Veterans are the cornerstone of a community, providing strength and dedication to serving and protecting their home. However, many veterans often face unimaginable struggles that are outside of their control on a daily basis, such as PTSD, severe anxiety, and depression. An organization in Monticello, Courage Rock Stable, aims to recognize and help these veterans through equestrian methods. Courage Rock Stable is a beautiful demonstration of the bond between humans and natur

How do we become whole again? What is the opposite of addiction? How do we find our way and push forward? At the Comeback Cafe, they believe the answer to all of those questions is connection. The Comeback Cafe is one of the most recent additions to White County United Way and serves as a center for individuals to feel safe, relaxed, and welcomed regardless of the situations they are “coming back” from. The Comeback Cafe believes that anyone and everyone is always recovering

There is no single report that tells us exactly what White County needs. And there shouldn't be. Data can point us in the right direction. Studies can reveal trends. But understanding a community requires something more: listening to the people who live and work here. As a community foundation, one of our most important responsibilities is keeping a close pulse on our community—not only so we can respond to the needs we see today, but so we can recognize changing circumstan

Drop a single stone into still water and you'll watch the ripples travel outward, each one reaching farther than the last. Communities work much the same way. We often think of generosity as a single moment—a donation made, a volunteer shift completed, a helping hand extended to a neighbor. But kindness rarely ends with the person who first receives it. It moves outward, often quietly and unexpectedly, touching people we'll never meet and creating opportunities we'll never

If you've ever attended one of our grant reception celebrations, you've probably seen the smiles, the oversized checks, and the excitement of a project becoming reality. What you don't see is what happened months before. Many people assume grant decisions are made by one person sitting behind a desk. In reality, every grant awarded by the Community Foundation begins with a room full of dedicated volunteers. These are your neighbors. Local business leaders. Educators. Retir

Some of the most important investments a community can make aren't measured in square feet or dollars; they're measured in laughter, conversations, friendships, and memories. Thanks to an $85,000 Community Cares Grant from the Community Foundation of White County, the Town of Reynolds and Honey Creek Township are one step closer to creating a new community park that will serve residents of all ages for generations to come. For many larger communities, parks are easy to take

It's one of the questions we hear most often at the Community Foundation of White County. "What happens after I make a donation?" Most people imagine a donation follows a pretty simple path: Someone gives. A check is written. Money is spent. At your Community Foundation, there's much more to the story. Every gift represents a promise—a promise that it will be cared for responsibly, invested wisely, and used to strengthen White County in the way the donor intended. For

Across White County, local leaders are dreaming bigger, identifying needs, and creating solutions that strengthen the places we call home. Through the 2026 Community Cares Grant Cycle, your Community Foundation of White County awarded $258,682 to six projects supporting recreation, accessibility, emergency response, historic preservation, and community gathering spaces. Community Cares Grants are designed to respond to the evolving needs and opportunities throughout White Co

One of the questions we hear most often at the Community Foundation is: "If I make a donation, can I choose exactly where it goes?" It's a great question—and one that helps explain what makes a community foundation unique. The short answer is yes...and no. If you have a specific charitable passion, there are many ways to support it. We help donors establish scholarship funds, designated funds for nonprofit organizations, donor-advised funds, and other charitable vehicles

When we hear the word "infrastructure," most of us think of roads, bridges, and buildings. We picture the physical structures that help a community function. But every strong community depends on another kind of infrastructure, one that is often less visible, yet just as important. It's the network of organizations, programs, services, and people working behind the scenes to keep our communities healthy, safe, and connected. Most of us don't think much about these systems un

Over the past several weeks, our community and surrounding region have weathered storm after storm. Severe thunderstorms, tornado warnings, flooding, downed trees, and power outages have become familiar sights. While the damage left behind can be overwhelming, these moments also reveal something remarkable about a community: how quickly people come together to help one another. Long before the skies clear, first responders are already answering calls. Fire departments, law e

At first glance, it did not look like enough people. Hundreds of panels, tents, supplies, tables, equipment, and logistical pieces stood waiting at the White County 4-H Fairgrounds as setup for The Wall That Heals began. Volunteers worked steadily in the summer heat, but it quickly became clear that more hands were needed. For a moment, there was uncertainty. We will be able to set up this historic memorial? Then the calls started. The City of Monticello sent employees fr

