MCCF Awards Over $70,000 in the First 2024 Grant Cycle

The Martin County Community Foundation Board of Directors awarded $70,889 in Impact and Boost Grants to seven local organizations in the first quarterly grant cycle of 2024. 

“It was great, once again, to see active community members doing great work in Martin County”, shared Megan Hawkins, the 2024 MCCF Grants Chairperson. “The MCCF Board is thankful for all the donors who made it possible to fund these projects in our communities, and we look forward to seeing these projects implemented.” 

Grant Recipients

• Martin County Council on Aging, Meals on Wheels Equipment

• Behind the Wire Ministries, Sprinkler System

• City of Loogootee, Loogootee Comprehensive Planning

• Hoosier Trails Council, Inc. #145, Boy Scouts of America, STEM Afterschool Program Expansion in Martin County

• Loogootee Pickleball, Inc, Pickleball Complex Nets & Posts

• Patoka Valley Aids Comm. Action Group, Inc., Loogootee PrideFest, 2024

• Shoals Community School Corp., Play Ball Phase III

If you are interested in helping support projects in Martin County, now is a great time to make a gift to an unrestricted endowment held by MCCF. These endowments finance grants such as these. The Martin County Community Foundation has applied for a $750,000 Matching Fund Grant through Lilly Endowment Inc.’s GIFT VIII. Lilly Endowment’s Matching Fund Grant will provide a $2 for $1 match for contributions to MCCF’s unrestricted endowments during GIFT VIII’s matching period (10/1/23 through 12/31/25), while funds remain. During the match period, your gift to an unrestricted fund will have triple the benefit to our community. To learn more about the match program, visit https://www.cfpartner.org/news. To see a list of unrestricted funds held by MCCF, visit https://www.cfpartner.org/funds.

The Martin County Community Foundation is a charitable, non-profit whose mission is to be proactive in creating and growing a permanent source of charitable assets and to identify and respond to the needs of Martin County.  For more information on leaving your legacy in Martin County contact Curt Johnson, MCCF Development Director, at (812) 295-1022 or mccf@cfpartner.org.

MCCF Spring 2024 Foundation News

LCCF Winter 2023 Foundation News

Over $100,000 Awarded in October 2023 MCCF Grant Cycle

The Martin County Community Foundation Board of Directors awarded $100,348 in Impact and Boost Grants to eight local organizations in the October 2023 quarterly grant cycle. The grants in this cycle will impact youth, arts, recreation, animals, and more.

 “We had another cycle of great applications,” shared Megan Hawkins, the 2023 MCCF Grants Committee Chairperson. “These projects exemplify how local organizations are striving to make a difference for others. The MCCF Board is excited to see these worthy projects come to life!”

Grant Recipients:

• Crane Town Hall, Bus Stop Shelter for Children of Crane

• Lions Baseball & Softball, Lions Field Improvement

• Loogootee Methodist Church, Martin County Toy Store

• LCSC, Loogootee Musical, A New Background

• Loogootee Pickleball, Inc., Loogootee 4-Court Pickleball Complex

• Martin County 4-H Club Council, Inc., Martin Co. 4-H Poultry Program Improvements

• Martin County Cancer Patient Services, MCCPS Youth Ambassador Program

• Martin County Humane Society, Shelter Upgrades & TNR

If you are interested in helping support projects in Martin County, now is a great time to make a gift to an unrestricted fund held by MCCF. These funds finance grants such as these. The Martin County Community Foundation has applied for a $750,000 Matching Fund Grant through Lilly Endowment Inc.’s GIFT VIII. Lilly Endowment’s Matching Fund Grant will provide a $2 for $1 match for contributions to MCCF’s unrestricted endowments during GIFT VIII’s matching period (10/1/23 through 12/31/25), while funds remain. During the match period, your gift to an unrestricted fund will have triple the benefit to our community. To learn more about the match program, visit https://www.cfpartner.org/news. To see a list of unrestricted funds held by MCCF, visit https://www.cfpartner.org/funds.

The Martin County Community Foundation is a charitable, non-profit whose mission is to be proactive in creating and growing a permanent source of charitable assets and to identify and respond to the needs of Martin County.  For more information on leaving your legacy in Martin County contact Curt Johnson at (812) 295-1022 or mccf@cfpartner.org.

MCCF 2023 Classroom Grant Recipients

The Martin County Community Foundation Board of Directors awarded $9,000 to twenty-one Martin County teachers through the 2023 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 are creative, innovative, and stimulate student learning.

