How do I donate to the Hutchinson Area Community Foundation?
We accept donations from individuals, families, estates, businesses, and organizations. Visit our Donate page for the various ways you can help build our endowment fund at HACF.
When is your grant application cycle?
Our grant application process is in the fall of every year. We typically open up grant applications by the beginning of September, close the application process by the end of September, go through our selection process in October, notify awarded recipients by late October, and have a grant money distribution ceremony the first week in November. Watch our website and Facebook page for exact dates each year and pertinent announcements.
Do non-profits need to be a 501C3 to apply?
No, but a non-profit without a 501C3 needs to identify a fiscal agent and collect the required information as explained in the application.
What is your grant selection criteria?
First, you must submit a complete application by the submission deadline. Applications that are not complete or submitted by the deadline do not meet our initial criteria. Next, you must either have a Federal Tax Exempt # OR have identified a fiscal sponsor for your project and supply their information. Be as descriptive and detailed as possible in your application when answering questions. The more information we have about what you want to do, the easier it is in our selection process. We are looking for projects with a long-term benefit to our community, rather than a short-term or minimal reach benefit. We want to see your goals for the project, planning efforts, measurement for success, and your plans to bring this project to fruition before and after a grant from HAFC.
How much grant money can I apply for?
Grants range between $500-$10,000. You can apply for any amount within that range, but please be very detailed in how the money will be used.
What kinds of projects are eligible?
There are many types of projects our grant recipients have initiated that have had an impact on our community. We are looking for projects that promise a long-term benefit to the Hutchinson area.
If my project or organization was awarded a grant in the past, can I apply again?
Yes. We encourage groups or organizations to apply for grants as needed. Some organizations have been awarded more than once for various projects or initiatives. We do ask that you supply project updates and photos. We love to know the outcome of all projects of our grant recipients.
You used to have a paper application. Is the application process only online now?
Yes, the application process is entirely online. View the online application to apply.