Eligibility & guidelines, made clear.
Before you apply, it helps to know the ground rules: who can apply, what kinds of projects we fund, what’s expected of grantees, and how applications are reviewed. Everything you need to decide whether a grant is right for your project is on this page.
Who can apply.
Coalition members
Grants support organizations and agencies that are members of the Hub Coalition. Membership is free, so joining is a quick first step if you aren’t already a member.
Serving Starke County
Projects must benefit Starke County residents. Local schools, nonprofits, agencies, faith and civic groups, and similar organizations are all encouraged to apply.
Advancing our mission
Funded work should advance prevention, recovery, mental wellness, or the reduction of substance-use harms — the heart of what the coalition exists to do.
What we fund — and what we don't.
Generally fundable
Projects that fit the mission and reach the communityPrevention programming — education, awareness, and youth activities that reduce substance-use risk.
Recovery & wellness support — efforts that help people access recovery, mental-health, and support services.
Materials & supplies for eligible programming — curricula, educational materials, and event costs.
Community events & outreach that raise awareness or connect residents to resources.
Generally not funded
Outside the scope of community grantsPersonal expenses or funding that benefits an individual rather than the community.
Political or lobbying activity, or efforts that promote a partisan or religious agenda.
Projects outside Starke County or unrelated to the coalition’s prevention and wellness mission.
Expenses already incurred before an award, or ongoing costs with no clear community benefit.
What's expected of grantees.
Use funds as proposed
Spend the grant on what you described in your application. If plans change, just let the coalition know.
Report on your project
Share a simple summary of what you did, who it reached, and the difference it made. Nothing burdensome.
Credit the coalition
Acknowledge Hub Coalition support in project materials where it's reasonable to do so.
Spend within the grant period
Use awarded funds within the timeframe set for the grant cycle, unless an extension is arranged.
What the coalition looks for.
There’s no secret formula — the coalition weighs a few straightforward things when deciding how to invest limited grant dollars for the greatest community benefit.
Community impact
How many people the project reaches, and how meaningfully it improves prevention, recovery, or wellness.Mission alignment
How closely the project fits the coalition's goals and Starke County's identified needs.Feasibility & budget
Whether the plan is realistic and the requested funding is reasonable for what it will achieve.Sustainability
Whether the effort can create lasting benefit or continue beyond the grant where relevant.
Good to know.
Do we have to be a coalition member to apply?
Yes — community grants support coalition member agencies. The good news is that membership is completely free, so if you’re not a member yet, you can join and apply in the same sitting. Not sure if your organization is a member? Call us at 219- 742-2285
Is there a minimum or maximum grant amount?
Award amounts vary by project and by what’s available in a given grant year. Rather than a fixed range, the coalition funds what makes sense for the scope and impact of each proposal. Ask about the current cycle for a realistic sense of typical awards.
Can we apply for more than one project?
Generally the coalition wants to support as many strong efforts across the county as possible, so priorities and any limits on multiple requests are set each cycle. If you have more than one idea, reach out and we’ll help you figure out the best approach.
What if we're not sure our project qualifies?
Ask before you assume it won’t. If your project serves Starke County and connects to prevention, recovery, or wellness, it’s worth a conversation. We’d much rather help you shape an eligible application than have you not apply at all.
When can we apply?
Grant cycles and deadlines are announced each year. To make sure you don’t miss a window, become a member and stay connected, or call the coalition to ask about the current or upcoming cycle.