When I started working for the LaGrange County Community Foundation, I heard a familiar question: “What is a Community Foundation?”
In my many years in the workforce, I have had a variety of jobs. Many that I do today as the Marketing & Community Engagement Manager. But working for a nonprofit in this capacity was new for me. So, this was a great question to answer for myself as well.
A community foundation is a tax-exempt, nonprofit organization composed, primarily, of permanent funds created by many separate donors for the long-term benefit of the residents of a specific geographic area. Our geographic focus is LaGrange County, Indiana.
Three things set us apart from other charities:
Permanent Endowment Building
Broad, Flexible Grantmaking; and
Community Leadership.
Through Permanent Endowment Building we develop and maintain relationships with our donors, investing and protecting the principal of our donor’s gifts, and distributing the earnings from these gifts based on the charitable intent of the donor.
Broad and Flexible Grantmaking is understanding our community’s needs, re-directing charitable dollars over time and as community needs change. We offer grant opportunities to local nonprofits and make investments in community needs.
Community Leadership can encompass many things. Our organization seeks to be proactive, connecting people and ideas for the purpose of solving problems, to educate, and to find ways to better serve our community.
We are led by a volunteer Board of Directors, who represent the communities of LaGrange County. They direct our strategic vision and make decisions regarding investment of assets, charitable distributions, donor relationships, new donor funds and growing assets.
The LaGrange County Community Foundation manages more than 140 unique funds, each created for a specific charitable purpose. The Community Foundation works with each donor to identify the purpose and goal of their fund and manages the fund long-term on behalf of the donor. Some funds provide annual grant support to local nonprofits, while others provide scholarships for graduating seniors.
There are several ways to give and support community needs through the Community Foundation. You can add money to an existing fund or create a new fund, your choice! You can donate to an organization or give to a specific cause or interest.
Click here to see a list of the Foundation’s charitable funds.
I hope this helps clarify things a little more! If you have ANY questions about the Community Foundation, how to give, about grants or scholarships, or even how you can volunteer, contact us HERE. We would love to assist you!
The writer of this post, Sarah Hostetler, starting working for the LaGrange County Community Foundation at the end of March 2023.
This week (April 16th- 22nd) is National Volunteer Week, and we thought it would be interesting to share some Volunteer statistics with you. These are from an article on Volunteer Hub.
One out of four American’s volunteer, two out of three American’s help their neighbor.
Individuals between the ages of 35 and 54 are the most likely to volunteer their time.
Volunteers are worth on average $28.54 an hour.
Volunteerism has a value of over $184 billion dollars.
Volunteerism improves health by strengthening the body, improving mood, and lessening stress.
Those who volunteer regularly have a 27% better chance of gaining employment.
60% of hiring managers see the act of volunteerism as a valuable asset when making recruiting decisions.
Volunteers under the age of 24 accounts for 22.6% of all volunteers.
Volunteers, on average, spend 50 hours per year donating their time to the greater good.
67% of people found volunteer opportunities online in 2014 vs 34% in 2006.
There are more than 1.8 billion active nonprofits in the United States alone.
66% of volunteers give their time to improve their community, 83% do so to contribute to a cause they care about.
People who volunteer over 100 hours a year are some of the healthiest people in the US.
28.2% of Millennials volunteer each year.
30.7% of Baby Boomers volunteer each year.
24.8% of Silent Generation Americans volunteer each year.
39.9% of parents volunteer each each.
Utah has the highest rate of volunteers in America (51%).
Volunteering decreases the likelihood of high blood pressure development by 40%.
96% of volunteers reported the action enriched their sense of purpose in life.
Every person who has helped another, with no expectation or payment in return, is a volunteer. We, in LaGrange County, count these volunteers as blessings. And it’s one of the many reasons our county is such a special place to live.
“Volunteering is at the very core of being a human. No one has made it through life without someone else’s help.” – Heather French Henry
Don’t forget, now through May 1st, we at LCCF are accepting applications of this county’s exemplary volunteers for the Heart of Gold Award. For more details and the application, go HERE.
