The Friends of the Bantam Jeep Association will award money to Butler County nonprofits and is currently seeking applications.

The program, currently in its fourth year, has awarded more than $75,000 to 501c3 nonprofit organizations in the county.

The deadline to apply for organizations seeking gifts is Sept. 30.

“The association's board of directors feels very strongly about giving back to our community,” said Todd Wagner, president of the Friends of the Bantam Jeep Association. “It's been amazing to see all of the great things local nonprofits have been doing in Butler County over the last few years. They work extremely hard to make a difference.”

Any 501c3 nonprofit interested in applying must do so online at http://www.bantamjeepfestival.com/financial-gift-application. In the application, organizations must explain in 500 words or less how they benefit the community and how potential funds rewarded would be used.

Applicants must provide proof of nonprofit 501c3 status. After gifts are awarded, groups are expected to provide updates on their projects' progress or completion. They must provide photos to demonstrate how the gifts affected their organization.

“Gifts will be distributed based on need and how the gift benefits the community,” Wagner said. Wagner said that last year's gifts ranged from $500 to $2,200. The association will award one $2,500 gift on behalf of Omix-ADA, a top festival sponsor that raised funds by selling merchandise at the 2019 festival. The jeep festival is held each June in Butler.