In the coming days, White County will welcome thousands of visitors as The Wall That Heals arrives in our community. Many will come to see the memorial itself, a three-quarter scale replica of the Vietnam Veterans Memorial in Washington, D.C., bearing the names of more than 58,000 men and women who gave their lives in service to our nation. They will come to find a name, pay their respects, learn a piece of history, or simply experience a place of reflection. But something

Leadership, service, generosity, and determination were at the center of the room as the Community Foundation of White County celebrated another successful year of its Youth Philanthropy Council program. Hosted at the historic Historic Reynolds School, the annual Dinner & Awards Ceremony welcomed more than 100 guests for an evening honoring the accomplishments and growth of YPC’s fourth cohort of student leaders. The evening brought together students, families, educators, me

For graduating seniors, this season is filled with excitement, uncertainty, possibility, and big decisions about what comes next. Behind every future teacher, welder, nurse, farmer, mechanic, musician, entrepreneur, or first-generation college student is a journey and often, financial barriers that can make those dreams feel just out of reach. This month, more than $220,000 in scholarships will be awarded through the Community Foundation of White County across five different

This picture depicts rolls of coins and ink pens in the foreground, with blurred financial paperwork in the background.

As May marks Mental Health Awareness Month, communities across the country are taking time to reflect on the importance of mental well-being. Here in White County, your Community Foundation of White County is doing more than raising awareness. It is actively investing in solutions that strengthen individuals, families, and the community as a whole. In recent years, the Foundation has made mental wellness a priority, recognizing that a healthy community depends on more than p

The Youth Philanthropy Council (YPC) of the Community Foundation of White County recently held its final meeting of the school year, closing out a season marked by growth, leadership, and meaningful community impact. Throughout the year, students met regularly to learn the fundamentals of philanthropy, grantmaking, and the role of the Community Foundation. They explored how charitable dollars can be used to meet needs, strengthen schools, and support long-term community well

“A nation that does not honor its heroes will not long endure.”- Abraham Lincoln Across White County, there are hundreds of veterans who have served our country with courage and sacrifice. Each has a story. Each carries experiences that shape not only their own lives, but the strength of our community as a whole. At your Community Foundation of White County, honoring those stories begins with listening. Over the past year, we have spent time connecting with local veterans,

"A house is made of bricks and beams. A home is made of hopes and dreams." - Unknown For your Community Foundation, the Calvert Youth Center is home. If you haven’t made the visit to our office, you may not realize the awesome history behind the building. At the roundabout corner of the Monticello Christian Church, Monticello City Park, and the Main Street Station, you’ll find our little yellow building nestled into the corner of the intersection. Built in 1949, the buildin

There is something powerful about a child holding a book and hearing a story come to life. At Meadowlawn Elementary, that experience takes center stage each year during B.E.A.R. Week, which stands for Be Enthusiastic About Reading . It is a week dedicated to sparking curiosity, building connections, and helping students discover that reading is not just something you learn. It is something you can love. Through support from your Community Foundation of White County, Meadowla

For the past two years, Chase Pekny has been a dedicated member of the Youth Philanthropy Council (YPC), stepping into leadership as Vice President. YPC brings together students from across White County to learn about philanthropy, serve their communities, and award grants that make a difference in their schools. Through this experience, Chase has helped foster collaboration among his peers while gaining a deeper understanding of the grantmaking process. “My favorite thing a

As we step into a new season, it’s hard to ignore the energy that comes with it—the warmth returning to the air and fresh green growth emerging from the ground below. After months of winter’s stillness, there’s a natural pull to get outside, reconnect, and embrace something new. At your Community Foundation of White County, we are proud to support projects that enhance quality of life across our community, especially those that invite people outdoors to gather, explore, and

For 28 years, your Community Foundation of White County has spread impact into all corners of our little place in the world, embedding legacies deep into our roots that shape our communities, and will continue to do so for generations to come. In 2006, the Community Foundation of White County (CFWC) partnered with Diane Fishel-Hall, a native of White County, to rebrand our logo. Our office is headquartered in Monticello, but there can be a perception that we excl

At your Community Foundation of White County, collaboration is not just a strategy—it’s part of our culture. In philanthropy, success rarely comes from working alone. The most meaningful progress happens when people share ideas, combine strengths, and work toward a common goal. Our role as a community foundation often places us at the intersection of many different efforts happening across White County. Nonprofits, schools, government leaders, businesses, and volunteers are

Each year, your Community Foundation works behind the scenes to turn charitable gifts into meaningful support for our community. While grant awards are often the most visible part of that work, community grantmaking is a thoughtful process shaped by listening, collaboration, and careful decision-making. Foundation staff and volunteers spend time paying attention to what is happening across White County. This includes conversations with nonprofit leaders, reviewing local data

This month, I had the pleasure of visiting Junior Achievement’s BizTown, where Frontier fifth graders spent the day learning about business, economics, philanthropy, and community through hands-on experience. Thanks to a Women Giving Together grant awarded last year, every fifth grader was able to attend this immersive simulation at no cost. JA BizTown engages students through a series of classroom lessons that culminate in a full day inside a fully interactive simulated tow

It’s a fair question, and one we welcome. When you make a charitable gift, you want to know your dollars are serving the community, not simply covering office expenses. At your Community Foundation of White County, we believe transparency is part of stewardship, so we want to share exactly how this works. Today, the Foundation stewards more than $19 million in assets across more than 150 individual funds. Each fund exists because someone cared deeply about White County’s fu

For the past two years, Mariah Anstett has been a thoughtful and steady presence on the Youth Philanthropy Council (YPC), bringing heart, purpose, and a deep sense of care to everything she does. A senior at Tri-County Jr.–Sr. High School, she joined YPC with a simple but powerful goal: to use her skills and knowledge to support others in her community. What she values most about YPC is the opportunity to help turn awareness into action. “I enjoy getting to help fund solutio

Some of the most meaningful change in a community begins with a simple yet powerful idea: trusting local philanthropy to respond where the need is greatest. Unrestricted giving allows your Community Foundation of White County to do just that. These flexible dollars create space to listen, respond, and act when opportunities arise or urgent needs surface. They are the quiet force behind many visible successes, strengthening our community in ways both large and small. This pas

As I step back into my role at the Foundation this year, I do so carrying more than refreshed goals and renewed energy—I return changed in the most meaningful way. After time away on maternity leave, I am coming back not only as your Foundation Director, but also as a parent, navigating a chapter of life filled with growth, learning, and perspective. Time away has a way of clarifying what matters most. In those quieter months, I was reminded that growth rarely happens all at

The next generation of community leaders is already making an impact right here in White County. Through the Youth Philanthropy Council (YPC), a student-led program of the Community Foundation of White County, local high school students are learning what it means to give, to lead, and to strengthen the place they call home. This year, YPC members have taken a deep dive into understanding the Search Institute’s 40 Developmental Assets™, a nationally recognized framework that