Nonprofit Assistance Grants help LaGrange County nonprofits with needs in technology, training, operations, emergency, and awareness events. Last year (2023) was our first year of opening this grant program.
Nonprofit Assistance Grants are available to LaGrange County nonprofit organizations. These grants are made possible through the generosity of donors who have supported the unrestricted and field of interest charitable funds at the Foundation.
LaGrange County nonprofit organizations are eligible to apply for up to $2,500 in assistance in the following categories, but not limited to:
awareness events
emergency needs
operations
technology (includes software)
training/development
Fundraising projects, utilities, general operating expenses, or your organization’s regular programing are NOT eligible for Nonprofit Assistance Grants. Government agencies, public schools, and churches are not eligible for Nonprofit Assistance grants.
If you are unsure if your assistance project qualifies, please contact Program Director, Leanna Martin at lmartin@lccf.net or by calling 260-463-4363.
Grant Deadlines: Applications accepted on a rolling basis
Award notification will be made within 30 days of the application submission. Grants are awarded as funds are available. One grant award per organization. Applications will be accepted until October 31, 2023.
Want to Find Out More?
Go HERE to the Nonprofit Assistance Grants Page, for more information. To apply, scroll to the bottom of the page, and click “APPLY NOW“.
The importance of volunteerism cannot be overestimated. Volunteers are what keeps non-profits ticking. They are the hands, feet and hearts.
Starting April 1st through May 1st, 2023, we are accepting nominations for outstanding volunteers in our community. The Heart of Gold award was created to recognize these outstanding volunteers whose unselfish and dedicated service has made significant contributions to LaGrange County.
2022 Heart of Gold Nominees: Carolyn Hostetler, Allisa Brown and Kailie Snyder-Farnsworth (Not pictured: Chad Miller)
Some of the hard work and service in our county may go unnoticed, but we would love to encourage you to look around and see what others are doing around you!
If you know of anyone who deserves to be recognized, please let us know by filling out the nomination form on our website. It’s an easy form, and not only will the volunteers be recognized, but they also have a chance at getting a donation to the non-profit of their choice! Well worth it!
The LaGrange County Community Foundation will host a grant workshop on Thursday, Feb. 23, from 5:30 to 6:30 p.m. at the Community Foundation.
The Community Foundation encourages nonprofit organizations considering submitting an application for a Community Impact Grant in 2023 to attend the workshop. The spring funding cycle is open and applications are due April 3.
Topics at the workshop will include an overview of the Community Impact Grant program, the online application portal, funding opportunities, and tips to tailor a strong story.
Nonprofit organizations serving LaGrange County are eligible to apply in six areas: arts & culture, community development, recreation, health and human services, education and environment. Awards range from $5,000 to $25,000.
“We are thrilled to offer a grant workshop that will provide information about the Foundation’s grant program. We encourage nonprofits who are considering applying or who want to learn more about seeking funds from the Foundation to attend. We will be sharing helpful tips on putting together a budget and how to tailor your story.”
Leanna Martin, Program Director
The Community Foundation aims to support nonprofit needs and provide innovative programs and services for local residents through its grantmaking program. The grants are made possible through the generosity of donors who have supported the unrestricted charitable funds at the Community Foundation.
To RSVP for the grant workshop click here. Those who register and attend will have a chance to win a gift card at $50.
Connect with LaGrange County nonprofit organizations at the bi-monthly LaGrange Partners meeting. The first meeting for 2023 takes place February 14, from 11:30 a.m. to 1 p.m. at Linder’s Tavern on Main in LaGrange.
LaGrange Partners, an interagency meeting for nonprofit organizations and entities providing services for LaGrange County residents, will meet February 14, from 11:30 a.m. to 1 p.m. at Linder’s Tavern on Main in LaGrange.
Partners provides a forum for learning about resources, discussing current issues, networking, and keeping up to date on existing services in LaGrange County.
