To make the best use of available funds, the New Albany Community Foundation looks for applications that include one of more of the following conditions when reviewing proposal requests:

• that the project positively impacts the community, especially in the areas of education, the arts, health and wellness and the environment;
• that the proposed project is likely to continue and expand after the grant period;
• that Foundation support would be vital or catalytic to project success;
• that there would be innovative and efficient use of funds;
• that expenses are reduced by sharing resources with other agencies or groups;
• that the project is a well-planned approach to solving a problem and delivering services;
• that the project promotes cooperation among agencies without duplication of services;
• that the project brings the community together, enriches lives and that over time, multiplies the good being achieved
• applications are measured against how many people are positively impacted.

The New Albany Community Foundation normally does not approve grants to support: operating expenses, deficit financing for programs or capital expenditures, endowment funds, religious organizations or religious purposes, annual appeals and membership contributions, conferences or recognition events.