Funding Philosophy
The way we work and how we believe we will achieve community impact together.
A Community of Neighbors
The Foundation values the Biblical construct of “loving our neighbors.” We are committed to growing our understanding of the beautiful diversity of the people and cultures in our region and to foster equitable and inclusive partnerships. We value partnerships with organizations that also embrace these beliefs and demonstrate them through their own policies, practices, actions, and impact.
Healthy & Impactful nonprofits
Well-equipped nonprofit leadership at all levels is a fundamental driver of community impact. The Foundation offers several high-quality trainings for leaders designed to promote organizational growth and health. Our dedicated Nonprofit Excellence Officer also assesses applicants’ needs for capacity building support during each grant cycle.
Meaningful grantee partner relationships
The Foundation values relationship with community and grantee partners to accelerate positive community change. Each priority funding area has a dedicated Program Officer with content expertise. These Officers cultivate meaningful grantee partnership relationships built upon a mutual interest in growing, sustainable organizations, effective initiatives and a focus on impact.
Initiatives that work
The Foundation favors research-based, promising, and best practice models based on research and evaluation proven results and we also believe in listening to residents and nonprofits with local, firsthand knowledge of the issues, needs and solutions. We want to support innovation that shows promise.
Learning focused nonprofits
The Foundation fosters a culture of continuous learning, making data-informed decisions and evaluating the impact of our investments and partnerships. We value this same focus on learning for impact in the organizations we partner with.
Strong collaborations
The magnitude and complexity of community issues exceed the capacity of any one organization to address. We value increasing levels of cross-sector collaboration among organizations, funders, and other community partners.
Systems-level change
We believe that having a systems view of community issues is critical and we desire to influence changes at the policy, systems and environment level. We value organizations who share this understanding and desire to advance lasting solutions.
Partnership Areas
Healthy Eating & Active Living
Desired Outcome
- More residents of all ages consume nutritious foods and beverages.
- More residents of all ages meet the recommendations for physical activity.
- More residents of all ages will maintain a healthy weight.
Early Learning
Desired Outcome- More children arrive at kindergarten ready to learn.
- More 3rd graders will meet or exceed grade level benchmarks for school success.
Nonprofit Excellence
Desired Outcome- More effective leaders creating lasting impact in organizations, within their service sector, the larger nonprofit sector, and the community
Christ-Centered Living
Desired Outcome- More residents flourishing
- More residents experiencing the Gospel through word and deed
Requirements
All applicant organizations must be recognized by the IRS as a nonprofit, tax-exempt 501(c)(3) and further defined as public charities 509(a)(1), also known as 170(b)(1)(1A) groups. Secular and faith-based nonprofit organizations, including churches, are eligible for funding. Faith-based organizations, including churches, are legal nonprofit entities which have either their origin in a religious organization or have been founded by individuals who share a purpose, all of which have a primary mission to further Christian principles and practices through programs and services of philanthropic good works.
Funding consideration will be given to applicant programs and initiatives serving within the Foundation’s 14 county service region:
Indiana - Dubois, Gibson, Perry, Pike, Posey, Spencer, Vanderburgh, Warrick
Illinois - Gallatin, Saline, Wabash, Wayne, White
Kentucky - Henderson
Tips
Plan ahead: Applicants should have a clear sense about what results or outcomes they expect to see from of their project. Outcomes are changes in knowledge, attitudes, behaviors, conditions, etc., in people served, in the organization or in broader systems.
Know the Foundation: WBF provides a Path to Impact for each priority funding area to help describe our desired outcomes and ultimate community impact. See Paths to Impact for Early Learning, Healthy Eating & Active Living, Christ-Centered Living and Nonprofit Excellence [Click here to view Path to Impact Library]
- Make sure you review each of the funding priorities and measurable outcomes prior to starting a new application.
- Please read each question carefully to ensure all points are addressed.
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Restrictions
- Individuals are not eligible for funding; only organizations meeting the eligibility requirements above may apply
- Establishment of, or contributions to a foundation, endowment, trust or permanent interest-bearing account, except for specific project or program grants.
- Propaganda or attempt to influence specific legislation or public election
- Organizations not in compliance with all local, state and federal laws and regulations regarding discrimination
- Government agencies reporting to an elected or appointed official, (except for schools governed by citizens boards)
- Fundraising events or annual fund drives
Evaluation & Reporting Requirements
- Align with the Foundation’s funding priorities
- Address community systemic issues related to our funding priorities
- Utilize an effective evaluation plan for continuous learning and demonstrating impact
Prospective Applicants
- Mission aligned with the Foundation’s priorities
- Collaborative
- Working towards impact
- Leadership/governance prioritize continuous learning
- Diverse board and staff; reflective of the community being served
- Fiscally responsible
Evaluation & Reporting
Additional or unique steps will be communicated after award.
Step 1
Step 2
Step 3
Grant Application Preview
The application portal will officially open early January, 2024.
The links below will allow you to preview the questions in preparation for the opening date.
Grant Cycles
Our 2024 Grant Cycle is currently open.
Find grant cycle resources here.
The application window will close on January 31 at 5:00p.
Nonprofit Excellence
As part of our grant cycle processes, we evaluate the unique needs of each nonprofit organization to determine if, when, where, and how customized capacity building opportunities and resources can be developed.
Christ-Centered Living
Is your primary interest to transform the community with the life-changing love of Christ?
Next CCL grant cycle opening January 2025
Healthy Eating & Active Living
Is your primary interest to promote a lifestyle of health?
The HEAL Grant Cycle is closed as of January 31.
Early Learning
Is your primary interest to prepare children birth to age 8 for a lifetime of learning?
The Early Learning Grant Cycle is closed as of January 31.