“Teachers dedicate themselves to educating the leaders and workforce of the future. They frequently spend their own money on projects that students will enjoy and will bring what they are teaching to life,” Judy Quyle, Classroom Grant Coordinator, said. “The Classroom Grant program is designed to support the teachers in their role as educators and to show our appreciation for the importance of their profession and dedication. In addition, the enthusiasm these projects create for the students can inspire a love of learning.”

Grant recipients and project names follow:

Loogoottee Community Schools
Marci Arthur, Storm Kits
Lindsay Burch, Do You Want to Build a Snowman?
Katie Kidwell, It’s Cool to be Calm!
Tara Lengacher, Accelerated Reader
Ashley Roach, Engaging Literacy Circles with Chapter Books
Shannon Wagler, Science of Reading Small Groups for First Grade
Jayleigh Wagoner, Soft Start
Ashton Kahle, Classroom Calculators
Adalyn Hollihan, Teaching Students to Cook
Jenna Rupska, Creating Artists
Joel Weitkamp, Crash of the Cymbals 

Shoals Community Schools
Kenady Bratton, The Playbook of Reading
Lindsey Douglas, Exploring Math Through Hands-On Learning
Mimi Hawkins, 2nd Grade Hands-On Weather
Heidi Hoffman, Indoor Golf is Tee-rific!
Rebecca Rollins, Wondrous Opportunities with Weather
Amanda Turpin, I Escaped! Survival School PBL Unit
Cassie Phillips, Literacy in Science
Kari Goodman, Just One More Chapter
Megan Hawkins, Fabrication and Technology Learning
Wesley Stephenson, Rockets to the Moon

LCCF 2023 Classroom Grant Recipients

LCCF awarded just under $10,000 in Classroom Grants to thirty0two Lawrence County teachers through the 2023LCCF 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 are creative, innovative, and stimulate student learning.

“Our teachers work hard to establish a strong educational foundation for our students. Often they spend their own money to provide extra learning opportunities for their students,” said Judy Quyle, Classroom Grants Coordinator. “Through the Classroom Grant program LCCF hopes to not only support the teachers in their essential role in educating our children, but to enhance the learning experience for the children.” The grants fund projects that reinforce the lessons in the classroom and excite the students about what they are learning.

Grant recipients and project names:

North Lawrence Community Schools
Danielle Fish, Sensory Experience
Karyn Key, Love For Literacy
Sabrina Sumpter, Social-Emotional Awareness and Learning Techniques
Allison Brown, Sensory Supported Safe Space
Stacy Mundy, Hatching Chicks with Mrs. Mundy
Rachel Boshears, Science of Reading in our Hands
Crystal Fisher, Let’s Glow! Review Day Rotation Stations
Naomi Trojan, Sensory Overload
Sean Steele, Advanced Tie Dye T-shirts
Nicholas Boyd, Snatoms Molecular Modeling Kits
JoAnna Hackney, Sewing Stars
Lacy Hawkins, Hands on History with Prehistoric Tools
Alita Masters, Making Through the Day
Matthew Ray, Personality Masks
Hilary Whitaker, Making Economics Relevant
Logan Felts, Hatching Interest!
Aaron Harrell, Advisory News
Amanda Nixon, Sensory/Safe Space

 Mitchell Community Schools
Kamala Blevins, Increase Academic Learning Through Play
Shannon Thomas, Fine Motor Readiness
Hannah Courtright, Light Up Heart Model
Tiffany Church, Care Cubbies
Erica Cuellar, Snack Cart
Matt Olson, Student Advancement in Construction
Margaret Sears, Cross-Curricular Earth Day Celebration

Lawrence County Independent Schools
Jenny Hopper, Classroom Fundamentals
Regina Weir, Outdoor Classroom: Food Demonstration Site

Springville Community Academy
Danielle Garrison, Xtra Math, Xtra Smart Kiddos!
Amy Spence Greenan, Yellow and Blue Go Green

Saint Vincent de Paul Catholic School
Melissa Banks, Art of the World
Holly Thatcher, Comparing Modern and Ancient Cephalopods
Spencer Wardlow, Overcoming our Hoopstacles

$30,000 in 30th Anniversary Surprise Grants

In celebration of 30 years serving Lawrence Couny, LCCF is awarding $30,000 in surprise Anniversary Grants. Between now and Thanksgiving, we will be awarding ten $3,000 grants to local non-profit organizations that were selected by Board vote.

