Lilly Endowment grant to help strengthen early childhood education in the Indiana Uplands region

We are excited to be two of 10 counties in the Indiana Uplands region working collaboratively to strengthen early childhood education through a $7.8 million grant from Lilly Endowment! This funding, part of the GIFT VIII initiative, will help increase the availability of childcare, improve provider sustainability, and enhance the quality and affordability of early care and education across the region.

We look forward to seeing the positive impact this will have on families in Lawrence and Martin Counties and throughout the region.

This effort is being spearheaded by the Community Foundation of Bloomington and Monroe County (CFBMC). Following is a press release issued by CFBMC:

BLOOMINGTON, Ind – Lilly Endowment Inc., through the eighth phase of its Giving Indiana Funds for Tomorrow (GIFT VIII) initiative, has awarded a $7,834,000 Community Leadership Implementation Grant to the Community Foundation of Bloomington and Monroe County (CFBMC) on behalf of the Indiana Uplands region. GIFT VIII is a statewide Lilly Endowment initiative designed to support the efforts of community foundations and their partners to strengthen quality of life for the people in the towns, cities, counties, and regions they serve.

This implementation grant, one of two that CFBMC received through the GIFT VIII initiative, will strengthen the quality and capacity of early childhood education programs in 10 counties of the Indiana Uplands region. Counties served by this grant include Brown, Crawford, Daviess, Dubois, Greene, Lawrence, Martin, Monroe, Orange, and Owen.

In 2021, Indiana Uplands counties began examining how they might improve their child care landscape and early learning outcomes in collaboration with Regional Opportunity Initiatives (ROI) and Monroe Smart Start (an early learning leadership initiative of CFBMC). In the years since, each Indiana Uplands county has established or expanded early learning coalitions comprised of local community foundations, early education providers, school systems, community economic and development organizations, employers, and other organizations. These county coalitions have conducted research, identified best practices, and developed locally specific early care and education strategic plans in collaboration with ROI, defining proposed activities to increase access to high quality early care and education opportunities.

“Thanks to this funding from Lilly Endowment, communities in the Indiana Uplands region will be able to begin activating strategies they have developed in collaboration with local stakeholders and regional partners with the intent of improving outcomes for thousands of children, families, employers, and communities,” said Community Foundation President and CEO Tina Peterson.

In collaboration with community foundations and each county’s early care coalition, CFBMC will launch Indiana Uplands Smart Start. With the support of a regional team of Smart Start coordinators, each county will receive funding and ongoing support through the grant to begin implementing initiatives outlined in their early care and education strategic plans. While specific 2 activities will vary in each county, funding will be used to create and expand the capacity of childcare centers to serve more children, create efficiencies through shared services, strengthen provider sustainability, and deliver resources to improve the quality of educational experiences children receive before kindergarten.

To advance these efforts, the Indiana Uplands Smart Start team will coordinate activities and provide project leadership, facilitation, and connectivity to subject matter experts and business mentors. A new regional Employer Resource Network will also provide innovative services to support employer and childcare provider partnerships in the Indiana Uplands.

“Not only is early care and education critical for young children, but it also impacts our region’s institutions, employers, and prosperity,” said Jennifer Myers, director of Monroe Smart Start. “Our region has united around a shared commitment to improving early learning, and county coalitions are excited to continue our momentum in the region and begin translating the work into measurable impact for the benefit of all Indiana Uplanders.”

This grant is one of 30 implementation grants being awarded through GIFT VIII. CFBMC was also awarded a second Community Leadership Implementation GIFT VIII Grant from Lilly Endowment to deploy evidence-based strategies focused on reducing Monroe County’s unsheltered homeless population.

In 1990, Lilly Endowment launched the Giving Indiana Funds for Tomorrow (GIFT) initiative to help establish and further develop community foundations throughout Indiana. Lilly Endowment hoped that Indiana’s community foundations could enhance the quality of life in their communities by convening conversations among people of diverse ages, socioeconomic backgrounds, occupations, races, and cultural traditions about their communities’ most compelling needs and opportunities, as well as the best ways to address them.

About Lilly Endowment

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 programs throughout the United States, especially in the field of religion, and maintains a special commitment to its founders’ hometown, Indianapolis, and home state, Indiana.

About Community Foundation of Bloomington and Monroe County

Created by individuals, families, and businesses who share a passion for Monroe County and a vision for its future, the Community Foundation of Bloomington and Monroe County has granted $50 million to more than 400 local nonprofit organizations since its incorporation in 1990. With a growing $45 million endowment, the Foundation makes a difference by connecting caring people, important causes, and community resources.

About Monroe Smart Start

A leadership initiative of the Community Foundation of Bloomington and Monroe County, Monroe Smart Start promotes local and regional early childhood education through high-quality early learning experiences, professional development for educators, family engagement, community partnerships, and advocacy.

About Regional Opportunity Initiatives (ROI)

Regional Opportunity Initiatives (ROI) is a nonprofit organization with a mission to advance economic and community prosperity in the 11 counties of the Indiana Uplands (Brown, Crawford, Daviess, Dubois, Greene, Lawrence, Martin, Monroe, Orange, Owen, and Washington counties). ROI is growing potential and possibility through a focus on advanced industry sectors, regionalism, transformative school and workforce redesign, and placemaking strategies.