When The Wall That Heals visited Reynolds, thousands of visitors came to honor the men and women whose names appear on the Vietnam Veterans Memorial. Among the many stories shared throughout the exhibit was a special tribute dedicated to eight women whose service and sacrifice are permanently remembered on the Wall. Many visitors are surprised to learn that eight women lost their lives while serving in Vietnam. Most were nurses who cared for wounded service members in challe

In the coming days, White County will welcome thousands of visitors as The Wall That Heals arrives in our community. Many will come to see the memorial itself, a three-quarter scale replica of the Vietnam Veterans Memorial in Washington, D.C., bearing the names of more than 58,000 men and women who gave their lives in service to our nation. They will come to find a name, pay their respects, learn a piece of history, or simply experience a place of reflection. But something

Leadership, service, generosity, and determination were at the center of the room as the Community Foundation of White County celebrated another successful year of its Youth Philanthropy Council program. Hosted at the historic Historic Reynolds School, the annual Dinner & Awards Ceremony welcomed more than 100 guests for an evening honoring the accomplishments and growth of YPC’s fourth cohort of student leaders. The evening brought together students, families, educators, me

For graduating seniors, this season is filled with excitement, uncertainty, possibility, and big decisions about what comes next. Behind every future teacher, welder, nurse, farmer, mechanic, musician, entrepreneur, or first-generation college student is a journey and often, financial barriers that can make those dreams feel just out of reach. This month, more than $220,000 in scholarships will be awarded through the Community Foundation of White County across five different

This picture depicts rolls of coins and ink pens in the foreground, with blurred financial paperwork in the background.

As May marks Mental Health Awareness Month, communities across the country are taking time to reflect on the importance of mental well-being. Here in White County, your Community Foundation of White County is doing more than raising awareness. It is actively investing in solutions that strengthen individuals, families, and the community as a whole. In recent years, the Foundation has made mental wellness a priority, recognizing that a healthy community depends on more than p

The Youth Philanthropy Council (YPC) of the Community Foundation of White County recently held its final meeting of the school year, closing out a season marked by growth, leadership, and meaningful community impact. Throughout the year, students met regularly to learn the fundamentals of philanthropy, grantmaking, and the role of the Community Foundation. They explored how charitable dollars can be used to meet needs, strengthen schools, and support long-term community well

“A nation that does not honor its heroes will not long endure.”- Abraham Lincoln Across White County, there are hundreds of veterans who have served our country with courage and sacrifice. Each has a story. Each carries experiences that shape not only their own lives, but the strength of our community as a whole. At your Community Foundation of White County, honoring those stories begins with listening. Over the past year, we have spent time connecting with local veterans,

"A house is made of bricks and beams. A home is made of hopes and dreams." - Unknown For your Community Foundation, the Calvert Youth Center is home. If you haven’t made the visit to our office, you may not realize the awesome history behind the building. At the roundabout corner of the Monticello Christian Church, Monticello City Park, and the Main Street Station, you’ll find our little yellow building nestled into the corner of the intersection. Built in 1949, the buildin

There is something powerful about a child holding a book and hearing a story come to life. At Meadowlawn Elementary, that experience takes center stage each year during B.E.A.R. Week, which stands for Be Enthusiastic About Reading . It is a week dedicated to sparking curiosity, building connections, and helping students discover that reading is not just something you learn. It is something you can love. Through support from your Community Foundation of White County, Meadowla

For the past two years, Chase Pekny has been a dedicated member of the Youth Philanthropy Council (YPC), stepping into leadership as Vice President. YPC brings together students from across White County to learn about philanthropy, serve their communities, and award grants that make a difference in their schools. Through this experience, Chase has helped foster collaboration among his peers while gaining a deeper understanding of the grantmaking process. “My favorite thing a

As we step into a new season, it’s hard to ignore the energy that comes with it—the warmth returning to the air and fresh green growth emerging from the ground below. After months of winter’s stillness, there’s a natural pull to get outside, reconnect, and embrace something new. At your Community Foundation of White County, we are proud to support projects that enhance quality of life across our community, especially those that invite people outdoors to gather, explore, and

