Community Foundation of Howard County Empowers Local Nonprofits Through Strategic Grantmaking
In an era where securing funding is increasingly challenging for local nonprofits, the Community Foundation of Howard County is proud to stand as a steadfast partner, supporting vital organizations in addressing their unique needs and initiatives.
The Foundation offers support through competitive grant cycles held four times a year. During each cycle, local nonprofits are invited to apply for funding to support programs and services that benefit the Howard County community. Every application undergoes a thorough review process by the Foundation’s Grants Committee, which carefully evaluates each request before making funding decisions.
The Committee’s decisions are guided by a deliberate and strategic approach, ensuring that the available funds are allocated to maximize community impact. This thoughtful stewardship is made possible by the generous contributions of donors who entrust their charitable visions to the Foundation.
"We are deeply committed to supporting the incredible work of our local nonprofits," said Joe Dunbar, Chair of the Grants Committee. "Each grant we award represents our belief in the power of community-driven initiatives to bring about meaningful change. We are grateful to our donors whose generosity makes this possible and to the nonprofit organizations whose dedication and innovation continue to inspire us."
The Foundation announced that from January to June 2024, they have awarded over $280,000 from their Unrestricted Community Endowment Funds and Field of Interest Funds combined. These grants will empower local agencies and programs to continue their essential work in enhancing the well-being of our community.
The following organizations have been awarded grants:
• Coordinated Assistance Ministries $40,000 for Howard County Connect Transportation Service
• Carver Community Center $20,000 for Closing the Gap Summer Camp 2024
• Fellowship of Hope Club, Inc. $15,000 for Kitchen Remodel
• Food Finders Food Bank $4,500 for Mobile Pantries in Howard County
• Foster Faith $5,000 for Storing and Organizing new necessity items for foster children
• Gilead House $28,000 for Fire Suppression Hood for New Kitchen
• Greater Kokomo Economic Development Alliance $25,000 for cross-cultural training resources for Kokomo community and Korean business travelers
• Indiana University Foundation $50,000 for Kokomo Experience and You (KEY) program
• Kokomo Park Band $5,000 for “Engaging the Community in Music for All”
• Narrow Gate Horse Ranch $4,680 bringing programming to Kinsey Youth Center
• Sagamore Council, Boy Scouts of America $20,000 for Eliminating Barriers to Access through Scoutreach
• Salvation Army $13,000 for Food Pantry and Financial Assistance Programs
• Stars of Light Chapel $10,000 for the GAP program – food, medical needs, clothing needs, and utilities
• Turnabout Community Resource Center $20,000 for Pathways to Recovery
• United Way of Howard County $25,000 for Buddy Bags for 300 school age children
“We extend our deepest gratitude to our donors for their unwavering support and to our nonprofit partners for their dedication to making Howard County a better place for all.”. Said Todd Moser, President at the Community Foundation, “Together, we are fostering a brighter future and stronger community.”
Many of the grants listed come from Unrestricted Community Endowment Funds. Thanks to Lilly Endowment Inc., the Community Foundation of Howard County has an opportunity to receive a gift match of $2 for every $1 donated to Unrestricted Community Endowment Funds. This match runs until December 31, 2025, or until the match qualification of $750,000 in donations to Unrestricted Funds is met.
To give to an Unrestricted Community Endowment Fund at the Foundation visit cfhoward.org/give-now. If you’re interested in establishing a named Unrestricted Community Endowment Fund contact Senior Vice President, Emerald Blankenship, at emerald@cfhoward.org or (765) 454-7298.
For more information about the Community Foundation of Howard County and their grantmaking initiatives, visit www.cfhoward.org or get in touch with the Foundation team at (765) 454-7298 or info@cfhoward.org.