The Samerian Foundation receives hundreds of grant requests each year, but we can only fund a reasonable percentage of the proposals. It is not unusual for grantee needs to far exceed grantor available resources.
It is the policy of Samerian to promote tolerance and acceptance of all persons. We encourage equality, full inclusion, and diversity policies. The Foundation is committed to supporting 501(c)(3) charitable organizations providing an environment free from discrimination based on race, color, religion, creed, national origin, ancestry, gender, disability, sexual orientation, or age.
We encourage you to review this website carefully. Unfortunately, we must decline numerous worthy proposals every year because they do not fit within the parameters of our mission. This is not a reflection of their merit but rather of our responsibility to make choices. These guidelines govern our grant making decisions:
Areas of Interest and Primary Focus
The Foundation seeks to enhance the quality of life by providing funds through a grant making process for education, economic development, health, youth sports, community organizations meeting the needs of the under served, and humanitarian projects. Focusing on disadvantaged youth, education, youth sports, poverty and hunger prevention, medical and health care programs, community development, the environment, building strong families, the advancement of human rights & social needs, and the arts.
Disclaimer
You are asked to adhere to the application process. Attempts to bypass this process will be noted and may possibly affect the outcome of your request. Although the Foundation is managed by the family; we ask that you please respect the privacy of each family member and not approach them personally regarding your submittal.
Please allow 90 days from the date of your submitted proposal for full consideration. All grant seekers will receive notification of our decision. The board meets quarterly to discuss and determine grant request approvals.
Only one grant request per organization per calendar year.
Although the Samerian Foundation also supports a few efforts of national significance and an occasional international project, we remain primarily committed to Central Indiana.
The Board of Directors reserve the right to consider, approve, decline and or fund any grant applications.
Measuring Results
Given the economic climate, we like to know that our donations go to the intended cause. We believe it is important to evaluate how effectively a charity meets its goals. Thus, we personally visit each recipient as a measure of accountability.
Our goal is to make grant applications as straightforward and simple as possible. To apply, please follow the steps outlined below.
The Samerian Foundation welcomes grant applications from charitable organizations that are tax exempt under section 501(c)(3) of the Internal Revenue Code.
Please see the note below regarding grant funding.
The Samerian Foundation has always been dedicated to enhancing the quality of life for residents of Central Indiana. The Board reviews grants on a quarterly basis and have a quarterly budget that we adhere to. We ask that first time applicants reach out to confirm that the request falls within our focus of giving. We also ask that new applicants not request funding in excess of $5,000. Larger grants and long-term pledges need board approval before submission. Please reach out to Tammy Owen – tammy@samerianfoundation.org – for more information.
We are accepting grant applications. Please use the deadlines below when submitting a grant. Due to quarterly budget constraints, we are limiting requests to 25 submissions per quarter. They will be reviewed on a first-come, first-serve basis.
July 31, 2024 – October 30, 2024 – February 28, 2025 – April 30, 2025
What you need to include in your application:
- Cover letter or proposal narrative with the name/address of the organization
- Brief description of the project/program
- Taxpayer Federal Identification Number
- Amount of grant request and the budget framework for your grant
- Number of persons expected to be served or impacted with this grant
- Expected outcome and method of measurement for results
- List of key staff members and the Board of Directors
- Most recent Financial Statement
- Letter of IRS charitable status approval
- Returning applicants need to complete a Grant Accountability Report
What We Don’t Fund
- Requests for general operating expenses and capital campaigns. Prior approval must be given before submitting.
- Rarely are religious-based or sectarian requests funded.
- Individual requests for personal loans.
- For-profit-business related financial needs will not be given consideration.
- Political organizations or candidates are not supported by the Foundation.