For 28 years, your Community Foundation of White County has spread impact into all corners of our little place in the world, embedding legacies deep into our roots that shape our communities, and will continue to do so for generations to come. In 2006, the Community Foundation of White County (CFWC) partnered with Diane Fishel-Hall, a native of White County, to rebrand our logo. Our office is headquartered in Monticello, but there can be a perception that we excl

At your Community Foundation of White County, collaboration is not just a strategy—it’s part of our culture. In philanthropy, success rarely comes from working alone. The most meaningful progress happens when people share ideas, combine strengths, and work toward a common goal. Our role as a community foundation often places us at the intersection of many different efforts happening across White County. Nonprofits, schools, government leaders, businesses, and volunteers are

Each year, your Community Foundation works behind the scenes to turn charitable gifts into meaningful support for our community. While grant awards are often the most visible part of that work, community grantmaking is a thoughtful process shaped by listening, collaboration, and careful decision-making. Foundation staff and volunteers spend time paying attention to what is happening across White County. This includes conversations with nonprofit leaders, reviewing local data

This month, I had the pleasure of visiting Junior Achievement’s BizTown, where Frontier fifth graders spent the day learning about business, economics, philanthropy, and community through hands-on experience. Thanks to a Women Giving Together grant awarded last year, every fifth grader was able to attend this immersive simulation at no cost. JA BizTown engages students through a series of classroom lessons that culminate in a full day inside a fully interactive simulated tow

It’s a fair question, and one we welcome. When you make a charitable gift, you want to know your dollars are serving the community, not simply covering office expenses. At your Community Foundation of White County, we believe transparency is part of stewardship, so we want to share exactly how this works. Today, the Foundation stewards more than $19 million in assets across more than 150 individual funds. Each fund exists because someone cared deeply about White County’s fu

For the past two years, Mariah Anstett has been a thoughtful and steady presence on the Youth Philanthropy Council (YPC), bringing heart, purpose, and a deep sense of care to everything she does. A senior at Tri-County Jr.–Sr. High School, she joined YPC with a simple but powerful goal: to use her skills and knowledge to support others in her community. What she values most about YPC is the opportunity to help turn awareness into action. “I enjoy getting to help fund solutio

Some of the most meaningful change in a community begins with a simple yet powerful idea: trusting local philanthropy to respond where the need is greatest. Unrestricted giving allows your Community Foundation of White County to do just that. These flexible dollars create space to listen, respond, and act when opportunities arise or urgent needs surface. They are the quiet force behind many visible successes, strengthening our community in ways both large and small. This pas

As I step back into my role at the Foundation this year, I do so carrying more than refreshed goals and renewed energy—I return changed in the most meaningful way. After time away on maternity leave, I am coming back not only as your Foundation Director, but also as a parent, navigating a chapter of life filled with growth, learning, and perspective. Time away has a way of clarifying what matters most. In those quieter months, I was reminded that growth rarely happens all at

The next generation of community leaders is already making an impact right here in White County. Through the Youth Philanthropy Council (YPC), a student-led program of the Community Foundation of White County, local high school students are learning what it means to give, to lead, and to strengthen the place they call home. This year, YPC members have taken a deep dive into understanding the Search Institute’s 40 Developmental Assets™, a nationally recognized framework that

In moments of loss, it can be difficult to find the right way to honor a life that deeply touched our own. For many families, a memorial gift to the Community Foundation of White County offers a meaningful way to celebrate the values, passions, and legacy of someone special—transforming grief into hope and remembrance into impact. A memorial gift is more than a donation; it’s a tribute that continues to make a difference in the community your loved one called home. These gif

As we gather around our tables this Thanksgiving season, our hearts are full of gratitude—for the people, partnerships, and purpose that make White County such a special place to call home. At your Community Foundation of White County, we are especially thankful for the incredible generosity of our donors who helped us reach a remarkable milestone this year: together, we raised $375,000 in unrestricted gifts, unlocking a $750,000 match and creating a total of $1.125 million

