2023 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 on-line beginning December 5, 2022.
- Applications are due January 9, 2023.
- An application received after the deadline will be ineligible for funding.
- Award announcements will be released late March 2023.
FEC will consider equipment, software, food and gas gift cards, materials, supplies, transportation, and rental space only if items requested pertain to the program and detailed explanations are given for each.
| CONSIDERED EXPENDITURES | FEC WILL NOT FUND THE FOLLOWING |
|---|---|
| Equipment (pertaining to program) | Speaker Fees |
| Software (pertaining to program) | Conferences |
| Food gift cards (pertaining to program) | Funds to obtain a 501 (c) 3 |
| Gas gift cards (pertaining to program) | Landscaping |
| Materials (pertaining to program) | Marquees |
| Supplies (pertaining to program) | Membership Fees |
| Transportation (pertaining to program) | Storage Rental |
| Rental space (pertaining to program) | Home Office |
| Billboards/Advertising/Flyers/Newspapers/Radio | |
| Furniture | |
| Utilities | |
| Lease | |
| Mortgage payments | |
| Landlines and Cellphones | |
| Web maintenance and Internet | |
2023 Program Grant Handouts
Please review the following documents before accessing any of the 2023 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.
We are no longer accepting 2023 Program Grant Applications.
All organizations must submit their 2021 and 2022 Organization’s Operating Budget. You can modify this form to meet your needs.
Or you can use your own 2021 and 2022 Operating Budget already approved by your Board of Directors.
All organizations must submit a 2023 Program Grant Budget.
2023 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: April 1, 2023 – March 31, 2024. 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 2021 and 2022 Organizational Operating Budget and the 2023 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.
2022 Program Grant
The Foundations of East Chicago (FEC) is proud to announce $533,831.00 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 support at least one of FEC’s focus areas: education/job training, health & safety, and community enrichment.
This was a competitive selection process. The 2022 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 make a difference in our community.
The Foundations of East Chicago awarded grants to the following organizations:
Education & Job Training –
Communities in Schools of East Chicago, Inc. – Youth PLUS. This program will target students in grades 3-12 within School City of East Chicago schools who are experiencing chronic absenteeism, low academic achievement, disconnectedness from school and behavior issues while attending school. This will be achieved through the following: social emotional learning, homework assistance, virtual tutoring, and academic enrichment. The project will work collaboratively with School City of East Chicago to create a supportive learning environment, greater school connections and resources to assist students. For additional information, please contact Patricia Simes at 219-378-9114 or by email at p.simes@cisoflc.org. Or visit their website at http://www.cislakecounty.org.
Grace Missionary Baptist Church of East Chicago, Inc. – Grace Computers and Heritage Growth Experience. This program consists of up to five computer lab classes that will meet at the church between April 2022 and March 2023. Heritage classes will focus on senior citizens continuing to increase their use, understanding, and proficiency with MS Office tools. Classes will focus on tutoring junior and senior high school students, adults, and senior citizens to increase awareness in areas including minority culture studies, household management, dietary needs, cooking with a budget and many other interesting topics. For additional information, please contact Marcia Smith-Woodard at 317-809-6712 or by email at programs@ecgracembc.com. Or visit their website at http://www.ecgracembc.com.
Haven House, Inc. – Haven House Emergency Shelter. This program will work to provide a safe, temporary emergency shelter, essentials for everyday living and support services to adults and their children who are victims of domestic violence. For additional information, please contact Candace Jorden at 219-712-4400 or by email at candacejorden@gmail.com. Or visit their website at http://www.havenhousenwi.org.
Indiana Dunes Environmental Learning Center, Inc. – E-STEM Education for East Chicago Students. Dunes Learning Center will continue to deliver a continuum of E-STEM education experiences that connect classroom lessons with the natural world for students in East Chicago. For additional information, please contact Michelle Krueger at 219-682-8956 or by email at mkrueger@duneslearningcenter.org. Or visit their website at http://www.DunesLearningCenter.org.
International Institute of Northwest Indiana, Inc. – Essential Immigrants. This program provides English language skills for citizens and non-citizens alike living throughout the Calumet Region and the Chicagoland area. For additional information, please contact Roger Cavazos at 219-902-2727 or by email at rogerc4020@gmail.com.
Ivy Tech Foundation, Inc. – College Readiness & Career Pathways Initiative. Seeks to engage East Chicago students early with high impact, immersive career exploration. The program guides students to choose a personal career pathway to successfully prepare them to transition to college, technical training, or a career post high school graduation. For additional information, please contact Cindy Hall at 219-476-4710 or by email at cjhall@ivytech.edu. Or visit their website at http://www.ivytech.edu.
Mental Health America of Lake County, Inc. – Ready to Soar East Chicago. Ready to Soar is a school readiness and transition program for incoming kindergarten children, their parents, and their schools, offering both school and home-based services. For additional information, please contact Kimberly Smith at 219-671-1579 or by email at ksmith@mhanwi.org. Or visit their website at https://www.mhanwi.org.
Mission of Jesus Christ Non-Denominational Church – Alternatives to Bridging the Gap. Alternatives has five separate program offerings that support overall educational and emotional growth. There are five services including: “Summer School”, “After-School”, “Always Providing Promise”, “The Garden”, and “Hope for Boys/Dreams for Girls.” For additional information, please For additional information, please contact Eric Dahl at 219-677-2810 or by email at dahlehudson@att.net.
