The LaGrange County Community Foundation has awarded $75,975 in grants to eight nonprofit organizations as part of its 2024 Fall Community Impact Grants Cycle. These grants will support a diverse range of initiatives aimed at enhancing the quality of life for LaGrange County residents, from health and human services to education, environmental stewardship, and arts & culture.
One of the funded projects is an innovative rain garden initiative led by the Mongo Community Development Association. This community-led project will improve the natural landscape around the Mongo Post Office, and improve water management, helping to keep the sidewalk in a low-lying area dry and accessible.
Alongside the rain garden project, The Farm Place was awarded $25,000 to help complete its Animal Companionship Center in LaGrange. The facility will offer families involved in foster care and court systems private meeting spaces where children can connect with case managers, mental health professionals, and participate in supervised visits. Additionally, animal companionship during these visits will provide emotional support, fostering a nurturing environment to help families through difficult times.
Each of these organizations play a crucial role in meeting essential needs and enriching LaGrange County. We are proud to support these efforts and to be part of the positive change happening across LaGrange County, said Octavia Yoder, Excutive Director of the LaGrange County Community Foundation.
Phase two of the Animal Companionship Center will focus on outfitting the facility’s interior with furniture, kitchen essentials and office equipment to create a welcoming and functional space for families to heal and thrive.
In addition to these projects, LaGrange Communities Youth Centers has been awarded $25,000 to support its expanding summer programs. Each year, its summer camps in art, conservation, drama, and music reach full capacity, offering valuable educational experiences for youth during the summer months.
The LaGrange County Community Foundation remains committed to supporting organizations that make a meaningful impact on the lives of residents and is excited to see the difference these grants will make in the coming months.
The 2024 Fall Community Impact Grant recipients are:
- Brightpoint: Covering Kids and Families of Brightpoint Health Insurance Navigation Services, $5,000
- Hope’s Harbor: Overnight Accommodations for LaGrange County Families, $5,000
- Kate’s Kart: Book Gifting Program at Parkview LaGrange Hospital, $2,500
- LaGrange Communities Youth Centers: 2025 Summer Camp Programs, $25,000
- Lima Township: Howe Town Park Bathroom Facilities, $10,000
- Mongo Community Development Association: Mongo Post Office Rain Garden, $1,475
- Science Central: Science4U Program, $2,000
- The Farm Place: Animal Companionship Center: Phase 2 Interior, $25,000
Each year, the Community Foundation invites proposals for projects that support local nonprofits in their mission to serve the LaGrange County community. The Grants Advisory Committee evaluates applications and recommends funding to the Board of Directors for approval.
The Community Impact Grants are made possible by the generosity of donors contributing to the Foundation’s Caring Community Fund, unrestricted funds, and field of interest funds. For more information about grant opportunities, visit Lccf.net/grants.
