In celebration of its 25th year of strengthening and transforming White County, the Community Foundation of White County launched the 25 by 25 Challenge with a goal of raising $25K to fund a special anniversary grant. A generous donor stepped up to make the challenge even more exciting with a 1:1 match up to $25,000—turning $25 into $50, or $1000 into $2000!
Our dedicated community responded with donations big and small, coming from all corners of the county and beyond. It was with much excitement and gratitude that CFWC reached and even surpassed its goal of $25,000! Because of your fervent dedication, two “What’s Your Legacy?” Grants will be awarded this year in celebration of 25 years.
The “What’s Your Legacy?” Grant asked its partners, “What lasting legacy is your organization leaving in the community through this grant opportunity?” The selection committee researched opportunities, listened to local leaders, and held interviews to make their final recommendations.
Food Finders Food Bank will use the “What’s Your Legacy?” Grant to expand their senior grocery program. This program currently serves 50 seniors in White County at the Monticello Apartments and the Council on Aging’s senior center. The program provides a box of food each month to participating seniors. Boxes include nutritious foods such as fresh produce, milk, eggs, protein, canned food items, boxed meals, etc. Expanding this program will create new partnerships in Brookston and Monon, reducing food insecurity in our communities. As Indiana ranks 11th in the nation for senior hunger, the mission at Food Finders Food Bank is an important one.
According to Food Finders’ President/CEO Kier Crites Muller, “Food Finders is working to meet the needs of the growing senior community facing hunger. We added programming to meet the needs of our senior population ten years ago, and we're always looking for ways to improve upon this as the population is expected to grow immensely in the coming years. Multi-generational households are experiencing elevated rates of food insecurity - something we've long suspected after hearing stories from our neighbors and with the rise of ‘grand-families.’ These are all areas where we can improve through our programs that feed families and our Senior Home Delivery program, which targets older adults who are homebound with no means of transportation or family to shop for them.”
The first “What’s Your Legacy?” Grant was announced in May: Boys & Girls Club of White County will use their grant to rejuvenate their industrial Design & Innovation Studio program. The project initially began with a grant from Purdue IN-MaC (Indiana Manufacturing Competitiveness Center) and help from NIPSCO NiSource Charitable Foundation to purchase nearly $50,000 worth of state-of-the-art STEM equipment. The Club built a studio at the Woodlawn Community Center but did not have the funds to recreate the space after moving to the current facility at 402 Tioga Road in Monticello. With this grant, B&GC will be able to relaunch the Design and Innovation Studio program, as well as usher in a new era of focusing on career development, career exploration, and workforce readiness programs.