Martin County Community Foundation Awarded over $92,000 in Final Round of 2025 Impact Grant Cycle

The Martin County Community Foundation Board of Directors awarded $92,554 in Impact and Boost Grants to six organizations in the final round of grants in the 2025 Impact Grant Cycle. This rolling grant process allows applicants to submit proposals online throughout the year, with quarterly reviews and funding decisions.

“Through grant funding from the Martin County Community Foundation, six new projects are on the way to becoming a reality, enhancing life in Martin County and confirming Martin County is a great place to call home,” said Kevin Lewis, MCCF Grant Chair. “As we close on 2025, we'd like to thank our Board of volunteers, CFP staff, community and non-profit leaders, and, of course, our generous donors. Without our donors, none of this would be possible. We look forward to 2026 and can't wait to see more community projects and organizational missions brought to life with the help of MCCF. Merry Christmas and Happy New Year!”

Grant Recipients and projects:

Boost Grants:

• Community Action Leading Loogootee., Prepare, Present, & Publish

• New Beginnings Community Church, 2025 Saturday Lunch Program

Impact Grants:

• Martin Co. Historical Society, Traveling with History

• Loogootee Community School Corp., Diamond in the Rough

• Shoals Community School Corp., Keepin’ it Toasty!

• Shoals Senior Housing, Inc., Golden Gables

This grant cycle was funded by unrestricted endowments whose flexible funds can be used to meet the needs of Martin County as they arise for generations to come. Gifts to unrestricted endowments are being matched $2 for every $1 gifted, while funds remain. Contact Curt Johnson at 812-295-1022 or MCCF@cfpartner.org to learn more about how you can triple the impact of your gift.

The Martin County Community Foundation is a charitable, non-profit organization whose mission is to be proactive in creating and growing an enduring source of charitable assets and to identify and respond to the changing needs of Martin County. 

MCCF Awards Over $7,700 in 2025 Classroom Grants

The Martin County Community Foundation Board of Directors awarded over $7,700 to nineteen Martin County teachers through the 2025 MCCF Classroom Grant Cycle.

The Classroom Grant program is designed to fund small, in-class projects that might not have a typical funding source. The goal is to help teachers provide additional educational projects that reinforce curriculum in a creative and innovative way that stimulates student learning. These activities should inspire students to go home and say, “Today in school we . . .”

“This year's Classroom Grant Program saw a host of different projects that teachers designed to emphasize what they are teaching and engross their students,” shared Jennifer Pace, CFP Grants Manager.  “It is a fun and rewarding experience getting to share in the teachers’ excitement for their projects and their appreciation for the classroom grant that enabled them to bring their projects to fruition.”

If you would like to help support our teachers through the classroom grant program, please contact Curt Johnson at (812) 295-1022 or mccf@cfpartner.org.

The Martin County Community Foundation, a 501(c)(3) public charity, accepts and manages individual and business contributions made to permanent endowments, including the MCCF Education Fund which helps fund the annual Classroom Grants. MCCF uses the income earned by these endowments to improve the quality of life in Martin County for this generation and generations to come. Enhancing educational opportunities is a natural fit for this goal.

Grant recipients and project names follow:

Loogootee Community Schools

• Marci Arthur, Storm Kit Project

• Matthew Birt, Lion Manufacturing

• Lindsay Burch, Do You Want to Build a Snowman?

• Sarah Knepp, Hands-On Math

• Seasonal Lawson, Reading Foundations

• Andrea Lindsey, Creative Paws: Building Bright Futures

• MaKaylee Long, Reading Resources

• Krista Truelove, Third Grade Café

• Katie Wagler, Play with Purpose!

• Tyler Walton, Water Rocket

 Shoals Community Schools

• Kari Goodman, Sense the Fun

• Aimee Harder, Fun in P.E.