The Anniversary Grant program was announced at our 30th Anniversary Dinner and the first award was presented to the White River Humane Society. As each surprise grant is awarded, the recipient will be announced on Facebook.

Surprise Grant #1: White River Humane Society
Surprise Grant #2: Bertha’s Mission
Surprise Grant #3: Little Theatre
Surprise Grant #4: Mitchell Community Public Library
Surprise Grant #5: Bedford Public Library
Surprise Grant #6: City of Mitchell Parks and Recreation
Surprise Grant #7: Friends of Spring Mill State Park
Surprise Grant #8: Lawrence County Cancer Patient Services
Surprise Grant #9: 630 Recovery Place / Celebrate Recovery
Suprise Grant #10: Lawrence County Larc. (LARC)

MCCF Awards $60,500 in Grants

The Martin County Community Foundation Board of Directors awarded $60,500 in Impact and Boost Grants to seven local organizations in the July 2023 quarterly round of grants in the Open Application Grant Cycle. The grants span the fields of education, food insecurity, safety, and recreation.

A one to one, $10,000 Challenge Grant was issued to the Friends of Waggoners Chapel for the restoration of Waggoners Chapel. A Challenge Grant provides matching funds, helping organizations gain public awareness of their project goals and raise funds for their mission. MCCF will grant one dollar for every dollar raised by the Friends of Waggoners Chapel for the renovation project up to $10,000.

Megan Hawkins, the 2023 MCCF Grants Committee Chairperson, commented on this grant cycle, “It was great to see the large amount of grant applications received. There are so many great projects and initiatives happening in our county. The MCCF Board appreciates the volunteers and leaders in our communities who are making our county a better place.”

Grant Recipients:

• Crane Town Hall, $25,000, Crane Community Park

• JugRox Robotix (SCSC), $2,000, Competition Play 2023

• Loogootee VFD Ladies Auxiliary, $10,000, New Radios

• New Beginnings Community Church, $2,500, Saturday Children’s Lunches 2023

• Redeeming Grace Center for Women’s Ministries, 1,000, Women of Martin County, Client Assistance

• Shoals Community School Crop., 20,000, Play Ball!

Springville Park and the Lawrence County Community Foundation

“There is nothing so American as our parks” – Franklin D. Roosevelt said, and folks who call Springville Indiana home would agree.

There is nothing like a park to make a small town a wonderful place to live; where kids can learn to throw a ball with friends or learn how to balance themselves on a bike. There’s nothing like a park to encourage a full workout under the guise of play.

Our story begins with a park. Or at least a place that needed a park.

The small town of Springville Indiana had a gym built by the WPA in 1936. It had several lovely historic churches and homes. It was populated with wonderful families. What it did not have was a park.

Instead, the town center was a mix of abandoned and neglected properties, the Spring Creek was littered with refuse from the giant trash bins overflowing with the community’s garbage.

Denny Godsey wanted to change that and so he went to work casting his vision and enlisting the help and influence of others to form the Springville Heritage Community Association.

But vision is nothing without financial resources. With assistance from a local businessman, the association invested in a relationship with Lawrence County’s Community Foundation Partnership. (CFP)

In partnership with the CFP, abandoned and neglected properties were purchased and cleared and the work of building a park began. A playground and walking path were installed, and a covered bridge was constructed across the reclaimed stream to a basketball court and a shelter house.

Today Denny Godsey has nothing but praise for the Community Foundation.

“Without the assistance of the Community Foundation, Springville Park would not be the asset it is to our small town. They have been key partners to improving our community.” 

At the end of the schoolyear, the park was filled with 2nd and 3rd graders from the local school, running races, kicking soccer balls, shooting free throws, and impatiently waiting till after lunch to get their feet wet in the stream. Under a shady tree. Natasha Breedlove was resting on a blanket with her baby.

 “It is so nice here. We come down anytime it’s pleasant and just hang out. I can walk the baby around the path as the kids play in the creek.”

Lane Kimmel was coaching a kickball game but took a few minutes to talk to me.

“A day outdoors is worth five inside. Our family loves this park. This is where we came to teach our daughter to ride a bike. She has memories here that will last her entire life.”

In 2016 a fire destroyed the gym across the street from the park. But the community quickly responded with a consensus that rebuilding was the only option for this historic landmark. Once again, the Community Foundation proved their value with grants and distributions to assist the rebuilding and restoration process in excess of $76,280 and assisting in finding other grants outside their organization.

