Harrison County Community Foundation Support Organ Inc

Quick Stats

• Annual Giving: $6,274,648 (2023)
• Total Awarded to Date: Over $136 million
• Decision Time: Up to 120 days
• Grant Range: $5,000 - $250,000 (typically $5,000-$50,000)
• Geographic Focus: Harrison County, Indiana
• Application Schedule: Rolling basis, year-round

Contact Details

Harrison County Community Foundation

• Website: https://hccfindiana.org
• Phone: (812) 738-6668
• Grants Manager: Anna Curts - annac@hccfindiana.org
• Location: Corydon, IN

Overview

The Harrison County Community Foundation (HCCF) was founded in 1996 with an initial $5 million donation from RDI/Caesars Riverboat, LLC (now Caesars Southern Indiana) and continues to receive ongoing contributions from the casino based on a percentage of gaming revenue. Since its inception, HCCF has awarded over $136 million in grants, scholarships, and other support to Harrison County nonprofits and residents. The foundation's mission is to inspire and assist everyone to experience philanthropy, producing positive and sustainable growth in Harrison County. In 2023 alone, HCCF provided $6,274,648 in grants and $858,131 in scholarships to graduating seniors. The foundation has earned a Four-Star rating (91%) from Charity Navigator, reflecting its strong financial health and commitment to transparency.

Funding Priorities

Grant Programs

HCCF offers flexible grant programs across multiple sectors, with applications accepted on a rolling basis throughout the year:

• Community Development Grants: $5,000 - $77,000+ (e.g., South Harrison Community Development Corp. received $77,180 for building repairs and food pantry restocking)
• Faith-Based Organization Grants: Up to $42,000 (e.g., Rehoboth Presbyterian Church received $42,000 for stained-glass window restoration)
• Education Grants: Variable amounts for public schools, private schools, and educational services organizations
• Arts & Culture Grants: Up to $20,000 in matching grants for Harrison County arts organizations
• Capital Project Grants: Up to $250,000 (must be matched 50% by other cash funding sources)
• Human Services Grants: Variable amounts (e.g., Community Action of Southern Indiana received $7,250 for service expansion)

Applications are submitted through an online portal at https://goapply2.akoyago.com/hccfgrants

Priority Areas

• Arts and Culture: Supporting cultural organizations and artistic programs throughout the county, with matching grants available up to $20,000
• Education: All types of educational institutions and services, including public and private schools
• Community Development: Infrastructure improvements, food security, and community center operations
• Human Services: Programs addressing poverty, expanding services to underserved residents, and meeting community needs
• Faith-Based Initiatives: Community-serving projects from religious organizations (building improvements, community programs)

What They Don't Fund

• Organizations that have been in operation for less than two years from the date of their most recent IRS Letter of Determination
• Organizations not in good standing with the IRS Publication 78 or Business Master File
• Organizations that haven't filed their business entity report with the Indiana Secretary of State (due every other year)
• Projects starting within 90 days of application submission
• Capital projects exceeding 50% of total project cost or $250,000, whichever is less
• Requests of $200,000 or more without additional finance committee review

Governance and Leadership

Executive Staff

• Julie Moorman, President & CEO - Over 20 years of nonprofit management experience; Bachelor's in Business Administration, Master's in Higher Education
• Derrick Grigsby, Chief Financial Officer - Manages Foundation's finances and investments; Bachelor's in Accounting, MBA, Master's in Strategic Finance
• Heather Stafford, Director of Programs - 15+ years in community and youth engagement; Bachelor's in Graphic Design, Certification in Nonprofit Leadership
• Michelle Dayvault, Director of Development - 25 years in nonprofit sector; Bachelor's in Speech Communication
• Anna Curts, Grants Manager - Contact for grant applications and questions; Certificate in Nonprofit Executive Leadership
• Kim Harmon, Gift Planning Officer - 30+ years in fundraising; Certificate in Fund Raising Management
• Kimberly Carter, Endowment Manager - 14 years in nonprofit sector; Bachelor's degree, Fundraising Management certificate
• Sean Sullivan, Marketing & Communications Officer - Bachelor's in Business Marketing

Board of Directors (2026)

• Matt Rothrock, Chair (Harrison Township)
• Cheryl Fisher, Vice-Chair (Spencer Township)
• Laurie Dunaway, Secretary/Treasurer (Harrison Township)
• Kelley Churchill (Spencer Township)
• Emily Schneider (Franklin Township)
• Jeremy Grant Gallander (Harrison Township)
• Jeff Thomas (Posey Township)
• Jim Koerber (Harrison Township)
• Kelly Matlock (Morgan Township)
• Kyle Mattingly (Jackson Township)
• Christopher Griffith (Spencer Township)
• Barbara Crecelius (Harrison Township)
• Carrie Spencer (Franklin Township)
• Lisa Steele (Harrison Township)
• Tommy Wiseman (Harrison Township)
• Stephanie Faith (Boone Township)

The board includes representation from all townships across Harrison County, demonstrating the foundation's commitment to geographic diversity in leadership.

Application Process & Timeline

How to Apply

1. Pre-Application Contact: Contact Grants Manager Anna Curts at (812) 738-6668 or annac@hccfindiana.org to discuss your project before applying. The foundation encourages these discussions.

