2027 Program Grants:
Program Grant – are annual grants that are directed to support specific programs that meet FEC priorities. Programs must have a definitive plan with measurable outcomes and must have an operational plan that demonstrates potential for success.
- Applications available online beginning August 3, 2026.
- Maximum request amount: $35,000
- Applications are due August 25, 2026, at 3:00 p.m. CST.
- An application received after the deadline will be ineligible for funding.
- Award announcements will be released late October 2026.
FEC WILL CONSIDER equipment, software, along with additional program expenses only if these items pertain to the implementation of this program. A detailed explanation is required for each item. If requesting equipment, you are required to provide two quotes.
| CONSIDERED EXPENDITURES | FEC WILL NOT FUND THE FOLLOWING |
|---|---|
| Equipment (pertaining to program) - must provide two quotes | Speaker Fees |
| Software (pertaining to program) | Conferences |
| Additional program expenses ONLY IF THESE ITEMS PERTAIN TO THE IMPLEMENTATION OF THIS PROGRAM –A DETAILED EXPLANATION IS REQUIRED! |
Funds to obtain a 501 (c) 3 |
| Landscaping | |
| Marquees | |
| Membership Fees | |
| Storage Rental | |
| Home Office | |
| Billboards/Advertising/Flyers/Newspapers/Radio or any other form of advertising |
|
| Furniture | |
| Utilities | |
| Lease | |
| Mortgage payments | |
| Landlines and Cellphones | |
| Web maintenance and Internet | |
| Chaperone expenses | |
| Food and Gas cards |
2027 Program Grant Handouts
Please review the following documents before accessing any of the 2027 program grant information.
The program grant cycle is very competitive process. Please fill out the application form completely and accurately. Don’t forget to attach all the required documentation.
Applications submitted without the required attachments/documents will be automatically denied.
Applications not filled out completely (i.e., narratives not corresponding to the program’s budget: an incomplete or incorrect budget, unanswered questions, incorrect contact information, etc.) will be considered incomplete and automatically denied.
All organizations must submit their 2025 and 2026 Organization’s Operating Budget. 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.
All organizations must submit a 2027 Program Grant Budget.
2027 Program Grant Information
Questions related to any grant processes and procedures can be addressed to Janet Wozniak, jwozniak@foundationsec.org or Raquel Avila, ravila@foundationsec.org.
APPLICATION INFORMATION
- If awarded all funds must be used between: January 31, 2027-November 30, 2027. All expenditures must be supported by financial documentation.
Maximum of one submission per 501 (c) (3).
Eligibility Requirements
- A recognized 501 (c)(3) agency in good standing with the IRS and registered in the state of Indiana.
- In good standing with the Foundations of East Chicago.
Applications not meeting all of the above-listed criteria are automatically denied.
Important Things to Know
This is a very competitive process. All information and attachments must be properly entered and submitted by the deadline date. Failure to comply could disqualify the application.
If your program will take place within any of the East Chicago Schools or clubs, current MOU (memorandum of understanding) or letter of approval from the Principal/Superintendent or lead administrator must accompany the application.
Along with the application you must submit your organization’s 2025 and 2026 Organizational Operating Budget and the 2027 Program Budget.
- The Organization’s Operating Budget is the financial statement that is submitted annually for approval by the nonprofit organization's Board of Directors. It is a projection of Income and Expenses for the organization's fiscal year.
- The Program Budget calculates the resources required to carry out the program or project which is being proposed for funding.
Please note that your Organization’s Operating budget should include all income and expenses including grant revenue received from the Foundations of East Chicago or any other entity.
The Program Budget section is the backbone of the grant proposal. Some grant reviewers turn right to the budget before even reading the proposal to see what the money will be used for. Program activities must drive the budget. The program narrative should match the budget perfectly. There should be no “surprises” in a budget; cost estimates should be credible and realistic; inflated budgets will damage your credibility with the grant reviewer; the use of the word “Miscellaneous” or “Etc.” in the line-item description is not accepted.