“The Community Foundation has been great at directing us to additional resources,’ Ken Thompson, “and their support has emboldened others to partner with us as we transform our community.”

Our small towns can sometimes feel like afterthoughts when it comes to the challenges facing our region, but the Community Foundation recognizes their value and is eager to be a partner in their success.  The Springville Heritage Fund was established by the Community Foundation Partnership, Inc. to benefit the Springville community.  Since inception distributions from the fund have granted more than $17,000 to projects in Springville and the principal of the fund continues to grow.  Gifts of any size are tax-deductible and can be made payable to Springville Heritage Fund, P.O. Box 1235, Bedford, IN 47421.  Cash, stocks, IRA Required Mandatory Distributions can be donated to the fund as well as naming the Fund as a beneficiary in your will or estate plans.  Contact Hope Flores at the Community Foundation Partnership for more information at 812-279-2215.

LCCF Awards 2023 Boost and Impact Grants

Superior STEAM Grant Presentation. Pictured lefto to right: Lisa Starr, CFP Grants and Finance Officer; Brent Maudlin, LCCF Board Vice President; with Superior STEAM: Rich Schmitt, Tyson Chase, Joslynn White, Seraphina Tomlin, Owen Schmitt, Nathan Tomlin, Josh Tomlin, Iris Tomlin, and Archer Tomlin

The Lawrence County Community Foundation Board of Directors awarded over $70,000 in Impact Grants to eighteen local agencies through the 2023 LCCF Open Grant Cycle.  An additional $8,200 was awarded in Boost Grants to five organizations. Boost Grants have a $2,000 cap and are for smaller projects or general support for an organization.

Brent Maudlin, LCCF Grants Committee Chair, said, “This year, more so than past years, we had a long list of applicants with projects covering one end of the county to the other.  The committee was very thoughtful and carefully considered every application. The grant requests surpassed the dollars available, and the committee had to make tough decisions.  We know the projects awarded will impact many segments of the community and we’re thankful for all the volunteers that will use these grant dollars along with their hard work to grow our community one project at a time.”

LCCF also issued Challenge Grants totaling $24,572 to three organizations. A challenge grant provides matching funds, helping organizations gain public awareness of their project goals and raise funds for their mission.  Once the challenge amount is raised, a grant check is presented to the organization. Challenge Grants were issued to the following organizations:

·        The City of Mitchell for improvements to the basketball court at Memorial Park. Once the challenge is met, Mitchell will receive a $10,472 grant to help fund this project.

·        The Lawrence County Horse & Pony Club (Lawrence County 4-H Council) applied for a grant to expand their warm-up arena to accommodate their growing club. They will be awarded a $6,500 grant once their challenge is met.

·        Junior Stars, Inc. is a newly formed organization to support youth football. Once their challenge is met, they will receive a $7,600 grant to purchase football equipment. Junior Stars met their challenge and were awarded their grant.

The Lawrence County Community Foundation, a public charity, is governed by a volunteer board whose mission is to improve the quality of life in Lawrence County for this generation and generations to come.  The Community Foundation accepts and manages individual and business contributions made to permanent endowments, some of which fund the annual grant cycle.

Impact Grants and Projects:

• BNLHS Band & Music Boosters, And the Beat Goes On

• Friends of Spring Mill State Park, Spring Mill Tandem Kayaks

• Hoosier Hills Food Bank, Supplemental Food 2023

• Hope Resource Center, Privacy and Security

• Knights of Columbus, Council 1166 (St. Vincent de Paul Church), Multi-Sensory Room 2023

• Lawrence County Cancer Patient Services, Soothing the Pain

• Lawrence County Soil & Water Conservation District – Putting Down Roots in the Bedford Tree Nursery

• Mitchell Community Public Library, Children’s Department Early Learning Upgrade

• Mitchell Community Schools, Bringing Industry 4.0 at Mitchell High School

• Mitchell Community Schools, MJHS Project Based Learning Community 5K & Food Drive

• Pleasant Run Park, Inc., Playground Palooza Project

• Salvation Army Lawrence County, Emergency Assistance Program

• Shawswick Township Trustee, Gas Monitors

• Shawswick Volunteer Fire Department, Protect and Preserve

• Springville Community Academy, Medical Office Restoration

• Springville Community Association, Come On In

• Superior Steam (Lawrence County 4-H Council), Superior STEAM OSMO Education

• White River Humane Society, Stop the Cycle and Make a Difference

• Youth First, Mental Health Supports for Mitchell Students

Boost Grants and Projects:

