Community Foundation Receives $1.5 Million Matching Grant from Lilly Endowment Inc.
Grant County, 4/8/2024 — The Community Foundation of Grant County has received a matching fund grant totaling $1.5 million as part of the eighth phase of Lilly Endowment Inc.’s initiative, Giving Indiana Funds for Tomorrow (GIFT VIII).
This $1.5 million grant includes two matching fund components that will significantly bolster the Foundation’s ability to build financial assets and support charitable activities. Specifically, $1,050,000 will be allocated to enhance the Foundation's unrestricted endowments, known as the Give to Grant funds. These funds provide crucial flexibility to address community needs through strategic grantmaking over time.
During the matching period from October 1, 2023, to December 31, 2025, the Endowment will generously provide $2 for every $1 contributed to any new or existing Give to Grant unrestricted endowment. This remarkable matching ratio underscores Lilly Endowment's dedication to maximizing the impact of philanthropic investments in Grant County.
In alignment with strategic priorities, the Foundation has also designated $450,000 of the matching fund grant to support initiatives targeting childhood poverty, a systemic issue in the county. The Endowment will provide $1 for every $1 raised by the Community Foundation for projects and programs related to Thriving Grant County, Thriving Mill Township during the matching period.
Dawn Brown, President/CEO of the Community Foundation, expressed enthusiasm for this partnership, stating, “The Community Foundation is deeply honored to be a recipient of this grant, which will have a transformative impact on our community. We are excited to embark on this journey and are committed to achieving the objectives outlined in this grant.”
Through GIFT VIII Lilly Endowment has awarded matching fund grants totaling $133.8 million to community foundations serving all 92 of Indiana’s counties. Eligible community foundations submitted proposals requesting grants ranging from $100,000 to $15,000,000 based on the population of the counties they serve.
In 2023, Lilly Endowment launched GIFT VIII to help community foundations strengthen the towns, cities and counties they serve. Matching fund grants are one several funding opportunities designed to help community foundations promote long-term viability; further strengthen their abilities to lead; encourage board engagement; and support and develop strategic efforts to enhance quality of life in their communities.
Additionally, the Community Foundation encourages donors to consider contributing to Give to Grant unrestricted endowments, which are essential for responding effectively to evolving community needs. Donating to these funds allows for flexibility in addressing emerging challenges, supporting innovative projects, and helping nonprofits facing unforeseen difficulties.
"Our donors play a crucial role in our mission to improve Grant County's quality of life and place," said Shelly Jones, Development Director at the Community Foundation. "By contributing to our unrestricted endowments, donors not only leave a lasting legacy but also help us adapt to changing community needs and support initiatives aligned with their values."
For more information about the Community Foundation of Grant County and its initiatives, please visit www.GiveToGrant.org or contact SayHello@GiveToGrant.org. Call 765-662-0065 to learn how easy it is to establish a Give to Grant named- unrestricted fund.
About the Community Foundation of Grant County, Indiana, Inc.
The Community Foundation of Grant County, Indiana, Inc. is an advocate for local philanthropy and is dedicated to improving the lives of people in the Grant County area. An effective steward of the community’s charitable resources since 1984, the Foundation works with donors to establish charitable funds and supports nonprofit organizations through a variety of grantmaking efforts. The Community Foundation connects people, resources, and causes to promote sustainable impact for the betterment of Grant County. Currently the Community Foundation holds over 400 charitable funds that support a variety of charities and charitable causes in Grant County. For more information, please visit www.GiveToGrant.org or call 765-662-0065.
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.
