The Community Foundation of White County (an affiliate of The Community Foundation of
Greater Lafayette) and the Community Foundation of Pulaski County have received a $50,000 planning grant as part of the eighth phase of Lilly Endowment Inc.’s initiative, Giving Indiana Funds for Tomorrow (GIFT VIII). With the grant, the two Community Foundations will join forces to address the childcare desert in our rural communities. This regional effort will
continue to build upon the work begun by the childcare coalitions in Pulaski and White counties.
The Community Foundation of Pulaski County and the Community Foundation of White County are two of 92 community foundations and affiliate funds in Indiana receiving planning grants through GIFT VIII. These grants are designed to help community foundations collaborate with local partners to engage broad and diverse stakeholders in their communities and deepen their understanding of their communities’ highest-priority challenges and opportunities. In 2024, both Community Foundations will have the opportunity to request joint funding to implement strategic initiatives and activities developed during the planning period that address especially compelling needs in the region.
“I am excited to partner with my colleagues in White County, as the need for childcare does not begin or end at the county line,” said Leeann Wright, Executive Director of the Community Foundation of Pulaski County. Lucy Dold, Executive Director of the Community Foundation of White County, added, “It’s not every day that you are given the opportunity and resources to address complex community issues. We are grateful and eager to dive deep into these regional needs to find creative, sustainable solutions that make a lasting impact.”
The planning grant activities include a needs assessment, data analysis, and the development of a whitepaper on creative solutions to meet the need for quality childcare in the area. The planning grant will also enable the two counties’ coalitions to embark on-site visits to other communities to learn more about childcare business models, collaborative projects, and what best practices are in developing sustainable solutions for childcare needs.
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.
To learn more about GIFT VIII, please visit Lilly Endowment’s website at www.lillyendowment.org.
Lilly Endowment Inc. is an Indianapolis-based, private foundation created in 1937 by J.K. Lilly Sr. and sons J.K. Jr. and Eli through gifts of stock in their pharmaceutical business, Eli Lilly and Company. While those gifts remain the financial bedrock of the Endowment, the Endowment is a separate entity from the company, with a distinct governing board, staff, and location. Although the Endowment funds programs throughout the United States, especially in the field of religion, it maintains a special commitment to its hometown, Indianapolis, and home state, Indiana.
The Community Foundation White County (CFWC) believes in the transformational power of collective action. Serving White County for over 25 years, CFWC has been steadfast in its commitment to strengthening and transforming the community by fostering charitable giving, philanthropic aspirations, and leadership. CFWC is a lasting beacon of hope, recognized by hundreds of donors and community partners to ignite positive change through strategic initiatives, impactful grantmaking, and visionary leadership efforts. Visit
www.cfwhitecounty.org to learn more.
The Community Foundation of Pulaski County, Inc. (CFPC) is the philanthropic leader serving Pulaski County. Recognizing over two decades of experience, CFPC builds resources, engages people, and inspires generosity to enrich lives in Pulaski County. CFPC is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization that serves donors, awards grants, and provides leadership for community engagement. For more information, visit www.cfopc.org.