• Indian Creek Volunteer Fire Department, SCBA Bottles

• Indiana Health Center, Lawrence County, Serving Lawrence County

• Lawrence County Historical & Genealogical Society, Preserving Our Past – DMH Collection

• Mitchell Community Schools, MHS Agriculture/Horticulture Agribusiness

• NLCS Robotics Booster Club, Robotics

GM Bedford Casting Operations Partners with LCCF to Provide Local Volunteer Fire Departments with Safety Gear, Equipment, and Supplies

GM Bedford Casting Operations Reinforces Commitment to Bedford Community Through Nonprofit Grant Program

Local facility provides $50,000 in grants to four area nonprofits

BEDFORD, Indiana — General Motors recently completed the national grant distribution of its 2023 Community Impact Grants (CIG) Program  to its recipients – totaling $3 million in grants to 157 nonprofits across its U.S. manufacturing communities. 

In Bedford, Indiana, this meant $50,000 in grants to four local nonprofits.

The CIG program is one example of how General Motors supports growth in local communities. Through this program, local manufacturing facilities collaborate with GM’s corporate giving arm to identify nonprofits helping address local issues facing their community.

“The generosity of GM and our workforce in this community inspires me every day,” said Mark Dickman, plant director at GM Bedford Casting Operations.” GM has been in this community for more than 81 years and we see the positive impact these local organizations can have when they have the resources to do so. Whether it’s an investment of time or money, we are committed to serving and growing with the greater Bedford community and all of the communities in which GM employees live and work.”

The 2023 Bedford-area grant recipients include:  

·        United Way of South Central Indiana – grant funds will support four elementary school STEM classrooms with needed supplies for the 2023-24 school year.

·        Community Foundation Partnership, Inc. – grant funds will support equipment, safety gear, and supplies for Volunteer Fire Departments. This funding helps emergency responders who do not receive compensation but volunteer to help people in the communities we serve, whether fighting fires, working traffic accidents, or helping with lift assists.

·        Lawrence County Economic Growth Council – grant funds will support the Introduction to Local Jobs & Skills (ILJAS) course to equip Lawrence County community members with the skills to gain and maintain living wage employment. ILJAS is a 3-week course introducing welding, machining, construction, health sciences, workplace safety, and soft skills.

·        Foundation for Monroe County Community Schools – grant funds will support the purchase of Micro:bit and sensor kits to ensure teachers have the technology needed to support lessons that meet state standards in computer science. Teachers using the STEAM lab will have access to the kits, which is critical in giving our students the skills they need to become future programmers, engineers, and designers.

Since 2019, GM has granted more than $13 million to nonprofits in its facility communities, and $222,000 to the Bedford region through the Community Impact Grants program. 

General Motors (NYSE:GM) is a global company focused on advancing an all-electric future that is inclusive and accessible to all. At the heart of this strategy is the Ultium battery platform, which will power everything from mass-market to high-performance vehicles. General Motors, its subsidiaries and its joint venture entities sell vehicles under the Chevrolet, Buick, GMC, Cadillac, Baojun and Wuling brands. More information on the company and its subsidiaries, including OnStar, a global leader in vehicle safety and security services, can be found at https://www.gm.com.

MCCF Announces April 2023 Grant Recipients

The Martin County Community Foundation Board of Directors awarded $42,593 in Impact Grants to five local organizations in the most recent quarterly round of grants in the Open Application Grant Cycle. With this grant process, grantseekers can apply online year-round; applications are pulled and evaluated quarterly.

Megan Hawkins, the MCCF Grants Committee Chairperson, commented on this latest grant cycle, “The Grants Committee was excited to see new applicants this cycle. They were very thoughtful, giving each application very careful consideration. We look forward to more applications being submitted in the next round of grants. The next deadline is July 31.”

Grant Recipients:

·       Behind the Wire Ministries, BTWM Climate Change

·       Community Action Leading Loogootee, Downtown Historic Preservation

·       Martin County Cancer Patient Services, HUGS4U2

·       Shoals Community School Corp., Learning Transformed

·       Shoals Community School Crop., Our Mission for This Kitchen

 This grant cycle was funded by unrestricted endowments whose flexible funds can be used to meet the needs of Martin County as they arise. 

LCCF Awards $26, 291 in Grants for Disadvantaged Elderly

The Lawrence County Community Foundation board of directors has approved grants to seven non-profit organizations from the Margie Marie Pennington Fund for the Elderly; the awards ranged from $1,625 to $7,500. 