The meeting is open to nonprofit staff, board members, volunteers and interested community members who want to connect and learn more about the nonprofit sector in LaGrange County.
2023 LaGrange Partners Schedule
February 14
April 11
June 13
August 8
October 10
December 12
Meetings are on the second Tuesday of every other month, from 11:30 a.m. to 1 p.m. Locations vary. The meeting format includes time for lunch, agency announcements, networking, and a featured presentation on a focus topic.
To register for the February LaGrange Partners meeting, click here.
Guests will be able to pre-select a meal. Payment will need to be made directly to Linder’s on the day of the meeting.
Graduating LaGrange County high school seniors who are planning to apply for a Community Scholarship offered through the LaGrange County Community Foundation have until February 15, 2023 at 5 p.m. to submit their applications.
The Foundation manages more than 45 community scholarship funds. Scholarship opportunities vary according to residency, career fields, current high school attendance, anticipated college enrollment, extracurricular involvement, and academic performance.
Scholarships are available for students who are planning to pursue a full-time education at a college, university, technical or trade school. Students can apply online at LCCF.net/availablescholarships
Applicants should read the criteria carefully, as each scholarship is unique. Awards range from $500 to $3,000 per scholarship and may be used for educational expenses.
A full list of scholarships, criteria, and their award amounts is available online.
Questions about a scholarship opportunity? Contact Scholarship Manager Laurie Sherck at lsherck@lccf.net or call 260-463-4363.
The Community Impact Grant program will be offered in two funding rounds in 2023: grant applications will be due April 3 and September 1.
Applications are now open for the spring cycle. Award notifications will be made within 60 days of the application deadline.
The LaGrange Community Foundation seeks proposals for innovative or creative projects with significant impact in LaGrange County. Community Impact Grants are available to nonprofit organizations serving LaGrange County.
The grants are made possible through the generosity of donors who have supported the unrestricted and field of interest charitable funds at the Foundation.
Nonprofit organizations serving LaGrange County are eligible to apply in six areas: arts & culture, recreation, health and human services, community development, education and environment.
Spring Cycle Deadline
Fall Cycle Deadline
April 3, 2023
September 1, 2023
Previous Community Impact Grants have ranged from $5,000 to $25,000 per award.
When the office contains three people you try your very best to take that picture-perfect Christmas photo. Well, let’s just say we rotated spots, didn’t know what to do with our hands, and ended up in a different location…. enjoy our bloopers!
Kamryn Miller of Westview Jr. Sr. High School was suprised on Dec. 5, 2022, with the announcement that she was the 2023 Lilly Endowment Scholar.
Kamryn demonstrates many of the qualities we seek in a future leader motivated, hard-working and engaged in her school and community. The selection committee was impressed by her service to her community and passion for her career goals.
Octavia Yoder, executive director of the LaGrange County Community Foundation
Kamryn plans to attend Bethel College and pursue a career as a mechanical engineer. She is the daughter of Brian and Brooke Miller of LaGrange.
This year 34 applications competed for the Lilly Endowment Scholarship. Five students were invited to the finalist round for a personal interview. After the field of applicants was narrowed down, nominees were submitted to the statewide administration of the Lilly Endowment Community Scholarship program, Independent Colleges of Indiana, for the selection of scholarship recipients.
Finalists included Manisha Ramachandran of Lakeland High School; Ella Clark, Ethan Hibbs and Paige Riegsecker, all of Westview Jr.- Sr. High School. Each of the finalists will receive a $1,000 four-year renewable scholarship from the Lambright Leadership Scholarship Fund established by Kevin and Carrie Lambright in 2013.
The Foundation is honored to nominate a LaGrange County student for this prestigious award. We are grateful Lilly Endowment continues to support future leaders and makes dreams possible for our young students. Selecting a nominee is a difficult process based on many factors. The committee is impressed by the exceptional scholars in our community.
Octavia Yoder, executive director of LaGrange County Community Foundation
