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Community Foundation of White County

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There’s always something happening at your community foundation – and we’re always delighted to share good news about our wonderful community!

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Writer's pictureLucy Dold

The Role of Philanthropy in Our Community

Nestled in our county seat, lies a powerful force for change and progress: your Community Foundation of White County. For many, the term "community foundation" might be unfamiliar, but its impact is deeply woven into the fabric of our daily lives. Let's explore how community foundations serve our county how you can play a pivotal role in shaping our shared future through philanthropy.


What is a Community Foundation?

A community foundation is a charitable organization dedicated to improving the lives of people in a specific geographic area, like White County. Unlike traditional charities that focus on a single cause, community foundations work across various sectors, including education, health, arts, and social services. They provide a local vehicle for charitable dreams, ensuring that investments made to White County support White County. They serve as a bridge between donors who want to make a difference and local initiatives that address pressing needs.


How Do Community Foundations Serve Our Community?

One of the primary ways community foundations serve our community is through grantmaking. Donors contribute to the foundation's funds, which are then invested to generate continued and sustainable growth. Each year, a disbursement from these funds is used to make grants to local nonprofits, schools, and other organizations that are making a positive impact. By supporting these organizations, community foundations help address critical issues and improve the quality of life for all residents.

In 2023, over $527,000 was granted from over 100 unique funds administered at the Community Foundation to address a wide variety of needs including feeding hungry children, building a new STEM and manufacturing hub, expanding mental health services for veterans and individuals in recovery, plus so much more.


How Can You Get Involved?

You might be wondering how you can join this important mission of strengthening and transforming White County. The good news is that there are many ways for community members like you to get involved. From donating to support an existing fund, volunteering time to uplift our mission, or creating a family endowment, anybody can make a meaningful difference in their local communities.  

In our efforts to expand our grantmaking capacity, the Foundation has applied for a generous 2:1 match from Lilly Endowment Inc.’s GIFT VIII initiative to build unrestricted funds that support our community grantmaking efforts. This means that for every dollar you donate, Lilly Endowment Inc. will contribute two dollars, tripling the impact of your gift. These unrestricted dollars support our Community Cares grant cycles, Leslie Grants, Governing Council Mini Grants, Mental Wellness Grants, the Youth Philanthropy Council, administrative costs, and provide flexibility for ever-emerging needs through proactive grantmaking.


Why Should You Support Our Mission?

By joining us in our mission, you become a steward of our community's future. Your contribution, no matter the size, has the power to make a lasting impact on the lives of our neighbors, friends, and future generations. Together, we can build a brighter, more resilient community where everyone has the opportunity to thrive.


Get Involved Today!

We invite you to join us in this journey of strengthening and transforming our community. Whether you donate, volunteer, or simply spread the word, your support is invaluable. Together, we can shape a future where our community flourishes. To donate today, log on to www.cfwhitecounty.org and click “Donate Now”, or to talk more about your philanthropic aspirations, reach out to Director Lucy Dold at (574) 583-6911.

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