Apply by the 5th of any month!
Bright Future Grant Funding: South Madison Community Foundation (SMCF) is a pillar of local philanthropy. Created in 1991 and led by a local volunteer Board of Directors, SMCF now has assets of $14.6 million invested for permanent impact through annual grant-making. A funding partner to agencies that build the quality of life enjoyed by residents, SMCF seeks to do ever more. In the 2025-2026 Fiscal Year, SMCF will make $200,000 available to organizations who propose projects that advance community impact initiatives and strategies specified below.
Initiative: Address Unmet Needs
- Raise awareness and foster empathy for people in need.
- Sponsor and promote service delivery for people in need.
- Invest in and advocate for universal accessibility and inclusive public policies.
Initiative: Encourage Lifelong Learning and a Resilient Economy
- Expand upon current youth development offerings.
- Build a robust college/career/community pipeline.
- Support educational offerings for lifelong learners.
Initiative: Enhance Physical Spaces and Interpersonal Connections
- Support efforts to preserve, protect, restore, and expand greenspaces.
- Invest in community amenities that foster social engagement and mental well-being.
Initiative: Expand Civic Capacity
- Ally with anchor institutions to plan and deliver exemplary service to residents.
- Equip residents to become informed on civic matters and to serve in public roles.
Our mission is to connect residents, support local organizations, and propel transformative and sustainable impact that enriches lives across South Madison County.
Our vision is for South Madison County to be a caring and connected community that enjoys natural amenities, an active civic life, economic vitality, and a philanthropic culture. We will pursue this vision through our roles as catalyst, connector, educator, and funder.
Our grant practices are designed to be approachable and responsible. We go above and beyond the norm in proving timely funding, useful feedback, and connections and coaching to individuals and groups that seek our assistance. We strive to make partnerships integral to the design of our programs and services. Applications are due by the 5th day of each month, with applicants notified of funding decisions at the start of the month following application.
Eligible applicants will be 501(c)3 public charities, 501(c)4 social welfare organizations, or 509(a)1 public entities for projects that serve charitable purposes. Grants to non-charities require expenditure responsibility and will be considered on a case-by-case basis. While your organization does not need to have a physical location in South Madison County, the project should provide direct benefit to residents of Adams, Fall Creek, Green and/or Stony Creek Townships of Madison County, Indiana. Prospective applicants are encouraged to schedule a Strategic Alignment meeting with SMCF to discuss your proposed project.
2025-2026 Bright Future Grant requests should range from $2,000 to $10,000. Funded projects are expected to be completed within one year of the date of award. Organizations may be awarded more than one time during a year, but no single organization shall receive more than $10,000 in cumulative Bright Future Grants in Fiscal Year 2025-2026.
Contact Executive Director Tammy Bowman at This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. or 778-8444 with questions or to schedule a meeting to discuss your prospective application.
2025-2026 Bright Future Grant Application PDF
2025-2026 Bright Future Grant Application DOC