School City of East Chicago – School City of East Chicago Athletic Programs. Funding for this program will go towards the purchase of new equipment and uniforms for structured athletic programs for 5th – 12th grade. For additional information, please contact Lela Simmons at 219-391-4100 or by email at lsimmons@ecps.org. Or visit their website at http://www.scec.k12.in.us.
The New Twin City Ministerial Alliance, Inc. – Youth Empowerment Project (YEP). YEP, is a summer work-based program to prepare young adults for the post-secondary education world. Participants will work in jobs over 10 weeks in the summer as determined by their supervisors. They will attend a two-to-three-hour workshop regarding banking, checking, application and resume writing. For additional information, please contact Pastor Douglas Sloss at 317-724-9632 or by email at pastorsloss@aol.com.
Teens in Action, Inc.– Math, Self-Defense, and Touring. This program will begin in April with a college tour for teens in the program. At the end of May, they will offer their annual math and self-defense camp. For additional information, please contact Bridgette Spann-Edwards at 219-397-5117 or by email at teens3@teensinaction.org.
United Way of Northwest Indiana – Level Up. This program was created to help struggling residents attain greater financial stability by providing access to job training/certification and employment support for people seeking better paying jobs; financial management coaching; affordable, quality childcare; and support basic needs. For additional information, please contact Anicia Kosky at 219-464-3583 or by email at anicia@unitedwaynwi.org. Or visit their website at http://www.unitedwaynwi.org.
Health & Safety –
American Heart Association, Inc. – Stop the Silent Killer: Adopt a Clinic, East Chicago. The AHM aims to elevate and expand their work in East Chicago to reduce the high prevalence of uncontrolled blood pressure by working with a community health center in East Chicago, such as 219 Heath or Healthlinc. For additional information, please contact Danielle Hammons at 312-346-4675 or by email at danielle.hammons@heart.org. Or visit their website at http://www.heart.org/en/affiliates/indiana/indiana.
Carmelite Sisters of the Divine Heart of Jesus of Ind. – 2022 Is for You: Nutrition & Exercise Program. The Carmelite Home strives to meet the physical, developmental, emotional, social, moral, and educational needs for the youth who reside at the home. This program will provide nutritional exercises classes to current Carmelite residents. For additional information, please contact Dee Young at 219-392-4106 or by email at dyoung.carmelite@gmail.com. Or visit their website at http://www.carmelitehome.org.
Catholic Charities of the Diocese of Gary, Inc. – Safe Haven: Homeless Prevention & Immigration Services. This program addresses concerns of homeless prevention and family unity for the city and the residents of East Chicago. The objective is to keep families in their homes and unified to avoid homelessness. The program conducts outreach, case management for homeless or near homeless families and other personal development services. For additional information, please contact LaShawn Jones-Taylor at 219-886-3549 or by email at ljtaylor@catholic-charities.org. Or visit their website at http://www.catholic-charities.org.
Grace Beyond Borders NWI, Inc. – Ready Life – Ending Homelessness. This program consists of three modules – Outreach Activities, Case Management, 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.
Healthlinc, Inc. – Early Detection of Colorectal Cancer. Funds will be used to continue funding colonoscopies for uninsured patients who have abnormal Fecal Occult Blood Tests (FOBT) kit result. For additional information, please contact Haley Brewer at 219-307-6966 or by email at hbrewer@healthlincchc.org. Or visit their website at http://www.healthlincchc.org.
St. Catherine Hospital, Inc – Hospital Readmission Prevention Program. In an effort to prevent hospital readmissions and improve health care quality, this program will provide needed education, medical equipment and medication to the patient at the time of discharge. For additional information, please contact Julie Latta at 219-392-7116 or by email at Julie.M.Latta@comhs.org. Or visit their website at http://www.comhs.org.
Community Enrichment
Bishop Noll Institute – Bishop Noll Institute Summer Enrichment Program. This program offers educational opportunities for children from preschool through 8th grade. The following camps will be offered: STEM, Athletic and Fine Arts. For additional information, please contact Mary Ellen O’Neill at 219-932-9058 or by email at moneill@bishopnoll.org. Or visit their website at http://www.bishopnoll.org.
East Chicago Public Library – Literacy Still Rises During a Crisis. This is a yearlong initiative that promotes literacy and cultural enrichment during the COVID-19 pandemic. This is accomplished through digital access to library resources that is assessable to all community members with a goal of increasing community literacy. For additional information, please contact Lacey Klemm at 219-397-2453 or by email at lklemm@ecpl.org. Or visit their website at http://www.ecpl.org.
Friendship Baptist Church, Inc. – 6 Cs of Youth Development. The youth of East Chicago will become change agents through workshops, camps, training, and exhibitions. This will be accomplished through using the 6 Cs of Youth Development. For additional information, please contact April Pugh at 219-771-1887 or by email at Asongbird33@aol.com.
Top 20, Inc. – Top 20 II Dance and Mentoring Program. This program was developed with input from Indiana University, to prepare school-aged students to make constructive life choices and empower them to become productive members of society. 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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