Saint Stanislaus School 

The New Twin City Ministerial Alliance, Inc. 

The Salvation Army of Northwest Indiana 

Top 20, Inc.