The Enhance Hamilton County Foundation announced Tuesday that for the 2021 Grant Cycle they will be offering an additional grant opportunity specific to 501c3 organizations located in Hamilton County.

“The Board approved to earmark $40,000 of the 2021 grant funds for an additional grant opportunity to assist nonprofits in Hamilton County that have encountered a decrease in operational revenue due to the coronavirus,” said Darcy Swon, Development Director of the Enhance Hamilton County Foundation. “The Board recognizes that many nonprofit organizations saw a decrease in donations, grant funding and other revenue streams this year and wanted to provide some assistance to allow them to continue providing value to the communities and residents in Hamilton County.”

The Coronavirus Relief grant will provide nonprofit organizations (501c3) an opportunity to apply for up to $7,500 in monies and will not require a match, as is typical with the annual grant program. They will be required to show a need, share a list of other financial assistance received in 2020 and provide a plan for how the monies will be used.

“The Board recognizes that many nonprofits may need some financial assistance for operational expenses and yet they may have a project that meets our annual grant program guidelines,” said Swon. “They will be able to submit two applications – one for each program – as long as they meet that grant’s requirements.”

Swon reminded potential annual grant program applicants, if they are not a 501c3, a civic organization or a governmental entity, they will need to partner with one to be eligible to receive grant funds.

Grant applications for both programs are now available on the Enhance Hamilton County Foundation website under Grants. Both of the grant applications deadlines are Dec. 31, 2020, at 5 p.m. Organizations submitting an application(s) will be notified of the status of their application the week of Feb. 15 with grant monies being distributed late February or early March 2021.

“The purpose of the Enhance Hamilton County grant program is to provide philanthropic support to organizations to address needs throughout Hamilton County as well as those projects that are considered community betterment,” said Swon.

If an organization has a question on either grant, they can contact Swon by calling 515-835-0437 or email at dswon@enhancehamiltoncounty.org.

The Enhance Hamilton County Foundation is a nonprofit organization that serves as a liaison and resource for donor-driven charitable giving and community needs.