It’s Official, CFP has been awarded a Matching Grant from Lilly Endowment Inc.

The Community Foundation Partnership, Inc. (CFP), serving Lawrence and Martin Counties, has received matching fund grants totaling $750,000 for each county as part of the eighth phase of Lilly Endowment Inc.’s initiative, Giving Indiana Funds for Tomorrow (GIFT VIII). 

CFP intends to utilize the funding to expand our unrestricted endowments, which play a vital role in meeting the evolving needs of our communities both now and in the future. These endowments offer versatility, empowering us to address new challenges, back local projects, and aid non-profits in navigating unforeseen obstacles.

Funds raised to support the community foundations’ unrestricted endowments will be eligible for a $2-to-$1 match from Lilly Endowment. To unlock the full match, each county needs to raise $375,000 in contributions from our communities by December 31, 2025. Achieving this goal will boost our unrestricted endowments by $1,125,000 in each county, enabling us to provide more grants annually.  This opportunity allows donors to triple the impact of their gifts to new or existing unrestricted endowments.

"We appreciate the opportunity provided by Lilly Endowment to enhance CFP’s and our donors' capacity to support our communities’ current and future needs,” said Hope Flores, CFP CEO.  “As the cornerstone of our communities, we are well-positioned to comprehend the intricate and evolving challenges encountered by our communities and assist our nonprofits in overcoming these hurdles to fortify our communities."

Through GIFT VIII Lilly Endowment has awarded matching fund grants totaling just over $134 million to community foundations serving all 92 of Indiana’s counties. Eligible community foundations submitted proposals requesting grants ranging from $675,000 to $15,000,000 based on the population of the counties they serve.

In 2023, Lilly Endowment launched GIFT VIII to help community foundations strengthen the towns, cities, and counties they serve. Matching fund grants are one of several funding opportunities designed to help community foundations promote long-term viability; further strengthen their abilities to lead; encourage board engagement; and support and develop strategic efforts to enhance quality of life in their communities.

About Lilly Endowment Inc.

Lilly Endowment Inc. is an Indianapolis-based private foundation created in 1937 by J.K. Lilly, Sr. and his sons Eli and J.K. Jr. through gifts of stock in their pharmaceutical business, Eli Lilly and Company. Although the gifts of stock remain a financial bedrock of the Endowment, it is a separate entity from the company, with a distinct governing board, staff and location. In keeping with the founders’ wishes, the Endowment supports the causes of community development, education and religion. The Endowment funds significant programs throughout the United States, especially in the field of religion. However, it maintains a special commitment to its founders’ hometown, Indianapolis, and home state, Indiana.

Since 1993, LCCF has been dedicated to enhancing the quality of life in Lawrence County by creating a link between caring people, important causes, and community resources.  Through our endeavors, we have granted over $20,000,000 to strengthen our communities.

To triple your impact in Lawrence County, your gift to made payable to LCCF, may be mailed to PO Box 1235, Bedford, IN 47421, or can be made online at https://www.cfpartner.org/. If you would like to learn more about the Matching Grant or inquire about establishing an unrestricted endowment at LCCF please call 812-279-2215 or email LCCF@cfpartner.org. To see a full list of unrestricted funds managed by LCCF, visit https://www.cfpartner.org/funds.

To triple your impact in Martin County, your gift to made payable to MCCF, may be mailed to PO Box 28, Loogootee, IN 47553, or can be made online at https://www.cfpartner.org/. If you would like to learn more about the Matching Grant or inquire about establishing an unrestricted endowment at MCCF please call 812-295-1022 or email MCCF@cfpartner.org. To see a full list of unrestricted funds managed by MCCF, visit https://www.cfpartner.org/funds.