As the holiday season approaches, your Community Foundation of White County invites you to join us for our Annual Holiday Grants Reception—an evening dedicated to celebrating generosity, partnership, and the incredible work happening across our community. When: Tuesday, December 3, 2025 | Doors open at 6:30 p.m. | Program begins at 7:00 p.m. Where: Tippecanoe Country Club | 3267 N. West Shafer Drive, Monticello This special gathering brings together community leaders, donor

As we draw nearer to the close of the year and the festive season fills our hearts with joy, it’s the perfect time to reflect on the blessings we’ve received and the ways we can give back to the community we love. At your Community Foundation of White County, we’re filled with gratitude for the generosity that uplifts our neighbors, strengthens our shared future, and continues to transform lives across our county. Giving at the end of the year is a meaningful way to support

The Community Foundation of White County is proud to announce more than $58,000 in Mental Wellness Grants awarded to local organizations working to strengthen the health and wellbeing of our community. Following several years of local data collection and collaboration around community health, the Foundation launched this strategic effort to invest in projects that expand access to mental health services, reduce stigma, build protective factors for youth, and uplift evidence

As Halloween approaches and the air fills with spooky thrills, let’s chat about something that might send shivers down your spine: your will! Believe it or not, over 70% of people don’t have a will, and that’s a frightful thought indeed. But don’t let it haunt you! A will is simply a helpful tool, and creating one is easier than you might think. Here’s a ghoulishly good list of “don’ts” to guide you through this important process: 1. Don’t Delay Like a Wandering Ghost Procr

Each year, your Community Foundation of White County empowers its Governing Council members to play a hands-on role in strengthening our community through Governing Council Mini Grants. These $1000 grants allow each member to identify a local project or program that resonates with their personal passions — bringing their own leadership and insight to the grantmaking process. Funded through the Foundation’s unrestricted donations, these grants are a shining example of how fle

The autumn season set the perfect backdrop as about 30 people gathered at Whyte Horse Winery for an evening of fellowship, food, and philanthropy. The Women Giving Together (WGT) Graze & Gather event, hosted by the Community Foundation of White County, celebrated connection and community impact among those who care deeply about White County’s future. With charming Halloween décor, a full taco bar, and the warmth of the winery’s hospitality, guests enjoyed a cozy, intimate at

We’ve reached my favorite time of year when the leaves begin to crunch under our feet, mother nature boasts her showstopping colors, and spooky pumpkins adorn most neighborhood porches. It’s hard not to smile through this season of change. For our local farmers, the chill in the air signals harvest. Combines move steadily along country roads, carrying the great responsibility of tending to thousands of acres of farmland. Farming demands long, strenuous hours and carries b

When we think of philanthropy, it’s easy to picture giving to large, well-known national organizations. And there’s no question that...

After many wonderful years of gathering hundreds of women at our annual luncheon, Women Giving Together is embracing a new rhythm in 2025—one that brings us closer together. Our Graze & Gather series offers smaller, more intimate opportunities to connect, share stories, and deepen our commitment to the women and families of White County. We’re excited to invite you to our fall Graze & Gather on Tuesday, October 7, from 4–6 PM at Whyte Horse Winery in Monticello . Guests wi

We are thrilled to announce the recipients of the Community Foundation of White County’s Community Cares Round 2 Grants, totaling $45,000. Community Cares Grants, funded by unrestricted donations to the Community Foundation, are designed to address a wide range of community needs such as youth education, historic preservation, civic engagement, and so much more. General unrestricted gifts are placed into the Community Cares Fund, an endowment that supports these granting opp

Did you know that your retirement account can be a powerful tool for charitable giving? If you are 70½ or older, you are eligible to make...

The Community Foundation of White County is thrilled to announce that we have met our ambitious goal of raising $375,000 in unrestricted...

The Community Foundation of White County is proud to welcome the fourth cohort of the Youth Philanthropy Council (YPC) consisting of 21...

What are the different ways that someone can give to a community? Does it need to be strictly financial, or could it be a service? It’s...

When your Community Foundation of White County introduced the Leslie Grants in 2024, we knew even small dollars could make a mighty...