The Western Indiana Community Foundation (Fountain County) has received a grant of $750,000 from Lilly Endowment Inc. through the Community Support Grant component of the ninth phase of its Giving Indiana Funds for Tomorrow (GIFT IX) initiative. This is one of 92 Community Support Grants being awarded through GIFT IX, a statewide Lilly Endowment initiative designed to support the efforts of community foundations to strengthen the quality of life in the communities they serve.
The Community Support Grant is designed to provide the community foundation with flexible funding to enhance its grantmaking capacity to address compelling, near-term needs in its county. The community foundation will have up to three years to use its grant to address community-driven priorities.
“This grant from Lilly Endowment Inc. empowers us to turn local voices into local action. By focusing on priorities identified by our residents, we can make meaningful, near-term investments that strengthen Fountain County today and for generations to come,” said Dale White, Western Indiana Community Foundation CEO.
The initial scope of this new regranting opportunity is being shaped by insights from a recent community assessment and the Foundation’s long-term goals for Fountain County. Early funding is expected to be invitational and focused on a select number of priority areas identified by local residents. One primary focus area is parks and recreation, with local governments and nonprofit organizations invited to submit proposals for facility improvements and enhancements. Projects from nonprofit organizations that incorporate a recreational component into their programming will also be considered.
In addition, the Foundation plans to invite proposals that address other critical community needs, including early childhood development, education, and workforce development. Eligible applicants include governmental entities and nonprofit organizations serving Fountain County whose work aligns with these focus areas. More information about the regranting opportunity and application process will be shared as plans are finalized.
Lilly Endowment created the GIFT initiative in 1990 to help local communities in Indiana develop the philanthropic capacity to identify local needs and challenges and work with other organizations to help their communities thrive. Through GIFT VIII, Lilly Endowment has allocated up to $210 million to support Indiana’s community foundations in growing their financial resources and further strengthening their ability to address their community’s highest-priority challenges and opportunities.
About Western Indiana Community Foundation
Western Indiana Community Foundation, established in 1990, is a nonprofit, tax-exempt philanthropic organization that was founded as Western Indiana’s partner, resource, and steward in philanthropy. The Foundation manages $48 million in charitable assets and administers over 375 charitable funds – each of which supports the unique charitable intent of the donor who established the fund. Annually, the Foundation awards nearly 2.3 million dollars in grants and scholarships to support Fountain County communities and is a National Standards-certified community foundation.
About Lilly Endowment Inc.
Lilly Endowment Inc. is an Indianapolis-based private foundation created in 1937 by J.K. Lilly, Sr. and his sons Eli and J.K. Jr. through gifts of stock in their pharmaceutical business, Eli Lilly and Company. Although the gifts of stock remain a financial bedrock of the Endowment, it is a separate entity from the company, with a distinct governing board, staff and location. In keeping with the founders’ wishes, the Endowment supports the causes of community development, education and religion. The Endowment funds significant programs throughout the United States, especially in the field of religion. However, it maintains a special commitment to its founders’ hometown, Indianapolis, and home state, Indiana.
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Western Indiana Community Foundation is a not-for-profit public charity established in 1990 to serve donors, award grants and scholarships, and provide leadership to improve all of Fountain and Vermillion County, Indiana.
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