Lights, grants, action! Libby Hikind, founder and CEO of GrantWatch, author of The Queen of Grants and The Queen of Grants 2, and host of GrantTalk, sits down with Margaret Leverett, President of the Board of Directors of the CHC Foundation. Together, they pull back the curtain on what funders truly look for behind the scenes. In this lively, insight-packed conversation, Libby and Margaret break down how grants are evaluated, what makes an application rise to the top, and why understanding a funder’s process isn’t just helpful, it’s your secret weapon for success.
What Is the CHC Foundation?
Built on purpose and powered by impact, the CHC Foundation, representing Community Hospital Corporation, was incorporated in 1985 and earned its 501(c)(3) status in 1987. Since then, it has delivered meaningful funding to organizations serving communities across Idaho Falls and surrounding counties, helping great ideas take root and grow.
The foundation keeps the momentum going with two grant cycles each year. Applications for the primary cycle open January 1 and close February 28, with funding decisions typically announced by the end of May, giving applicants a clear, steady path from idea to opportunity.
Who Is Eligible for Funding?
Focused, local, and deeply community-driven, the CHC Foundation serves Idaho Falls and eight surrounding counties, including parts of Custer County and Lemhi County. While eligibility is geographically specific, the takeaways from this conversation travel well beyond those borders.
Even if your organization isn’t within the service area, here’s the good news: understanding how funders think can instantly sharpen your strategy and boost your chances with other foundations.
What Happens After You Apply?
Once you hit submit, the real journey begins and it’s anything but passive. Here’s how the CHC Foundation brings each application to life:
- Every proposal is carefully vetted by board members
- Assigned reviewers step out from behind the desk for in-person site visits
- Applications are presented to the full board
- Final decisions are made based on merit
Those site visits are where things get real. They give funders a front-row seat to your organization in action, offering a deeper look at leadership, operations, and long-term sustainability.
Why Site Visits Matter More Than Ever
In an age where AI can help polish a proposal, site visits cut through the noise and reveal what truly matters: authenticity, passion, and integrity.
Funders want to see:
- Who’s leading the charge
- Whether the organization can deliver on its promises
- If previously funded resources are still making an impact
A strong proposal may open the door but real-world credibility is what invites funders inside.
Building a Strong Grant Application
According to Leverett, winning proposals don’t happen by accident. They’re built with intention, clarity, and structure:
1. Demonstrate Real Need: Everything starts here. Need fuels your goals, shapes your activities, and defines how success is measured.
2. Provide Accurate Financials: Your financials should reflect the exact entity applying, not a larger parent organization.
3. Include Detailed Budgets and Bids:
- Realistic cost estimates
- Vendor bids for equipment or construction
- A complete project budget with confirmed funding sources
Funders expect precision. No guesswork. No padding.
4. Show Funding Readiness: Grants are designed to support a project, not carry it entirely. Most funding should already be in place.
5. Highlight Partnerships and In-Kind Support: Collaboration signals strength. Community backing shows your project has momentum.
Common Mistakes That Can Cost You the Grant
Even strong applications can fall short when small missteps sneak in:
- Spending funds before approval
- Submitting unrealistic budgets
- Applying out of urgency instead of strategy
- Skipping eligibility checks
- Overlooking the funder’s mission and priorities
Grants reward preparation, not panic.
What the CHC Foundation Funds
The CHC Foundation invests in projects that create lasting impact, including:
- Education
- Social services
- Arts and culture
- Community infrastructure
- Innovative, high-impact programs
The guiding principle is simple: funded assets should deliver long-term value.
Funding Range and Timeline
From small boosts to major investments, funding varies based on scope:
- Grants have been as low as $667
- And as high as $500,000
The foundation distributes approximately 2.5% of its funding corpus per cycle, with projects expected to be completed within 18 months.
CHC Foundation Grants Featured on GrantWatch
CHC Foundation grants are featured on GrantWatch, giving applicants a centralized hub to discover, track, and evaluate opportunities with ease.
Through GrantWatch, users can quickly access:
- Application open and close dates
- Geographic eligibility requirements
- Funding priorities and focus areas
- Required documentation and submission guidelines
This kind of visibility is a game changer. Instead of scrambling at the last minute, organizations can plan ahead, stay organized, and align with the foundation’s expectations.
As highlighted in this GrantTalk discussion, CHC Foundation grants are structured and competitive. Having them on GrantWatch gives applicants a clearer picture before they even begin writing.
Strategic Tips for Grant Writers
Leverett and Hikind leave grant seekers with a playbook worth following:
- Study the funder’s mission and past awards
- Align your proposal with their priorities
- Consider applying during less competitive cycles
- Ensure your organization is fully prepared
- Use tools like GrantWatch to guide your research
Preparation isn’t optional. It’s the strategy that wins.
Final Takeaway: Think Like a Funder
The biggest shift isn’t just writing better proposals. It’s thinking like the people reviewing them. Understanding how funders evaluate, verify, and decide is what separates a good application from a funded one.
Through platforms like GrantWatch and conversations on GrantTalk, grant seekers gain the kind of insight that turns uncertainty into action. Because behind every awarded grant is more than a great idea. It’s a plan that’s thoughtful, aligned, and ready to deliver.
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About GrantWatch
Libby Hikind, author of The Queen of Grants series: The Queen of Grants: From Teacher to Grant Writer to CEO, and The Queen of Grants 2: GrantTalk Secrets for the New Era of Writing, founded GrantWatch.com, the largest advanced grant search engine in the United States. The platform features over 11,000 active, verified, and human-curated grant opportunities in more than 61 funding categories. Additionally, it lists grants for nonprofits, grants for small businesses, grants for government agencies, and grants for Individuals.
GrantWatch also offers innovative funding tools like the AI Grant Writing Tool, AI Grant Searching Tool, and My Grant Calendar, making it easier to find grants, track deadlines, and draft proposals. Members can upgrade to MemberPlus+ for complete grant details, eligibility criteria, and application information. With 21 powerful features, live customer support, and weekly GrantTalk podcast episodes, GrantWatch is the go-to resource for finding grants and turning funding opportunities into awarded grants. This post contains affiliate links.
Libby is also the author of several children’s books and companion coloring books, available at libbyhikind.com.