Brent Maudlin, 2023 LCCF Grant Committee Chair, said “Our community is blessed to be able to specifically focus grant dollars on projects benefiting older residents through the Pennington Grant Cycle. These funds have enabled many worthy projects to come to fruition that otherwise might not have been possible.”

The 2023 Pennington Grant recipients and projects include:

·       Hoosier Hills Food Bank, 2023 Senior Supplemental Food

·       Lawrence County Cancer Patient Services, CAN – Cancer Affecting Nutrition

·       Lions Club of Bedford, BLC Ramp Building Project 2023

·       Senior Citizens of Lawrence County, Senior Well-Being

·       Shawswick Township Trustee, Lawrence County, Giving Elderly Hope Through Pennington Grant 2023

·       SICIL, Solutions Center, Emergency Planning for Independent Living

·       White River Humane Society, You Got a Friend in Me

MCCF Announces January 2023 Grant Cycle Recipients

The Martin County Community Foundation Board of Directors awarded $31,609 in Impact Grants to five local organizations in the most recent quarterly round of grants in the new Open Application Grant Cycle. With this new grant process, grantseekers can apply online year-round; applications are pulled and evaluated quarterly.

Megan Hawkins, the MCCF Grants Committee Chairperson, commented on this latest grant cycle, “It’s exciting to see the proposals submitted for educational opportunities for youth and recreation in our county. Congratulations to each grant recipient; we look forward to seeing all the progress with pickleball and more. We are thankful for the impact these organizations have on our county.”

A 1:1, $25,000 challenge grant for the proposal “Loogootee Pickleball, Looking Forward” was awarded to Martin County Alliance for Economic Growth, fiscal sponsor for Loogootee Pickleball, Inc. A challenge grant provides matching funds, helping organizations gain public awareness of their project goals and raise funds for their mission.  MCCF will grant one dollar for every dollar raised by Loogootee Pickleball up to $25,000. Checks for the match may be written to Martin County Community Foundation, noting Loogootee Pickleball in the memo, and mailed to P.O. Box 28, Loogootee, IN 47553.

Grant Recipients:
Martin County Alliance for Economic Growth, Manufacturing Day Fall 2023, $2,000
R.S.V.P. of Daviess Co., Be Kindergarten Ready!, $880
St. John Catholic Church, Gibson’s Grace, $2,000
Shoals Community School Corporation, National RoxStars, $1,729

MCCF Spring 2023 Foundation News

MCCF Announces October Grant Cycle Recipients

The Martin County Community Foundation Board of Directors awarded over $98,000 in Impact Grants to six local nonprofits in the most recent quarterly round of grants in the new Open Application Grant Cycle. With this new grant process, grantseekers can apply online year-round; applications are pulled and evaluated quarterly.

The Community Foundation is governed by a volunteer board whose mission is to improve the quality of life in Martin County for this generation and generations to come. The Community Foundation accepts and manages individual and business contributions made to permanent endowments, some of which fund the annual grant cycle.

Alan Lagree is chairing the MCCF Grants Committee, “I am very excited that MCCF has executed two quarters of grants after historically providing grants once a year. This is tremendously important in enabling us to be responsive to the charitable organizations in our community and meet the needs of our residents.”

The Martin County Community Foundation is a public charity recognized by the IRS as a 501(c)(3) 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. For more information, contact Curt Johnson at (812) 295-1022 or mccf@cfpartner.org.

Grant Recipients:

City of Loogootee, City and Town Youth Council, $5,000
Loogoottee Musical, Louder Please, $1,878 Loogootee Musical, When the Show is Over, $10,000
Martin County Alliance for Economic Growth, Grow Martin County, $5,000
Martin County Solid Waste Management District, Facility Upgrade & Equipment Repair, $35,000
Shoals Community School Corporation, Rox Center, $40,000
Youth First, Youth First Social Work in Martin County, $2,000

LCCF Announces the 2022 Classroom Grant Recipients

The Lawrence County Community Foundation Board of Directors awarded just under $9,000 to twenty-four Lawrence County teachers through the 2022 LCCF 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 are creative, innovative, and stimulate student learning.

The Lawrence County Community Foundation, a public charity recognized by the IRS as a 501(c)(3), accepts and manages individual and business contributions made to permanent endowments, including the Great Grants Fund for K-12 education grants, LCCF Education Fund, and the Paris P. and Lottie (Collins) Porter Education Fund, which help fund the annual Classroom Grants. LCCF uses the income earned by these endowments to improve the quality of life in Lawrence County for this generation and generations to come. Enhancing educational opportunities is a natural fit for this goal.

