PENDLETON — South Madison Community Foundation is accepting applications for Open Hearts, Open Purses, an annual program that provides a top grant of $10,000 for a project with positive local impact.
“The mission of Open Hearts, Open Purses is to provide financial resources to organizations for projects that improve the lives of individuals and families in our communities,” according to a press release from Tammy Bowman, executive director of the community foundation.
OHOP is a women’s giving circle. Participating members donate $100 each and come together to vote on which of three project finalists receives the $10,000 grant.
The number of women participating in OHOP usually exceeds the 100 needed for the top award. This generates additional funds that are divided between the second- and third-place finalists. A Junior OHOP collects a $25 donation and has a separate vote, providing additional funding.
Since 2010, OHOP has awarded grants in excess of $185,000.
Projects must benefit residents of Adams, Fall Creek, Green and/or Stony Creek townships, although applicant organizations don’t need to be physically located in those areas.
To be eligible for funding, organizations must be 501(c)3 nonprofit organizations, or tax supported or educational organizations, such as parks, libraries, schools.
Other organizations — private, for-profit, faith-based, service clubs and more — may partner with one or more eligible organizations to propose collaborative programs. In such cases, the eligible organization will act as fiscal agent for any funds awarded to the collaborative project.
The OHOP application deadline is 4 p.m. Monday, April 17.
Finalists will be notified on May 26, and grantss will be awarded during an evening event on June 8.
Applications are available at SouthMadisonFoundation.org/open-hearts-open-purses.
For more details or to meet with community foundation staff prior to grant submission, contact Bowman at 765-778-8444 or [email protected].
South Madison Community Foundation is located at 233 S. Main St., Pendleton.