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.

Lawrence County Community Foundation Awards $26,500 in Grants for Disadvantaged Elderly

The Lawrence County Community Foundation announced the 2022 grant recipients from the Margie Marie Pennington Fund for the Elderly; the awards ranged from $2,500 to $10,000.  The Pennington endowment was created to assist organizations with programs impacting elderly in Lawrence County, Indiana, that are disadvantaged or homeless.

 Endowments, such as the Margie Marie Pennington Fund, are perpetual. Although Margie Pennington passed away several years ago, her legacy will go on forever in Lawrence County through the grants issued from the endowment.

 “If people direct assets to permanent endowments in their wills, then they, too, can have an impact forever,” Hope Flores, CEO of the Community Foundation said, “one that goes on long after they’re gone. The Lawrence County Community Foundation can help you serve your community, whatever your interests are.  An endowment fund may benefit a field of interest or specific charities or causes serving Lawrence County.”

 “The best part of Margie’s gift is that it will only continue to grow over time”, Flores added.  “Although Margie is gone, her gift to the Community Foundation will continue to meet the needs of Lawrence County disadvantaged or homeless elderly forever.”

 The 2022 Pennington Grant recipients and projects include:

•  Hoosier Hills Food Bank, Ruby

• Hoosier Uplands, Basic Home Repair for Disadvantaged Elderly

• Lawrence Co. Cancer Patient Services, LP-Liquid Protein

• Lions Club of Bedford, Elderly Ramp Builds

• Shawswick Township Trustee, Lawrence Co. , Giving Elderly Hope in 2022

• Southern Indiana Adult Guardianship Services, Breakfast Bash with Long Term Care

Lawrence County Community Foundation Awards 2022 Boost Grants

The Lawrence County Community Foundation (LCCF) Board of Directors awarded Boost Grants totaling $11,876 to eight organizations through the 2022 LCCF Open Grant Cycle. 

 “Boost grants are great,” Kim Sipes, LCCF Grants Chair, shared. “Even though these grants are smaller, they are able to be processed more quickly and have a more immediate effect in our community. Boost grants also have more flexibility which is particularly beneficial to smaller organizations. This year’s Boost Grants cover a wide variety of needs from developing a tree nursery to educating expectant parents.”

 The 2022 Boost Grants were funded by the Patrick & Sharon Robbins Humanitarian Fund, M. Jeanette Norman Fund, LCCF Education Fund, David Allen Jacobs Community Fund, Sargent Family Fund, Smithville Charitable Foundation Fund for Lawrence County, Betty R. Hilderbrand Bedford Parks and Recreation Fund, and the Ferguson Community Fund.

The 2022 Boost Grant recipients and projects include:

•  Families Forever, Recovery Services Enhancement

• Hoosiers Feeding the Hungry, “Meat” the Need 2022

• Hope Resource Center, Expectant Parent Education

• Huron Baptist Church, Fun, Fun, Funball!!

• Lawrence Co. Cancer Patient Services, Monitoring O2

• Lawrence Co. Soil and Water Conservation District, Developing a Tree Nursery

• Lawrence Co. Foster Support Group, Inc., Storage and Technology

• Lawrence Interfaith Endeavor, Inc., Life Blessings Program for Shawswick

Community Foundation Partnership Receives IU Health Community Impact Investment Grant

Community Foundation Partnership, Inc. is pleased to announce it has received an $85,000 grant from Indiana University Health’s Community Impact Investment Fund to support relief and recovery efforts within Lawrence County to alleviate continued impacts resulting from the coronavirus pandemic.

 The Community Foundation is partnering with several local non-profits in this effort, including:

• Southern Indiana Center for Independent Living- to assist at-risk Lawrence County residents with critical housing aid such as past due rent or utilities and repairs essential to remain living in a safe environment

• Lawrence County Trustees- to assist at-risk Lawrence County residents with critical housing aid such as past due rent or utilities and repairs essential to remain living in a safe environment

• Lawrence County Economic Growth Council- to train unemployed or under-employed Lawrence County residents in locally desired skills and attributes which will help them secure employment

• Becky’s Place- to assist shelter residents enter the workforce

 As the COVIID-19 pandemic and the effect it was having on our community became apparent in 2020, CFP took a leadership role in providing rapid relief through our Emergency Relief Grants. CFP partnered with the United Way of South Central Indiana to provide over $320,000 in grants to schools and non-profits to address our communities’ most pressing needs in Lawrence and Martin Counties. With the grant from IU Health, CFP will continue these efforts by assisting Lawrence County move into a stage of recovery.

 Hope Flores, CEO of the Community Foundation Partnership, said, “It is our pleasure to work with IU Health and other organizations to strategically fund projects and programs that have deep, meaningful impact within the communities we serve.”

If you would like to contribute to Community Foundation Partnership grants that benefit local, charitable causes, mail your contribution to: CFP, P.O. Box 1235, 3315 W. 5th Street, Bedford, IN 47421.  For more information, call the Community Foundation office at 812-279-2215. 

 In 2018, Indiana University Health, through the IU Health Foundation, established a $100 million Community Impact Investment (CII) Fund to support mission-based projects and programs designed to address social determinants of health that have the potential to negatively affect the communities Indiana University Health serves.  To learn more about this fund, please click here.