The concept of a community foundation in Lawrence County was the vision of Steve Braeden in 1992 in conjunction with the inception of the Lilly Endowment, Inc.’s GIFT Program (Giving Indiana Funds for Tomorrow).  He brought together others that similarly believed in local philanthropy and permanent endowments and together they created the Lawrence County Community Foundation (LCCF).

Maribel Dyer became the first executive director of the Foundation in 1993 and worked tirelessly, on a part time basis, to help further the mission of the organization until she passed away in early 1994.  That same year, LCCF received it first sizeable local Endowment fund, the Dollens Charitable Remainder Trust.  Cindy Blorstad, a Lawrence County native, moved back to Bedford from political work in Washington D.C. and was named Executive Director in Spring 1994.  Cindy quickly became a community foundation expert and was instrumental in the growth of LCCF.  During its formative years, LCCF was able to increase its operating endowments by receiving matching funds from Lilly Endowment, Inc.  The year 1995 was an exciting time as LCCF made its first grants to local organizations.  While the amounts were small, it was an example of what was to come. 

 In 1996, community foundation interest in Orange County intensified and LCCF was instrumental in the start-up of the Orange County Community Foundation (OCCF).  OCCF became an affiliate of LCCF in November of 1996 through the efforts of Wendell Gooch, Pat Clements and Lee Johnson; and with the assistance of Jenny Kloer.

With the creation of the Lilly Endowment, Inc.’s Community Scholarship Program, Diane Lineback was hired in 1999 to coordinate these prestigious awards as well as other administrative functions.  The following year, $1.75 million was granted through the GIFT III program helping organizations such as Bedford Foundation of Youth, Bedford Urban Enterprise Association, 4-H, Limestone Girls Club and Little Theatre.

Martin County community leaders, led by Carla Harner, expressed an interest in starting a local community foundation, in 1999. With the assistance of LCCF, the Martin County Community Foundation (MCCF) was created that year.  Also in 1999, all three foundations under the wing of LCCF participated in the Endowment’s GIFT IV Program.  A year later grants were given to seven organizations at $100,000 each for specific projects in Lawrence County . 

The complexity of the organization made keeping track of finances a new challenge and Lisa Starr was hired as its first accountant, in 1999.  Still firm in its commitment to the tri-county area, LCCF obtained a CAPE planning grant (Community Alliance to Promote Education).  Washington County was added to the planning mix and in 2001 the four county alliance was granted a $13.2 million award for a three-year period.

As granting and community relationships began to grow in 2001, another staff member was added.  Joe Timbrook was hired as the Grants and Scholarships Administrator.  In late spring of 2001, Cindy Blorstad resigned as Executive Director and went to work for the GIFT Program. Marge Lee filled in as Interim Executive Director until the fall of 2001 when the board hired Shari Woodbury.

While it started as an affiliate of the Lawrence County , under the guidance of Executive Director Angela Doan, OCCF grew quickly.  With the promise of an additional GIFT MATCH looming in 2002, Orange County disaffiliated and became its own organization.

 Beginning in 2002, LCCF and MCCF began meeting to assess sustainability issues and, with much thought and research, formed the Community Foundation Partnership, Inc., in January of 2004, of which Lawrence and Martin County are both equal partners.  They also explored the need for additional partners to be involved.  The focus for 2004 was primarily on endowment building and fundraising to aid in sustainability. 

Shari Woodbury resigned as Executive Director in October of 2004 to take a position in her home county at the Bloomington and Monroe County Community Foundation.  Board members Terri Owens and Patrick Robbins volunteered to handle some of the Executive Director’s duties until the position could be filled. At the end of 2004, the Partnerships assets were $5.5 million.  In late January of 2005, Hope Flores was hired as Executive Director of the Community Foundation Partnership, Inc. and the Lawrence County Community Foundation.

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