Mission and Outline

Objective

The Community Cultural Educational Grant program of the Valparaiso Human Relations Council (HRC) seeks to support initiatives in the community that further the mission of the HRC -- specifically to increase awareness, appreciation, and dialogue in our community among diverse and traditionally underrepresented groups, including but not limited to race, religion, national origin, age, gender/gender identity, sexual orientation, veteran status, and individuals with disabilities.

Goals

Through administration of financial grants on a bi-annual basis, the Community Cultural Educational Grant program will provide monetary support to encourage successful initiatives that serve and involve our community.

Administration

The grant program is funded through the Mayor’s Office. The total annual amount allotted is $10,000 to be disbursed in the form of matching grants ranging from $500-$2,000 per project. A Grant Review Committee of 4 individuals appointed by the HRC shall establish a schedule for submission and review of applications. The Grant Committee may interview applicants if such is deemed necessary. Upon completion of the review of applications, the Grant Review Committee shall submit its recommendations to the HRC for its consideration and approval. Notwithstanding the preceding, any Community Cultural Educational Grant funded with City tax funds is subject to all legal restrictions as to use of City tax funds. Prior to submitting its recommendations to the HRC, the Grant Review Committee shall discuss the applications with the City Administrator and City Attorney to ensure compliance.

Grant Review Committee members shall be appointed annually at the first meeting of the HRC. That said, the members appointed in 2024 shall serve through December 31, 2025.

Grant Review Committee members may not serve more than three consecutive terms. 

Grants will be considered for funding based on the Grant Proposal Guidelines outlined here.

Eligibility

The HRC Community Cultural Educational Grant program is open to any resident of Valparaiso, nonprofit corporation with a 501(c)(3) designation, unincorporated association, and educational organization so long as the project for which funding is requested serves a nonprofit objective related to education/cultural inclusion. Types of projects that will be considered include events (one-time events or series), speakers, exhibitions, and classes or workshops that are free to the public. Categories funded may include arts, humanities, interpretive sciences, and civic/cultural programming. Priority will be given to new projects or concepts that enhance the quality of life and strengthen our community, and those that encourage collaboration and cooperation between organizations.

Projects must take place within the Valparaiso community and must match grant requests dollar for dollar from other sources. Municipal agencies that are part of the City of Valparaiso are not eligible, nor are projects that are deemed to have the intent of advancing a particular religion. Funds may not be used for food, alcohol, employee salaries, payment of debts, completed projects, political causes, capital expenditures, or programming that discriminates against any class defined as protected in Valparaiso’s Human Rights Ordinance. The HRC will generally not fund multi-year projects, nor will organizations or individuals who have received grants (either as an applicant or a collaborator) be considered within the same calendar year.

Projects must be completed within 6 months of the initial grant award disbursement, with a final report due to the Grant Committee within 30 days of event completion. 

Subject to change by the Grant Committee, there will be two grant application cycles per year. The first cycle will open on March 14 and close on April 30 at noon. The Grant Committee will review and make recommendations to the HRC at its May meeting. The second cycle will be open on July 1 and close on August 31. The Grant Committee will review and make recommendations to the HRC at its September meeting. All grant proposals must be filed prior to the stated deadline to be considered. Upon approval by the HRC, recipients will be required to sign a Grant Agreement before any funds are distributed. Although grant funds are made available on a reimbursement basis, upon a showing of good cause, up to 50% of the approved funds can be made available prior to the event.

Upon completion of the event, recipients will be required to submit a Request for Reimbursement with receipts and/or other evidence to demonstrate the amount that was spent on the event and to confirm that grant funds were matched by the recipient. In addition, recipients will be encouraged to submit a written overview of the event with information concerning attendance and community impact. Recipients may also be asked to attend an HRC meeting and share information about their event.