Community Foundation 2024 grant program opens Monday

The Clinton County Community Foundation has provided millions of dollars to community nonprofits, charities and municipalities since its inception in 1968, thanks to an initial gift by Jean Sharp Rempe Hendrich. And the giving will continue.

The Foundation’s next round of grant applications may be submitted starting this Monday, Oct. 16. The deadline by which to submit a grant application is Friday, Dec. 15.

Having approved well over $600,000 in grants and committed funds this calendar year, the Foundation is looking to another robust grant round next year.

Earlier this year, the Foundation board of directors reviewed over 70 grant applications before narrowing the field to just over 60.

Eligible organizations must be located within Clinton County or demonstrate that their services benefit residents in Clinton County. Applicants must be either a governmental unit/political subdivision or a nonprofit organization with a 501(c) designation recognized by the IRS.

Grant funds are not intended for administration or labor costs.

The Foundation’s grant guidelines make it easy to submit a proposal, Rolley said.
Here are important dates and deadlines to remember:
•Applications sent via U.S. •Postal mail to CCCF must be postmarked no later than Dec. 15, 2023.
•Applications that are hand-delivered must be received at Water St. address by 5 p.m. Dec. 15.
•Decisions on all eligible applications are scheduled to be made by the Board of Directors on Jan. 24, 2024.
•Grant agreements are sent to organizations selected to receive funding between Feb. 1-9, 2024.
•Feb. 29, 2024 is the deadline by which signed grant agreements must be received by the CCCF.
•March 1, 2024 is the first date on which checks will be mailed in phases to grantees for their projects.
•The deadline by which an evaluative report must be completed by grantees and returned to CCCF is Dec. 1, 2024.

“The first step in applying is going to the Foundation web site at www.clintoncountyfoundation.org and downloading a grant guideline-application form. Click on the “Grants” link and find the downloadable file,” Rolley explained. “The guidelines should answer any questions potential applicants have. If not, they’re welcome to send an email to cccf@clintoncountyfoundation.org, or call me at 570.220.1038.”

The Foundation will be available specifically next week to talk to potential grant recipients at two locations and days as follows:
•5 p.m. Tuesday, Oct. 17, at the Annie Halenbake Ross Library, 232 W. Main St., Lock Haven.
•10 a.m. Thursday, Oct. 19, at the Renovo Public Library, 317 Seventh St., Renovo.
•A third date will be scheduled in the Loganton area for later in October.

This year, among the recipients were various fire companies and their emergency first responders for projects to improve their safety when responding to fires or accidents, or to improve lighting and access in or to their stations; agencies helping fight hunger; to help people who are struggling to rebuild their lives; agencies helping infants and toddlers with disabilities, or young pregnant mothers who need help; for young citizens enrolling in Camp Cadet; for agriculture and animal well-being; therapy to help veterans; outdoor recreation; beautifying our communities, enhancing our cultural life and more.

“The Foundation invests and then leverages its funds to help organizations that help our residents,” Rolley said. “We encourage eligible nonprofits and organizations to apply for grants to make a difference in our communities.”

“We also encourage residents to support the Foundation through donations and gifts,” he added. “One person can make a huge difference in the lives of others.”