General Operating Grants

The Foundations of East Chicago General Operating Grants provide one-time supplemental funding to qualified agencies that have demonstrated a budget shortfall. The grants support daily operating expenses during a calendar or fiscal year, including allocations for office equipment, supplies, utilities, rent/mortgage payments, and other expenses associated with the daily operation of an organization. Funds are restricted to operating expenses outside of salaries and must be used for designated purposes as detailed in the grant application. Eligible expenses include service providers such as CPA, IT, web design and maintenance; licensed and bonded contractors; lease, mortgage, and rent for East Chicago-based nonprofits; general maintenance and minor property repairs; basic office supplies; utilities, telephone, internet, and water bills; and office equipment purchases or leases. The program specifically excludes speaker fees, salaries, wages, consulting fees, advertising, food, and various other items.