In-kind contributions are goods and services that are provided at no cost to the organizations. In-kind contributions can include salaried staff time, volunteer hours, office space, use of equipment for administrative or programmatic purposes, and materials donated (e.g., for publicity or evaluation). In-kind goods and services are typically goods and services that your organization would have to otherwise buy if they had not been donated. Applicants should determine the fair market value of these contributions and include them in the program grant budget.
The maximum allowed for Administration, stipends, contractors, consultants, instructor fees, aides and assistants cannot exceed 30% of the total grant award. Names of individuals providing services and their credentials must be included in the line-item description.
2026 Program Grant
The Foundations of East Chicago (FEC) is proud to announce $366,290.00 in grant funding to local nonprofits that are making a difference in our community. Grant recipients were selected based on applications submitted during the program grant round that supports at least one of FEC’s focus areas: education/job training, health & safety, and community enrichment.
This was a competitive selection process. The 2026 grant awards best reflect the vision and mission of FEC focus on enriching the lives of East Chicago residents of all ages. Agencies selected addressed a broad range of community needs including education, job training, resources for food and shelter and healthy living. We encourage everyone to join us in supporting these grantees as they strive to be effective in our community.
The Foundations of East Chicago awarded grants to the following organizations:
Education & Job Training –
Chicagoland Immigrant Welcome Network – Education, Consultations and Needs Assessment of East Chicago Immigrant Residents. This is a multi-faceted educational program consisting of educating residents, providing confidential immigration consultations for residents, and conducting a Comprehensive Needs Assessment. They will be providing answers to their questions on their immigrant status. For additional information, please contact Diana Gilbert at 219-671-8308 or by email at diana@thewelcomenet.org. Or visit their website at https:// https://thewelcomenet.org.
Greater Destiny Bible Church – Future Forward. This is a STEM Empowerment program and an innovative initiative designed to engage youth ages 8-18 in Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics within a safe, faith-based community setting. The program will provide hands-on workshops, mentoring and STEM career exploration led by volunteer professionals and educators. For additional information, please contact Therese Bibbs at219-354-0100 or by email at theresbibbs@gmail.com. Or visit their website at www.greaterdestinybcintl.com.
Indiana Dunes Environmental Learning Center, Inc. – Place-based Environmental STEM Education for East Chicago’s Stewards of Tomorrow. This program brings learning outside, engaging youth to improve school performance, cultivate a stewardship ethic, and create pathways to pursue educational and career opportunities in science and the outdoors. This organization strives to reach every East Chicago student in grades K-6 with a combination of outreach education in the classroom, field investigation in the community and overnight adventure in the National Park. For additional information, please contact Michelle Krueger at 219-395-9555 or by email at mkrueger@duneslearningcenter.org or Heather Hahn Sullivan at 219-395-9555 or by email hhsullivan@duneslearningcenter.org. Or visit their website at https://duneslearningcenter.org.
Mental Health America of Northwest Indiana. – Ready to Soar. This program Is based out of the Carrie Gosch Early Learning Center and is a school readiness and transition program for incoming kindergarten children, their parents, and their schools, offering both school and home-based services. Services are free and run from February through November each school year. For additional information, please contact Wendy Hensley at 219-937-7733 or by email at whensley@mhanwi.org. Or visit their website at http://www.mhanwi.org.
Mission Jesus Christ Non-Denominational Church – Alternatives to Bridging the Gap (Alternatives). This program provides four major components: Summer School is a seven week, half day, Monday through Thursday for 1st. – 6th graders focusing on reading, math and performing arts. The Garden teens and young adults plan, prepare, plant and harvest produce from a city lot sized garden. Cultural Experiences include at least two trips to plays, musicals, concerts. theatrical events, or urban activities. Hopes and Dreams a weekly one and a half hour after school/dinner time program where students prepare dinner, clean-up, learn and practice “manners,” complete art projects relative to a reading/lesson on values and decision making. For additional information, please contact Eric Dahl at 219-677-2810 or by email at dahlehudson@att.net.
