RICHMOND, Ind. — Wayne County nonprofits working to improve the lives of local children have another opportunity to secure funding through the Kiwanis Club of Richmond Foundation, which is accepting grant applications through November 30.
The foundation, which serves as the grantmaking arm of the Kiwanis Club of Richmond, awarded more than $17,000 to local organizations during its previous grant cycle. The funding helps support programs ranging from youth sports to safety education and other initiatives benefiting children throughout the community.
Jessica Richert, Grants Committee Co-Chair, recently spoke with Hometown Headlines about the opportunity and what organizations should know before applying.
"All that we ask is essentially that the project that you're applying for meets our mission, which is to improve the community one child at a time," Richert said.
Among the programs that have benefited from Kiwanis funding are Amigos' tennis program and Kiwanis Safety Camp, which teaches children about bicycle safety, fire safety and other important skills.
Additional organizations that have received support through the foundation include Birth to Five, Brighter Path, Cope Environmental Center, Richmond Civic Theatre, Sunrise Therapeutic Riding Center and the Richmond Family YMCA.
Who Can Apply?
Eligible applicants must be recognized as 501(c)(3) nonprofit organizations, and proposed projects must focus on benefiting children in the local community.
According to Richert, the application process is straightforward, requiring organizations to complete an approximately three-page form available on the Richmond Kiwanis website.
Organizations that have received funding in previous grant cycles are also eligible to apply again, provided they have completed the required grant use report for their earlier award.
Richert encouraged organizations with qualifying projects to consider applying, even if they are uncertain whether their proposal will be selected.
"As long as your project is to support kids in our community, it's worth applying," she said.
More Than 75 Years of Grantmaking
The Kiwanis Club of Richmond has been part of the local community since 1920, with its foundation's grantmaking efforts dating back to 1950.
The club raises money for its grants through fundraising events throughout the year, including the annual Kiwanis Auction and InConcert.
The auction holds a special connection for Richert, whose grandfather started the event. It remains one of the club's major fundraising efforts, helping generate financial support for local youth-serving organizations.
Through its grantmaking and partnerships with area nonprofits, Richmond Kiwanis continues its longstanding mission of improving the world one child and one community at a time.
Applications for the current grant cycle must be submitted by 11:59 p.m. Monday, November 30, 2026.
Organizations interested in applying can find the application and additional information at www.richmondkiwanis.com.
