The Impact of Gifts in Pulaski County
The Community Foundation of Pulaski County (CFPC) has received a matching fund grant totaling $750,000 as part of the eighth phase of Lilly Endowment Inc.’s initiative, Giving Indiana Funds for Tomorrow (GIFT VIII).
The Community Foundation will use the funding to deepen the impact of its Community Grants program by building the Foundation’s unrestricted endowment. Qualifying matching funds raised to support the Community Foundation’s unrestricted endowment will be eligible for a $2-to-$1 match from Lilly Endowment.
“The GIFT VIII 2-to-1 match is a huge opportunity for Pulaski County”, said Kaye Beall, Board President of the Community Foundation. She further noted, “Our unrestricted endowment supports our Community Grants program, which is vital to enriching lives our communities. Community Grants touch all areas: from after-school programs to community beautification efforts, from economic development to animal welfare, and much, much more.”
Leeann Wright, Executive Director of the Community Foundation, added, “Pulaski County is a wonderfully generous, thoughtful, and caring community. The GIFT VIII match is a great way to triple the impact of donations and will truly strengthen the effect that our grants program has on the quality of life in Pulaski County.”
Through GIFT VIII Lilly Endowment has awarded matching fund grants totaling $133.8 million to community foundations serving all 92 of Indiana’s counties. Eligible community foundations submitted proposals requesting grants ranging from $100,000 to $15,000,000 based on the population of the counties they serve.
In 2023, Lilly Endowment launched GIFT VIII to help community foundations strengthen the towns, cities, and counties they serve. Matching fund grants are one of several funding opportunities designed to help community foundations promote long-term viability; further strengthen their abilities to lead; encourage board engagement; and support and develop strategic efforts to enhance quality of life in their communities.
The Community Foundation of Pulaski County (CFPC) is the philanthropic leader serving Pulaski County. Recognizing over two decades of experience, CFPC builds resources, engages people, and inspires generosity to enrich lives in Pulaski County. CFPC is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization that serves donors, awards grants, and provides leadership for community engagement. For more information, visit www.cfopc.org.
Lilly Endowment Inc. is an Indianapolis-based private foundation created in 1937 by J.K. Lilly, Sr. and his sons Eli and J.K. Jr. through gifts of stock in their pharmaceutical business, Eli Lilly and Company. Although the gifts of stock remain a financial bedrock of the Endowment, it is a separate entity from the company, with a distinct governing board, staff and location. In keeping with the founders’ wishes, the Endowment supports the causes of community development, education, and religion. The Endowment funds significant programs throughout the United States, especially in the field of religion. However, it maintains a special commitment to its founders’ hometown, Indianapolis, and home state, Indiana.