If you would like to help support our teachers through the classroom grant program, please contact Hope Flores at (812) 279-2215 or hope@cfpartner.org to learn how you can contribute to the endowment for Classroom Grants.

 Grant recipients and project names follow:

Francesca  Baglivi, Star Stitchers Knitting and Crochet ClubRobin Bennett, Engagement, Sensory, Affirmations, Extra Needs, Attention and Love. I Can Do This!!!
Allison Brown, Super Start with S.T.E.A.M Bins
Jamie Day, Multi-Sensory Letter Formation and Identification
Beth Felts, Learning to Teach and Teaching to Learn Through Puppetry
Danielle Fish, Resource ReDo
Thea Frank, Project Booster for All-STAR Rocket Scientists
Sarah Johnson, 5th Grade Store Project
Kylee Jones, Life Skill Lessons
Sharon Kittaka, Build it and They Will Learn
Lucretia Kuehn, On Top with Vex Go Robotics!
Joachim Ladwig, KB9BNL The All-STAR HAM Radio Club
Melissa Lambrecht, Regulation Stations
Cassie Leonard, Meaningful Media
Rebecca Long, Making Math Fun
Jeanette Martin, Greenhouse
Kirsten Martin, Going Mobile
Jamie Norman, Fostering Scientific Minds
Amanda Ochs, Morning Bin Friends
Whitney Reed, 3Doodler Stations
Amy Spence, Counting our Spring Chickens
Amy  Voris, Theme Park Design
Spencer Wardlow, Color Craze: Cooperation and Competition
Hilary Whitaker, Creativity in Microeconomics

MCCF Announces the 2022 Classroom Grant Recipients

The Martin County Community Foundation Board of Directors awarded just under $9,000 to twenty-four Martin County teachers through the 2022 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 are creative, innovative, and stimulate student learning.

The Martin County Community Foundation, a public charity recognized by the IRS as a 501(c)(3), 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.

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.

Grant recipients and project names follow:

Angie Brookshire, Boston Tea Party Virtual Field Trip
Kenady Bratton, Enhancing Science Curriculum
Dennis Dahlen, Project Zoom
Amanda Fischer, Food Friday
Kallie Fuhrman, Reading Enthusiasts
Brittney Gibson, Marble Droppers
Jennifer Guinn, Games Galore!
Mimi Hawkins, Resources for Learning
Megan Hawkins, Engineering Pathway Tools
Heidi Hoffman, Cross Curriculum Sports!
Jill Holt, Out of My Mind Project
Megan Jones, Podcast Adventures
Christin Johnson, Hands on Math
Ben Kent, Future Farmers of America- Get Us Going on the Right Hoof
Katie Kidwell, Good Morning Pre-K!
Tara Lengacher, Rooted in Reading
Traci LeTourneau, Fine Motor Skills
Kimberly Perry, Mixing Up Some Fun!
Wesley Stephenson, Electricity
April Sutton, Buzzing for Math
Amanda Turpin, Small Group Literacy
Shannon Wagler, Storybook STEM - Building a Love for Reading and Science
Tyler Walton, Day of Dead
Raysha Wininger, First-Chapter Friday

Martin County Community Foundation Announces Grant Recipients

The Martin County Community Foundation Board of Directors awarded over $84,000 in Boost and Impact Grants to eleven local agencies in the first quarterly round of grants in the new Open Application Grant Cycle. With this new grant process, grantseekers can apply online year round; applications are pulled and evaluated quarterly.

The Community Foundation is governed by a volunteer board whose mission is to improve the quality of life in Martin County for this generation and generations to come.  The Community Foundation accepts and manages individual and business contributions made to permanent endowments, some of which fund the annual grant cycle.

Alan Lagree is chairing the MCCF Grants Committee, “This year we introduced an open application grant cycle and the response to our first round of applications was very positive. The Grants Committee did an excellent job reviewing each application and the Martin County Community Foundation Board awarded grants that will positively impact safety, education, and quality of life in Martin County.”

The Martin County Community Foundation is a public charity recognized by the IRS as a 501(c)(3) 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.  For more information, contact Curt Johnson at (812) 295-1022 or mccf@cfpartner.org.

Below is a summary of how each organization will use the awarded funding:

BOOST GRANTS:

Loogootee United Methodist Church - $1,500 to provide toys for the Martin County Toy Store.