Teens in Action, Inc.– Read and See College Tour. This is a dual-track youth development program designed to increase post-secondary access and academic readiness for underserved students. This organization will coordinate a multi-state college tour in April 2026, providing students direct exposure to Colleges and Universities. Participants for the college tour will include teens aged 13-18. The Summer Math Camp will engage youth ages 6-18. For additional information, please contact Bridgette Spann at 872-201-0080 or by email at https://teensinactioninc.org
The New Twin City Ministerial Alliance, Inc. – Youth Empowerment Project (YEP). YEP, is a summer work-based program to prepare East Chicago residents between the ages of 14-21, both male and female for the post-secondary education world. Participants will work in jobs over a 10-week period in the summer as determined by their supervisors. Each student will earn $8.00 per hour; half they receive in a paycheck; the other half will be deposited in a savings account. Participants are required to attend a weekly workshop that may deal with proper banking practices, how to maintain proper credit scores, balancing a checkbook, how to apply for scholarships as well as apprenticeship opportunities along with other topics that address life skills. For additional information, please contact Reverend Willie Johnson at 219-741-6322 or by email at revwillie123@yahoo.com.
Health & Safety –
Catholic Charities of the Diocese of Gary, Inc. – Safe Haven: Homeless Prevention. This program is designed to provide financial relief and housing stability to residents of East Chicago facing imminent eviction or mortgage default. Its core objective is to prevent homelessness and displacement by offering up to three months of financial assistance for past-due rent or mortgage payments. Once approved, funds will be disbursed directly to landlords or mortgage lenders on behalf of the residents. For additional information, please contact LaShawn Jones-Taylor at 219-397-5803 or by email at ljtaylor@catholic-charities.org. Or visit their website at http://www.catholic-charities.org.
East Chicago Citizens Police Academy, Inc. – East Chicago Citizens Police Academy. The East Chicago Police Department’s dependence on the cooperation and participation of its citizens is to assist in the reduction of criminal activity in the city. Through the Police Department’s application process open to the community, referrals from previous participants, and business community; each applicant must pass a background check through the Police Department. Once approved, participants must attend ten weeks of programs. This program engages males and females ranging in age 18 and older. They have also expanded this program to include East Chicago youth. Ages range from elementary to high school students. For additional information, please contact Mr. George Cossey at 219-516-2134 or by email at gcossey@eastchicago.com.
Grace Beyond Borders NWI, Inc. – Real Change, Not Spare Change. This program consists of three modules – Outreach, Case Management, and Life Skills and Recovery meetings. For additional information, please contact Marcus Martin at 219-392-9932 or by email at Marcusm@gracebeyondborders.org. Or visit their website at http://www.gracebeyondborders.org.
Haven House, Inc. – Shelter, Advocacy and Supportive Services. Haven House is a vital sanctuary for survivors of domestic violence and sexual assault, including their children, providing temporary emergency shelter and essential resources to help them rebuild their lives. They go beyond just offering shelter; they provide a comprehensive range of supportive services designed to empower survivors on their journey to recovery. For additional information, please contact Carrie Greer at 219-931-2090 or by email at carrieg.havenhouse@gmail.com. Or visit their website at www.havenhousedvs.org.
HealthLinc, Inc. – HealthLinc Food as Medicine. This program supports East Chicago patients with chronic conditions or serious illnesses who face food insecurity. Participants will receive monthly medically tailored food boxes, remote patient monitoring, and educational resources focused on their nutritional needs. Enrolled patients can also work with a community health worker and receive additional dietary counseling and support. For additional information, please contact Madeleine Doyle at 888-580-1060 or by email at mgrimm@healthlincchc.org. Or visit their website at www.healthlincchc.org.
