Recently, the Starke County Community Foundation, a fund affiliate of the Northern Indiana Community Foundation, announced that they received a generous pledge from First Farmers Bank & Trust, which committed $4,500 to the Starke County Community Fund. Thanks to the Lilly Endowment GIFT VIII $2-for-$1 matching program, this gift will be tripled, resulting in a $13,500 boost for Starke County.
“We are honored to play a role in this transformative initiative,” said Michael Kuhn of First Farmers Bank & Trust. “Supporting the Starke County Community Foundation means investing in the vitality and resilience of our hometowns. The Lilly Endowment’s matching opportunity makes this moment even more meaningful.”
Community Funds are permanent endowments that grow over time to support local needs today and for generations to come. In the past year, grants from Starke County’s Community Funds have supported projects like the Dolly Parton Imagination Library at the Starke County Public Library, rescue equipment for local first responders, and new technology and care closet supplies for Starke County schools. Other grants have provided vital support for food pantries, youth programs, health services, and even community beautification projects.
“Community Funds are vital to supporting the work that we do providing grants for nonprofits and charitable groups serving Starke County,” said Jacque Ryan, Director of Development for the Starke County Community Foundation. “Thanks to these funds, people get fed, children get clothed, and life-saving equipment is on the scene of emergencies. With uncertainty around state and federal funding, local donors are essential. Right now, we have a very unique opportunity to grow gifts with the $2-for-$1 match, so I encourage all local business owners who may be searching for a way to step up and help out to donate today and triple their impact.”
The matching opportunity is available until December 31, 2025, or until matching funds are depleted. Pledges are also accepted if fulfilled by December 31, 2027.
To learn more about giving to community funds in Starke County, visit http://www.nicf.org or contact Jacque at 574.772.3665.