• Ruby Harder, Butterfly and Blossom Project

• Melanie Hawkins, Free Build STEM

• Heidi Hoffman (Elementary), Step up to the Plate

• Heidi Hoffman (Middle School), Measuring Fitness

• Molley Parsley, Tiny Seeds, Big Dreams

• Cassie Phillips, Plant Propagation and Tissue Culture

• Sarah Sexton, CPR/First Aid/AED Certification

• Wesley Stephenson, More is Less

Martin County Community Foundation Awarded $100,000 in Third Round of 2025 Impact Grant Cycle

The Martin County Community Foundation Board of Directors awarded $100,000 in Impact and Boost Grants to eight organizations in the third round of grants in the 2025 Impact Grant Cycle. This rolling grant process allows applicants to submit proposals online throughout the year, with quarterly reviews and funding decisions.

“Martin County has been blessed with many generations of individuals that care deeply about this county,” said Lisa Starr, CFP Finance and Grants Officer.  “Through their generosity, we are able to support these eight projects and will support so many more in the future.”

The projects supported by these grants address a broad spectrum of community needs—ranging from youth development and senior support to food security, public safety, educational enrichment, and recreational opportunities. Each of these grants, funded by the Community Foundation’s unrestricted endowments, reflect an investment in a healthier, more vibrant future for Martin County.

Grant Recipients and projects: 

 Boost Grants: 

• Do What is Good, Inc., Uplands Regional Food System

• Martin Co. Treasurer, Logistical Equipment

Impact Grants: 

• Friends of Waggoners Chapel, Inc., A Comfortable Environment

• Loogootee Community School Corp., Loogootee Lions Strong!

• Lost River Township VFD, Essential Safety Armor

• Martin Co. Council on Aging, Transforming Spaces, Transforming Lives

• Shoals Community School Corp., Jugrox Robotix Game Play 2025

• Trinity Springs Mustering Elm, Courting Our Community

 The Martin County Community Foundation is a charitable, non-profit organization whose mission is to be proactive in creating and growing an enduring source of charitable assets and to identify and respond to the changing needs of Martin County. To learn more about how you can positively impact Martin County, contact Curt Johnson at 812-295-1022 or MCCF@cfpartner.org. 

Martin County Community Foundation Awarded $86,100 in Second Round of 2025 Impact Grant Cycle

The Martin County Community Foundation Board of Directors awarded $86,100 in Impact and Boost Grants to eleven organizations in the second round of grants in the 2025 Impact Grant Cycle. With this grant process, grantseekers can apply online year-round; applications are pulled and evaluated quarterly. 

 “It's encouraging to witness the growing number of nonprofit organizations in Martin County seeking grants to enhance the quality of life for both residents and visitors alike,” Kevin Lewis, MCCF Grants Chair, commented on the most recent cycle. 

 The projects receiving grants in this cycle cover a range of community needs, including safety, education, recreation, health, and animal welfare.  

 Grant Recipients: 

 Boost Grants: 

• Community Action Leading Loogootee (CALL), Gearing Up! 

• Indian Creek VFD, Breathing Easy 

• Youth First, Inc., 2025 Youth First Martin County 

Impact Grants:

• Crane Town Hall, Just a Swingin’ 

• Lions Baseball & Softball, Infield Renovations, Final 

• Loogootee Community School Corp., Boys Basketball, Slam Dunk 

• Loogootee Community School Corp., Girls Basketball, Swish

• Loogootee Pickleball, Inc., Solid Foundation 

• Martin Co. Alliance for Economic Growth, Community Roots 

• Martin Co. Historical Society, Building Preservation 

• Martin Co. Humane Society, Beatin’ the Heat 

• Shoals Elementary School Corp., Empowering Young Readers 

 “These impactful efforts would not be possible without the generous support of donors and the dedication of volunteers, whose contributions help make the community a better place for all,” added Lewis.  

This grant cycle was funded by unrestricted endowments whose flexible funds can be used to meet the needs of Martin County as they arise for generations to come. Contact Curt Johnson at 812-295-1022 or MCCF@cfpartner.org to learn more.  

