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Foundation Raises $1M in Gifts

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Henry County is a little richer today. In July 2014, Lilly Endowment, Inc. issued a challenge to all 94 Indiana Community Foundations: They would match new gifts to the Unrestricted Fund for the Community Grants Endowment $1:1, or $1:2 for designated funds up to $500,000 for Henry County through their Giving Indiana Funds for Tomorrow (GIFT) program.

“We’re happy to report that Lilly Endowment’s match generated $541,382.65 to the Unrestricted Fund for Community Grants and $742,133.85 for our Designated Funds, culminating in a grand total of $1,283,546.40 in Endowments that will benefit the Henry County Community,” said Beverly Matthews, president of the Henry County Community Foundation. “Community Grants are flexible, unrestricted funds, allowing the Foundation to meet new, unanticipated needs and opportunities. Since this is a permanent, endowment fund, these grant dollars will continue to be a resource for Henry County forever,” added Matthews.

The Unrestricted Fund for Community Grants supplies the funds for the two competitive grant cycles held annually that support the work of non-profits serving Henry County residents. In addition, Designated Funds also grow the impact of dollars available for the five categories that address the broad needs in the community: Health, Social Services, Education, Cultural and Civic Affairs.

“The short time needed to earn the full $500,000 in matching Lilly Endowment dollars illustrates the value the community places on the grant funds and programs administered by the Foundation,” said Dr. Richard Armstrong, board chairman for 2015.

Gifts to endowment funds are permanently invested and the annual income from them provides grants for scholarships, designated funds and community grants to charitable organizations, worthy causes and institutions that will improve the quality of life within our community forever. An endowment fund allows individuals to make a lasting enhancement to their community, their life, their passion. The endowment tool allows donors to make a difference that will last forever.

The Community Foundation connects people who care with causes that matter through the granting process and the Henry County Community Foundation has given out over $17M back into the community. Visit www.henrycountycf.org or call 765-529-2235 for more information.