2. Board Governance Training Requirement: At least one current board member from your organization must complete an HCCF-approved nonprofit board governance training. HCCF offers this training four times annually at no cost.

3. Online Application: Submit applications through the online portal at https://goapply2.akoyago.com/hccfgrants

4. Timing: Applications must be submitted no fewer than 90 days before the proposed project's start date

5. Application Review: Request a grant application review prior to submission

6. Special Review: Requests of $200,000 or more are subject to additional finance committee review

Decision Timeline

• Review Period: Up to 120 days from submission
• Notification: Successful applicants will be informed within 120 days of submission
• Rolling Basis: Applications accepted year-round with no fixed deadlines

Eligibility Requirements

• Must serve residents of Harrison County, Indiana
• Must have been in operation for a minimum of two years from the date of most recent IRS Letter of Determination (schools, religious organizations, some civic organizations, and local governmental units may be exempt)
• Must be listed in good standing on IRS Publication 78 and/or Business Master File
• Must have completed annual filing with Secretary of State
• Must present IRS Letter of Determination (LOD) indicating 501(c) not-for-profit status
• Nonprofits must file business entity report with Indiana Secretary of State every other year

Success Rates

Specific success rate data is not publicly disclosed by HCCF.

Reapplication Policy

Information about reapplication policies for unsuccessful applicants is not publicly specified. Contact the foundation directly for guidance.

Application Success Factors

Direct Guidance from HCCF

The foundation recommends contacting foundation staff to discuss your project before submitting an application, demonstrating their accessible and collaborative approach to grantmaking.

Recent Successful Projects

Understanding what HCCF has recently funded provides insight into their priorities:

• South Harrison Community Development Corp. ($77,180) - Building and parking lot repairs plus food pantry restocking at South Harrison Community Center in Elizabeth
• Rehoboth Presbyterian Church ($42,000) - Installation and restoration of donated stained-glass windows plus repair/replacement of existing windows
• Community Action of Southern Indiana ($7,250) - Expansion of services to Harrison County residents addressing poverty needs
• Harrison County Lifelong Learning - Educational programming support

These examples show the foundation values:

• Infrastructure improvements that extend organizational capacity
• Cultural and historic preservation projects
• Service expansion that addresses identified community needs
• Both large capital projects and smaller programmatic grants

Key Requirements That Demonstrate Organizational Strength

• Board Governance Training: The requirement for board training shows HCCF values organizational capacity-building and effective nonprofit governance
• Two-Year Operating History: Demonstrates preference for established organizations with track records
• Good Standing Requirements: Organizations must maintain compliance with state and federal filing requirements
• 90-Day Lead Time: Plan ahead and submit applications well in advance of project start dates
• Capital Match Requirement: For capital projects, securing 50% match demonstrates broader community support

Strategic Considerations

• The foundation is accessible and encourages pre-application conversations - use this opportunity to align your project with their priorities
• HCCF makes financial reports available on their website, demonstrating commitment to transparency
• Geographic diversity matters - the board includes representation from all Harrison County townships
• Both small and large grants are awarded, so organizations of different sizes can find appropriate funding opportunities

Key Takeaways for Grant Writers

• Pre-application conversation is encouraged: Contact Grants Manager Anna Curts before applying to discuss your project and ensure alignment with foundation priorities
• Board training is mandatory: Budget time for at least one board member to complete HCCF's nonprofit board governance training before applying
• Plan ahead: Submit applications at least 90 days before your project start date and allow up to 120 days for decision
• Geographic focus is strict: All funded projects must serve Harrison County, Indiana residents
• Match requirements for capital projects: If requesting capital funding, secure 50% match from other cash sources before applying
• Broad funding spectrum: Recent grants range from $7,250 to $77,180, showing HCCF funds both modest programmatic support and significant capital improvements
• Rolling applications offer flexibility: No fixed deadlines mean you can apply when your project timeline makes sense, but competition may vary throughout the year

References

• Harrison County Community Foundation official website: https://hccfindiana.org (accessed January 2026)
• Charity Navigator Profile: https://www.charitynavigator.org/ein/352100908 (accessed January 2026)
• Inside Philanthropy Foundation Profile: https://www.insidephilanthropy.com/find-a-grant-places/indiana-grants/harrison-county-community-foundation (accessed January 2026)
• Cause IQ Organization Profile: https://www.causeiq.com/organizations/harrison-county-community-foundation-supporting-or,352100908/ (accessed January 2026)
• HCCF Staff Page: https://hccfindiana.org/staff (accessed January 2026)
• HCCF Board & Community Volunteers: https://hccfindiana.org/board-and-community-volunteers (accessed January 2026)
• Madison Courier: "HCCF awards $129,430 in grants" https://www.madisoncourier.com/the_clarion_news/news/hccf-awards-129-430-in-grants/article_06e7fa0f-5051-5dc6-bfc1-c4742f464475.html (accessed January 2026)
• Indiana Philanthropy Alliance: "Harrison County Community Foundation Continues Growth" https://www.inphilanthropy.org/news/harrison-county-community-foundation-continues-growth (accessed January 2026)