As we launch into a new season, it’s hard to ignore the liveliness that comes with the brisk warmth and green growth poking from the ground below. After months of hibernation, we are eager to emerge from the cold darkness of winter and dive into new adventures.
At your Community Foundation of White County, we are proud to support initiatives that enhance the quality of life for folks all around the county, particularly those ready to step beyond the comfort of their homes and explore mother earth around them. When seeking opportunities to connect with your family, we’ve intentionally supported projects that nurture this way of life. Because we know that family comes first.
Throughout all corners of the county, you can find opportunities to play, learn, and grow together.
Your Monticello Parks Department in 2002 established the Monticello Parks Endowment Fund to provide ever-growing support to the department. This fund is philanthropic tool for community members to contribute to their important mission through various avenues: a legacy gift can support the parks in your estate plans; directing IRA contributions to the Monticello Parks Endowment provides many tax benefits for donors; establishing a Charitable Remainder Trust can provide growing support without burdening your current finances. Beyond cash, the Community Foundation can also receive gifts of stock, life insurance, and mutual funds.
Park initiatives that the Community Foundation has proudly supported through grantmaking include the splash pads you can find in Monon and Chalmers—endless fun for children and adults on those hot summer days, wheelchair accessible entrances at Altherr Nature park and Bluewater Beach, funding for a new park master plan in Reynolds, plus so much more.
Even in the schools, there are opportunities for children to explore the outdoors and build a deeper appreciation of the world around them. A 2022 Women Giving Together grant supported Sycamore Audubon’s Society’s Nature Club. Local conservationists work with elementary students to develop new skills, learn about conservation and wildlife, and just simply have a blast getting their hands a little dirty.
Churches, too, lead initiatives to create outdoor community spaces for families. The Chalmers Community Church received a Community Cares grant in 2021 to support a playground renovation. The renovation itself was a community-wide effort, bringing in volunteers from throughout the county to work together to improve this space. Now, the church holds community picnics to bring families together, complete with popsicles, a meal, and even a belly flop contest!
Take advantage of this new season and explore the many opportunities throughout the county to breathe in the fresh springtime air and connect with family and friends. You don’t have to travel far to find family fun in White County.
To learn more about how the Community Foundation is working to strengthen and transform White County, reach out to director, Lucy Dold at (574) 583-6911, or visit us online at www.cfwhitecounty.org.