The board of directors of Heartland Community Foundation announced Monday the availability of eight grants for individuals and organizations in Ellis, Rooks and Trego counties whose projects are charitably related and benefit the greater good of their community.

“We’re offering two different kinds of grants which are not restricted to 501c(3) organizations,” said Mike Koerner, HCF board chairman. “Our goal is to help nonprofit organizations, educational organizations, governmental groups, religious institutions and individuals with worthy projects and programs that improve the quality of life for our communities.”

Koerner said the foundation will consider applications seeking project or program support; operating or general support; endowments; seed money; capacity building; and capital improvements.

“If those are related to health and human service needs, the visual and performing arts, education, spirituality or the environment that would be great,” he added.

“Four grants in the amount of $600 each will be awarded for health-related projects through our Heartland Healthy Living Fund and four grants in the amount of $500 each will be awarded through our Heartland Area Action Fund,” said Bob Lowen, HCF executive director. “All projects must be charitable in nature.”

Lowen said grant applications must be received at the HCF office by March 14. Grant recipients will be announced by April 18. He also noted agencies that received grants from the HCF in 2013 are not eligible to apply this year.

Detailed information and grant applications can be found at the Heartland Community Foundation’s website.