Martin County Historical Society - $798 to update their technology in the Genealogical Library Research Room and Office.

IMPACT GRANTS:

Behind the Wire Ministries - $3,000 for repairs and support.

Daviess-Martin Joint County Parks & Recreation - $7,500 to refresh the West Boggs Mini Golf Course.

Hoosier Hills Food Bank - $3,000 to put toward the cost of a new refrigerated truck that will serve Martin and surrounding counties.

Loogootee Parks & Recreation - $26,615 to renovate and refurbish the pool house at the Loogootee Pool and $1,159 to provide an additional adult bench swing at the city park.

Martin County Fire & Rescue ‑ $4,000 to provide essential medical gear bags and supplies for first responders.

Martin County Treasurer - 25,000 to purchase a cardiac monitor for the Martin County ambulance service.

New Beginnings Community Church – $3,000 to provide Saturday lunches for children in the county.

Shoals Beautification Board - $7,000 to provide picnic tables, 6-foot swings, benches, and trash receptacles at Overlook Park.

Shoals Community School Corporation - $2,000 to supply Jug Rox Robotics with parts, equipment, and hardware for their robotics program.

LCCF Announces 2022 Impact Grant Recipients

The Lawrence County Community Foundation Board of Directors awarded over $69,000 in Impact Grants to eighteen local agencies through the 2022 LCCF Open Grant Cycle.  Earlier this summer, LCCF awarded Boost Grants totaling $11,877 to eight organizations through the 2022 Open Grant Cycle. 

In addition to the $60,866 awarded Thursday, challenge grants totaling $8,500 were issued to the Boys & Girls Club of Lawrence County and Green Hill Cemetery Association. A challenge grant provides matching funds, helping organizations gain public awareness of their project goals and raise funds for their mission.  Once the challenge amount is raised, a grant check is presented to the organization.

 Kim Sipes chaired the LCCF Grants Committee this year, “This year’s grants cover a wide range of projects representing the needs throughout the community and give us a great overview of the work these organizations are doing. It is impressive what is being accomplished.”

Below is a summary of how each organization will use the awarded funding:

BNLHS Band & Music Boosters - $10,000 toward the purchase of a new semi-trailer to replace their 30-year-old trailer.  The trailer will safely transport band instruments and equipment to competitions and performances throughout the region.

Boys & Girls Club of Lawrence County – Up to $6,000 (2:1 challenge) to purchase AED units.

First Christian Church of Bedford - $3,999 to make the Bedford Camp and Conference Center playground accessible to children with limited mobility.

Friends of Spring Mill State Park - $3,650 total was awarded; $1,150 for equipment to be used in the Pioneer Print Shop and $2,500 to improve the accessibility of the Nature Center.

Green Hill Cemetery Association - $2,500 (1:1 Challenge) to repair and replace the wrought iron fencing surrounding the cemetery.

Hoosier Hills Food Bank – $4,000 to put toward the cost of a new refrigerated truck that will serve Lawrence and surrounding counties.

Kappa Kappa Kappa Gamma Epsilon Chapter - $500 to defray the cost of buses during the Spring Mill State Park Candlelight Tour.

Knights of Columbus, Council 1166 - $3,000 to replace furniture in the LARC common area where clients gather for lunch and large group activities.

Lawrence Co. 4-H Council, Inc. - $5,070 to provide opportunities for social engagement and leadership development in the youth of our community.

Lawrence Co. Historical and Genealogical Society - $4,605 to provide the technology needed to inventory artifacts and record Lawrence County history.

Lawrence Co. Independent Schools - $1,500 to provide gardening supplies for their Phoenix Garden Club Farm to Table program.

Marshall Township VFD - $4,700 to provide a ventilation system to remove smoke and fumes from structures making it safer for firefighters.

Raptors Rise Rehabilitation Center - $2,300 Urban Owl program which will educate participants on the importance of Screech Owls and provide each participant with a nest box kit.

Salvation Army Lawrence County - $4,000 to provide assistance to Lawrence County residents facing unexpected financial setbacks and other urgent needs.

Stone City Alliance for Recovery & Hope - $5,980 to provide bunk beds for the Men’s Warming Shelter.

Stonegate Arts & Education Center - $1,400 to provide microphones/headsets and props for their Kids Arts Camp.

White River Humane Society – $4,000 for the spay and neuter program.

Youth First - $2,162 to provide technology support for the Youth First social worker at Mitchell Community Schools.