Local Funding Agencies Pool Resources to Address Abuse and Neglect

Kosciusko County Community Foundation, in partnership with K21 Health Foundation, is seeking proposals that aim to serve and address the needs of individuals, children, and families who have experienced or are at risk of experiencing abuse and neglect.

In August 2024, the Community Foundation and K21 Health Foundation co-hosted a listening session to understand the current landscape of the related services that are available in Kosciusko County for victims of abuse and neglect. Twenty-five individuals representing 20 organizations and programs, including nonprofit and government agencies, attended the session to provide insights into the services their respective organizations provide and the challenges they face.

As a result of the listening session, the Community Foundation and K21 Health Foundation have pooled financial resources to support services, programs, or projects that work to address or prevent abuse and neglect in Kosciusko County. While the full Request for Proposals can be found on the Community Foundation’s website, funding priorities include:

• The formation of a local coalition of service providers.
• Programs that increase access to transportation to and from needed services, housing or rental assistance, or mental health services.
• The creation or expansion of community-based advocate position(s) that help individuals navigate services.
• Strategies that encourage or incentivize at-risk individuals and families to seek assistance without fear of retribution.

Proposals requesting up to $100,000 will be accepted from qualifying agencies and organizations until March 1, 2025, with award notifications being made in mid-May 2025. All proposals must show collaboration with other organizations and specifically seek to serve Kosciusko County residents.