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Starke County Community Foundation (SCCF) is on its way to a $750,000 match in funding from the Lilly Endowment.
The Foundation is participating in Lilly’s GIFT VIII. So far, more than $57,000 has been raised locally in the 2-1 matching program. Lilly Endowment will provide $750,000 if the community foundation raises $375,000 for community funds by the end of 2025. Community Funds generate flexible grant dollars, allowing the Foundation’s grant committee to assess the greatest local needs to help address. Local non-profits and charitable groups can apply for this funding all year round and the committee considers applications on a quarterly basis.
The aim of Giving Indiana Funds for Tomorrow (GIFT), a long-time Lilly Endowment program, is promoting long-term viability and sustainability of local foundations, strengthening their leadership capabilities and developing and implementing strategic programs, project and initiatives that enhance the community’s quality of life.
“I’m so grateful to all the community members, fund founders, board members, and business leaders who have contributed to the SCCF Community Fund Matching Campaign so far.” Director of Development Jacque Ryan shared. “From supporting local youth programs to providing lifesaving equipment to first responders all across the county, it’s incredible to go around our communities and see all the ways that SCCF grant dollars have made a difference.”
Director Ryan continued, “I’m excited we have the chance to grow our granting capacity with this initiative so we can continue to provide assistance to those in need and support the local organizations who do such vital work. This opportunity only runs through the end of 2025 or until the match dollars are expended so, I encourage everyone to reach out to learn more about how they can triple their impact through this current community fund match that’s only available for a limited time.”
To continue spreading the word about the $2:$1 Community Fund Matching Campaign, the Starke County Community Foundation has been hosting a series of First Friday events. The next one will be held at the SCCF Office in North Judson from 2 p.m. to 5 p.m. CT on Friday, September 6!
To see all of the projects that SCCF Community Funds have supported in the past, check out the following link: https://www.nicf.org/starke-county-projects/ If you’d like to check out SCCF Community Funds that local philanthropists have already established, you can see them listed here: https://www.nicf.org/starke-county/funds/#community-funds
If you have any questions about contributing to an existing Community Fund or starting your own, please reach out to the SCCF office by emailing starke@nicf.org or calling 574-772-3665.