The Martin County Community Foundation is a charitable, non-profit organization whose mission is to be proactive in creating and growing an enduring source of charitable assets and to identify and respond to the changing needs of Martin County.   

MCCF Awarded Over $78,000 in First Round of Impact Grants of 2025

The Martin County Community Foundation Board of Directors awarded $78,210 in Impact and Boost Grants to six local organizations in the first quarterly round of grants in the 2025 Open Application Grant Cycle. With this grant process, grantseekers can apply online year-round; applications are pulled and evaluated quarterly.

Kevin Lewis, MCCF Grants Chair, commented on the most recent cycle, “It’s really quite impressive seeing people unite with a shared purpose. None of this would be possible without the generosity and passion of the citizens of this great county.”

Daviess-Martin Joint County Parks and Recreation’s and the Martin County Solid Waste District’s grants were conditional upon raising additional funds for their projects. Both organizations raised the additional funds required to secure their grants.

Grant Recipients:

Boost Grants:

• Redemption Christian Church, Backpack Blessings

 Impact Grants:

• Daviess-Martin Joint Co. Parks and Recreation, Just Beachy

• Loogootee Community School Corp., Ready to Serve!

• Loogootee Community School Corp., Soft Landing

• Martin Co. 4-H Club Council, Inc., Building Community

• Martin Co. Solid Waste District, Kubota Match

• Shoals Community School Corp., Where the Green Grass Grows

 This grant cycle was funded by unrestricted endowments whose flexible funds can be used to meet the needs of Martin County as they arise for generations to come. Contact Curt Johnson at 812-295-1022 or MCCF@cfpartner.org to learn more.

 The Martin County Community Foundation is a charitable, non-profit organization whose mission is to be proactive in creating and growing an enduring source of charitable assets and to identify and respond to the changing needs of Martin County. 

MCCF Awarded over $84,000 in Final Impact Grants of 2024

The Martin County Community Foundation Board of Directors awarded $84,100 in Impact and Boost Grants to eight local organizations in the final round quarterly round of grants in the 2024 Open Application Grant Cycle. With this grant process, grantseekers can apply online year-round; applications are pulled and evaluated quarterly.

“Wow! Another grant cycle is complete,” said Megan Hawkins, MCCF Board member and Grants Chair, “This cycle illustrated some new needs in our community and grants were awarded to four new non-profit organizations.  We appreciate the good work being done in the community. Congratulations to all the organization board members, grant writer(s), and volunteers, and staff for all that you do to make these good works happen.”

Grant Recipients:

• Loogootee Mount Zion Wesleyan Church, First Aid

• Loogootee VFD Ladies Auxiliary, Extrication Equipment

• Martin Co. Historical Society, Willow Valley Train Wreck

• Friends of Waggoner’s Chapel, Inc., Chapel Renovation

• Historic Shoals River District, Inc., Enhancing Shoals’ Streetscape for Growth

• Martin Co. Amateur Radio Club / Martin Co. Fire & Rescue, Emergency Communications

• Martin Co. CEO / Martin Co. Alliance for Economic Growth, Martin Co. CEO Set-up

• Shoals Elementary School, Let’s Read – Library Books

• Shoals Junior/Senior High School, Ag Program

• Shoals Junior/Senior High School, Bright Futures

 This grant cycle was funded by unrestricted endowments whose flexible funds can be used to meet the needs of Martin County as they arise for generations to come. MCCF is currently offering a 2:1 match on gifts to its unrestricted endowments. By giving during this match period, you can triple your impact in Martin County. If you would like to take advantage of this great opportunity, don’t delay – the matching funds are running low. Contact Curt Johnson at 812-295-1022 or MCCF@cfpartner.org to learn more.

 The Martin County Community Foundation is a charitable, non-profit organization whose mission is to be proactive in creating and growing an enduring source of charitable assets and to identify and respond to the changing needs of Martin County.