Local News
MCF Grant Applications Available For 2008
By Brad Bebout
Jun 10, 2008, 11:27

Effective immediately, non-profit organizations in Marion County have potential access to more than $350,000 in grant funds. The 2008 grant cycle is in progress at Marion Community Foundation and applications are now available.
According to MCF president Brad Bebout, the Foundation has issued its formal Request for Proposals to all area not-for-profit organizations. Applications, which will be due July 30, are available at the Foundation’s offices, 504 S. State St., or online at www.marioncommunityfoundation.org.
“It is important for those considering applying that applications be started as soon as possible,” says Bebout. “Compiling all of the information required does take time and effort. And, we are continuing our mini-grants program for awards of $2,500 or less. These smaller grants have a simplified application process.”
New this year is an informal question and answer session for those interested in applying. Bebout will be available on Tuesday, June 24 at the Marion Area Chamber of Commerce’s large conference room, beginning at 1:30 p.m. During the session, he will provide attendees with grant applications, an outline of the grant process and a description of the priorities the Foundation’s grants committee will use to select recipients. Those interested in this information session should contact MCF by calling 387-9704.
The competitive grant program draws awards from six funds managed by Marion Community Foundation specifically for the purpose of supporting local charitable programs and organizations. Additional grant funds are awarded each year from designated and donor advised funds.
“Marion Community Foundation has been a very busy place lately,” says Bebout, referring to last week’s celebration of the Foundation’s 10th birthday. “We recently awarded 49 scholarships totaling about $45,000 and, later this year, we will award thousands of dollars from a variety of other types of funds, including our designated funds, donor advised funds and organizational endowment funds. The competitive grants being described here are distributed from only six of MCF’s 87 funds.”
The following is an overview of the competitive grant funds available via Marion Community Foundation:
Health Care Fund -- MCF’s first and largest fund, this fund awards grants for projects, programs, and organizations that address the health related needs of the community.
Henry Heinzmann Community Food Pantry Fund – Grants are available to support community food pantries and organizations which provide meals for the poor and homeless of Marion County. The fund was created by a gift from Dr. Henry Heinzmann, a member of MCF’s board and past chairman.
Francis & Thelma Wise Fund -- Grants are available for projects, programs, organizations that: treat or prevent arthritis, Parkinson’s disease, and blindness or other vision impairment. This fund was created by a bequest from the estate of Francis Wise.
Unrestricted Funds -- Grants from the following unrestricted funds are available for projects, programs, and organizations that support any worthy charitable cause in Marion County as determined by MCF’s Board of Trustees:
“C” Fund – A fund created by an anonymous donor with a gift of stock; Founders’ Fund – A fund created by MCF’s staff and Board of Trustees, with other members of the community later adding to the fund; and,
Chester and Mildred Roberts Fund – A fund created by the sons of Chester and Mildred Roberts to honor the memory of their parents, prominent figures in Marion history.
The application process for these grants is competitive. Applicants must complete and submit a grant application with the required attachments and must follow the grant guidelines. The completed application and required attachments must be received in MCF’s office by 5:00 p.m. on July 30, 2008.
Last year, Marion Community Foundation awarded $272,000 in grants to fund 14 projects in the Marion area. The organization’s receiving funds included the Center Street Community Clinic, Marion Senior Center, Royal Family Kids’ Camp, Harding Home, Chapel Hill House, Eye-to-Eye Low Vision Support Group, Arthritis Foundation, League of Women Voters of Marion, and Turning Point. The Marion Family YMCA , Palace Cultural Arts Association, Prairie Parks, and I Can Go to College also received funding as part of multi-year pledges.

In just 10 years, MCF’s portfolio of funds has grown from one to nearly 90, valued at more than $16 million. The Foundation has awarded more than $2.5 million in grants and scholarships. Its funds address needs in healthcare, the arts, environment, education and economic development. The full-time staff includes President Brad Bebout and administrative assistant Diana Rinesmith. Members of the Board include: Pam Hall, Dr. Henry Heinzmann, Phyllis Butterworth, Tom Johnston, Anne Davy, Ron Cramer, Jeff Nutter, Rex Parrott, Lenora Mayes, Dr. Scott Yancey, Sue Jacob, Violet Griffith, Larry Geissler, and Ted Graham.
Additional information on the Foundation and its grants program is available by calling 387-9704 during standard business hours or by visiting the offices at 504 S. State St., inside the Stengel-True Museum, or on the web at www.marioncommunityfoundation.org.

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