Project Hope

project hope

This is your community.
Share your HOPE.

Project Hope is a small grants program designed to fund grassroots projects that build hope in communities and get residents involved through volunteerism and positive community engagement.

Our goal is to plant seeds of hope for the future while developing opportunities to strengthen relationships among neighbors coming together to create a better future for themselves.

The 2023 Grant Cycle is closed, but it’s never too early to start preparing for next year!

Project Hope Toolkit

Use this toolkit to brainstorm your project and prepare your application.

We’re here to help!

Click or Tap here to view the toolkit.

Eligibility
Criteria

Application
Proposal

Grant
Restrictions

Eligibility Criteria

Entities that are recognized by the IRS as a 501(c)3 charitable organization, political subdivision, or governmental organization eligible for charitable contributions under the Internal Revenue Code.
Organizations and groups who, through volunteerism and community engagement, will undertake small, grassroots projects and programs with immediate impact in Martinsville-henry County.
Entities that are not recognized by the IRS as a 501(c)3 charitable organization still are eligible to apply. Applicants will receive assistance and guidance in securing an appropriate fiscal sponsor.

Application Proposal

Applicants are required to first read the Project Hope Request for Proposals (RFP). (Available here on May 17, 2023.) The online application can be accessed through our website. Applicant organizations are asked to provide information explaining the idea/project with amount requested and any matching cash and/or in-kind contributions; the project description should include community benefits, anticipated results, and a timeline for implementation (within one year or less). Applicants are encouraged to upload an optional 1-3 minute video to explain your project/program to the committee.

Proposals will be reviewed by a 13-member committee of local hope builders. Applicants will be notified of awards in early October.

Grant Restrictions

The Project Hope Grant Program does not consider funding for:

General core programs or operations because of budget shortfalls and budget cuts
Grants to faith-based institutions for religious activities
Grants to for-profit entities or efforts
Grants that supplant or substitute for existing funding
Requests that cannot be completed in one year or less or require more than $15,000 from the Harvest Foundation

Community Listening Sessions

We need your voice! What will bring hope to your neighborhood? Bring your ideas to an upcoming Community Listening Session. Our goal is to determine community priorities that will drive Project Hope 2023. Your ideas will establish the theme of this year's grants program.

May 17

Application Period Opens

Program Officers are available throughout the application process to provide guidance and support. Call our office or email to set up an appointment today. Upon request, applications will be available en Español. Training sessions will be available to all applicants.

August 4

Project Hope Grants Awarded

Let's Celebrate! We will host a luncheon in honor of this year's Project Hope awardees. We can't wait to see our local hope builders at work throughout the year.

April 24, 25, 27

Request for Proposal (RFP)

All applicants are required to read the Request for Proposals (RFP) before submitting a Project Hope 2023 proposal. Program Officers are available throughout the application process to provide guidance and support. Call our office or email to set up an appointment today.

June 5

Applications Due

Applications should be submitted using our online grants management system. Upon request, applications will be available en Español. Several training sessions will be available to applicants who need support in submitting an application, developing a budget, and a work plan. Please call our office or email us if you would like one-on-one assistance.

October 12