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.
2023 Program Grant
The Foundations of East Chicago (FEC) is proud to announce $329,909.00, 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 2023 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. – Integrated Student Supports. 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 project will increase access to quality out-of-school time through programs providing opportunities for increased academic achievement, character enrichment, social emotional development and other activities. 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.
Indiana Dunes /Environmental Learning Center, Inc. – Environmental STEM Education for Students in Grades K-6. This program will deliver environmental education programs to inspire lasting curiosity and stewardship with nature. Beginning in April, 6th graders will wrap up their Citizen Science investigations, inputting their data, and preparing for the all-school Symposium. Other activities include Summer Camp, Watershed Ed, Nature Navigators program and an overnight Frog in the Bog. For additional information, please contact Michelle Krueger at 219-682-8956 or by email at mkrueger@duneslearningcenter.org. Or visit their website at http://DunesLearningCenter.org.
Mental Health America of Lake County, Inc. – Ready to Soar East Chicago. This 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 September thru June each school year. For additional information, please contact Kimberly Smith at 219-671-1579 or by email at ksmith@mhanwi.org. Or visit their website at http://www.hanwi.org
Mission of Jesus Christ Non-Denominational Church – Alternatives to Bridging the Gap. Alternatives has six major components: “Summer School,” “After School,” “Garden,” “Always Providing Promise,” “Hopes and Dreams,” and “Cultural Experiences.” For additional information, please contact Eric Dahl at 219-677-2810 or by email at dahlehudson@att.net.
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. Each student will earn $8.00 per hour, half they receive in a pay check the other half will be deposited in a savings account. Participants are required to attend a weekly workshop that may deal with banking, 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 Pastor Douglas Sloss at 317-724-9632 or by email at pastorsloss@aol.com.
Teens in Action, Inc.– Math and Touring. At the beginning of the program, they will conduct their 3rd annual college tour. Next, they will offer their annual math and stem camps. For additional information, please contact Bridgette Spann-Edwards at 219-397-5117 or by email at teens3@teensinaction.org.
Health & Safety –
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. 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.
East Chicago Citizens Police Academy – East Chicago Citizens Police Academy. This in an outreach program to assist in bridging the gap between citizens and the police department. The intention is to focus on public safety through education while creating dialogue between the community and local law enforcement. For additional information, please contact Christine Russell at 219-678-1087 or by email at cmrussell4210@aol.com.
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.
HealthVisions Midwest, Inc. – Certified Community Health Worker Training. This program will offer 20 scholarships to members of the community to enroll in and successfully complete the Certified Community Health Worker Training. A Community Health Worker is a frontline public health worker who is a trusted member of the community they serve. For additional information, please contact Juanita Boland at 219-802-8674 or by email at jboland@hvusa.org. Or visit their website at http://www.hvusa.org.
St. Mark African Methodist Episcopal Zion Church – Food Pantry. Their Food Pantry Ministry provides a monthly food/grocery distribution to East Chicago residents. The pantry is open on the third Saturday of each month. For additional information, please contact Jo Anne McDonald at 219-662-8894 or by email at jjam0612@aol.com.
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, Athletes and Fine Arts. For additional information, please contact Ryan Julian at 219-932-9058 or by email at rjulian@bishopnoll.org. Or visit their website at http://www.bishopnoll.org.
East Chicago Public Library – Today’s Readers are East Chicago Leaders. This is a yearlong initiative that promotes literacy and cultural enrichment. 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 (Community, Courage, Compassion, Creativity, Celebration, and Commitment). 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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