• Grants are awarded only to organizations that have current Section 501(c)(3) status as determined by the Internal Revenue Service.
• Applicants must be located in or serving one of the three counties of Boone, Campbell, or Kenton.

This year, the Foundation is inviting nonprofits to propose bold, high-impact ideas that address significant community needs. In a change from prior years, the Fund will award support to one or two larger-scale initiatives that best align with our key grantmaking priorities:

• Innovation: New ideas or unique approaches to community challenges

• Acceleration: Moving meaningful, community-centered solutions forward faster

• Leveraging Resources: Strengthening impact through partnerships and shared assets

• Equity: Ensuring benefits reach those most affected by disparities

Through this updated approach, the Community Impact Fund aims to spark meaningful, lasting change across Northern Kentucky.

• Individuals
• Political organizations or candidates
• Non-charitable organizations or initiatives
• Attendance at or sponsorship of fundraising events for organizations
• Annual events or festivals
• Projects and activities that have occurred. Horizon Community Foundation will not, except in extraordinary cases, provide payment or reimbursement for expenses incurred prior to the funding decision being communicated to the applicant.
• Any group that discriminates on the basis of age, color, race, national origin, gender identity, marital status, sensory, mental or physical ability, sexual orientation or religious beliefs.
• Capital projects or campaigns.

*Letter of Intent (LOI): A description of your funding proposal, including: purpose, amount of funding requested, and desired impact.

Please note, we will prioritize funding for projects that accelerate progress, exhibit innovation, and show an ability and commitment to leveraging resources.

The following questions are included in the letter of intent evaluation process:

• Will an investment in this organization have a meaningful impact?
• Does the program have clear measurable outcomes?

• Letter format, including the following elements that will be included for evaluation of each application:
  • Clear description of purpose for program/initiative
  • Amount requested with itemized budget for program/initiative
  • Detailed impact of program/initiative (including populations and numbers served)
  • Description of measurable outcomes
  • Collaboration with other organizations
  • Differentiation from other community programs
  • Sustainability after requested funding ends
• Current agency financials, most recent Form 990, and copy of IRS designation letter
• Current board member list and foundation board list (if applicable)
• Two supporting documents (optional)

• Organizations that have received a Community Impact Fund grant are advised to wait a year before submitting another request.
• Ordinarily, an organization receiving multi-year support may not apply for another grant until the final payment on the multi-year grant is made.