In the heart of our tight-knit rural community lies a powerful force that unites us all – the spirit of giving. Nestled among our vast agricultural fields, White County thrives on the bonds we share, and at the center of it all is the Community Foundation of White County, a beacon of hope that embodies the collective generosity that defines our county. In our 25 years, strengthening and transforming White County through the powerful act of philanthropy has become a beloved community-wide tradition.
The Community Foundation of White County (CFWC) serves as a catalyst for positive change, channeling the goodwill of our residents into impactful initiatives that uplift every corner of our rural oasis. Hundreds of community members have made the powerful commitment to support CFWC, whether that’s through a donation, the creation of a new fund, or a commitment of time serving our mission. In a town where everyone knows each other by name, the foundation becomes the thread that weaves us together in a tapestry of compassion and support.
One of the foundation's flagship programs is our Community Cares Fund, an unrestricted fund that allows CFWC to respond to ever-changing needs in the community. This year, our Community Cares Fund, along with our many unrestricted family endowments, awarded over $74,000 of Community Cares Grants to support organizations doing the boots-on-the-ground efforts to uplift White County. Our Community Cares Grants touch all corners of White County and address a variety of opportunities and needs.
From supporting local schools with much-needed resources to enhancing healthcare facilities, the impact of community giving reverberates across generations. Every dollar donated becomes a seed planted in the fertile soil of our community, sprouting into opportunities that benefit us all.
One remarkable aspect of our community foundation is its ability to foster a sense of ownership among residents. The projects funded are not abstract endeavors; they are tangible improvements that we can see and touch in our everyday lives. It's the new playground equipment at the community park, the upgraded technology in our schools, and the improved infrastructure that makes our town more accessible for everyone.
This year, there is a wonderful $750,000 potential match available from Lilly Endowment Inc. It is CFWC’s intent to pursue the matching grant opportunity through the eighth phase of Lilly Endowment Inc.’s Giving Indiana Funds for Tomorrow (GIFT VIII) initiative, for which Lilly Endowment has allocated up to $210 million to support Indiana’s community foundations in their efforts to enhance the quality of life across the state.
We will be able to use this Matching Fund Grant to further develop our Community Cares Funds, which provide financial resources that enable CFWC to respond to both present and future community needs. Lilly Endowment will provide $2 for every $1 contributed to the Community Foundation of White County’s Community Cares Fund and other unrestricted endowment funds during GIFT VIII’s matching period, which ends on December 31, 2025.
As we look ahead to the future, our small rural community stands tall, nourished by the generosity that flows through its veins. The community foundation continues to be a guiding light, illuminating the path toward a better tomorrow. In the simplicity of our rural existence, we find a richness that transcends material wealth – a wealth of community, of shared values, and of the enduring belief that together, we can build a legacy of giving that will echo through the ages.
To learn more about uplifting White County through the powerful act of philanthropy, reach out to Director Lucy Dold at (574) 583-6911 or log on to www.cfwhitecounty.org.
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