Safe Coalition for Human Rights –Access to Safety and Healing for Victims and Survivors of Sexual Abuse and Sex Trafficking. This Therapeutic Housing program for sexual assault and sex-trafficking survivors addresses childhood adversity as a precursor to late mental health issues and trafficking risks, aiding in post-trafficking trauma recovery. For additional information, please contact Dr. Kalyani Gopal at 219-378-7161 or by email at drgopal@safechr.org. Or visit their website at https://safechr.org.
Saint Catherine Hospital, Inc. - Readmissions Program. This program’s goal is to provide medication to the patient at time of discharge. For additional information, please contact Julie Latta at 219-392-7004 or by email at Julie.M.Latta@powershealth.org. Or visit their website at https://www.powershealth.org.
Saint Mark African Methodist Episcopal Zion Church – Feeding Program Initiative 2026. The Feeding program Initiative 2026 will be implemented in February 2026 and will focus on providing nutritious meals to the Food Pantry program. Food Pantry is on the third Saturday of each month. For additional information, please contact Jo Anne McDonald at 219-398-4653 or by email at jjam0612@aol.com.
The Salvation Army of Northwest Indiana – Community Meal Program and Food Pantry Support. The Community Meal program provides a hot meal every weekday (Monday through Friday) from 12:00 p.m. to 1:00 p.m. This program addresses immediate nutritional needs, fosters social connections, and supports vulnerable populations. The Food Pantry program helps to ensure that individuals and families have access to the necessity of food, including fresh produce. The pantry is open Monday through Thursday from 9:00 a.m. to 11:00 a.m. For additional information, please contact T.J. Geise at 219-398-2939 or by email at tj.geise@usc.salvationarmy.org. Or visit their website at https://www.salvationarmyusa.org/in/east-chicago/west-chicago-avenue-corps.
Community Enrichment -
Bishop Noll Institute – Summer Sports Camps 2026. This camp provides students from 1st through 8th grade from East Chicago with hands-on coaching in a variety of sports, helping them to develop fundamental skills, learn teamwork, and improve their physical fitness. For additional information, please contact Jennifer Florek at 219-932-9058 or by email at jflorek@bishopnoll.org. Or visit their website at https://bishopnoll.org
Boys & Girls Club of Greater Northwest Indiana, Inc. – East Chicago Boys & Girls Club BAND PROGRAM. Club member ages 8 through 18 at the East Chicago Katherine House Boys & Girls Club will have access to this BAND program. For additional information, please contact Orlando Drummond at 219-764-2582 or by email at odrummond@bgcgreaternwi.org. Or visit their website at www.bgcgreaternwi.org.
East Chicago Public Library – Unearth Your Curiosity at the Library. A yearlong innovative program focused on elevating the city of East Chicago through literacy-based programs that will educate, entertain, and engage the residents of East Chicago, ranging from toddlers to senior citizens. For additional information, please contact Marla Spann at 219-397-2453 or by email at mspann@ecpl.org. Or visit their website at www.ecpl.org.
Grace Missionary Baptist Church of East Chicago, Inc. – Community Building with Grace. This program hopes to address the following: senior citizens’ issues, genealogy, cultural preservation, life-long skills in general - financial literacy, community support for becoming more proficient in overcoming daily living, and youth community engagement through art. Along with community meals, clothing and supply drives, and youth mentoring and tutoring. Lectures, computer use, software programs, art expressions, visual and auditory presentations will be used. For additional information, please contact Renee Brown at 219-398-3063 or by email at cls01rrb@gmail.com. Or visit their website at https://www.graceofec.com.
Top 20, Inc. – Top 20 II Dance and Mentoring Program. This program is designed to prepare school-aged students to make constructive life choices and empower them to become productive members of society. It has four components: Dance, Mentoring, Community Service and Field Trips. For additional information, please contact Carolyn Upshaw-Royal at 517-349-1312 or by email at upshawroyal@aol.com. Or visit their website at http://www.top20inc.org.
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