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Author: Shelly Jones

20 May

Posted at 13:44h in A Message from Dawn
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Purple peanut butter. That’s what we called it when we were kids. It was my grandma’s specialty. Well, technically Southern fried chicken was her *real* mouth-watering delight. But in the non-cooking category, purple peanut butter was all the rage. Maybe it was because we got to ‘help.’ In this team sport, my grandma would simply throw a tablespoon of peanut butter into a bowl with a tablespoon of grape jelly and we’d get to stir it up until it became this purply eggplant color. Then she’d spread it on one slice of bread, slap another slice of bread on top, and it was A La purple peanut butter sandwiches, as The Amazing Mumford from Sesame Street might have said. With hungry kids, you need efficiency. Better to slather the concoction on one piece of bread versus two, right? With impatient kids, you need effectiveness. Better to get them involved while making memories. Bonus points if you let them lick the bowl. It really is the simple things in life, isn’t it? This memory got me thinking about so many amazing collaborations that are currently happening right here in Grant County. It’s an active ‘better together’ approach that’s proving to be a highly effective...

09 Apr

Posted at 13:56h in Featured Story, Grantmaking Impact
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For many of us, the word “endowment” can feel intimidating. It conjures up images of billion-dollar family foundations or Ivy League universities, entities that seem to exist in another dimension from our own. In reality, an endowment is far more accessible – and versatile – than many realize. For our purposes, an endowment is a financial asset invested by a not-for-profit and held like a long-term savings account (but with better investment returns). A percentage of the fund is available for withdrawal each year – on a tiered scale based on the average fund balance – 4.00% ($5K-$99K), 4.25% ($100K-$249K), and 4.50% ($250 or greater). It is the earnings from the investments that can provide revenue for the organization’s mission. The original (principal) investment remains intact to sustain the organization over the long term. Let’s say a donor plans to leave your organization $100,000 in their estate plan. First off, congrats! But why might you want to use that gift to start an endowment rather than spend it? In a word: sustainability. An endowment is a near-guaranteed source of yearly revenue. As long as it exists, you have flexible dollars to help fund your mission. Now, at 4.25%, that $100,000 is “only” going to...

08 Apr

Posted at 13:11h in Featured Story
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You should be so proud. Your Community Foundation team is working so hard for Grant County. I wish you had the front row seat that I have to the big hearts and big brains that give all they have each day making Grant County a great county. It’s truly remarkable how they work together to accomplish the Foundation’s strategic plan established by our Board of Directors. And while it’s invigorating to know this quality work is happening, and even more unreal to be a small part of it, it’s not work for the faint of heart. And it’s definitely not  work for impatient types. Almost everything we do takes time. So. Much. Time. Your patience muscle gets a real workout! But we’re all honored to be doing this kind of work thanks to your generosity. We can’t serve as a community leader without your help! Then, occasionally, our patience pays off and our programs and projects are ready to be born. April is one of those months! If you haven’t heard yet, we are highlighting two BIG REVEALS on April 17th from 3-4:00 PM. The first is our Data Drive: Insights for an Informed Grant County and the second a super BEFORE...

02 Apr

Posted at 18:12h in Community News, Grantmaking Impact
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Grant County, Ind. — The Community Foundation of Grant County and WindSwell Foundation (formerly AWS Foundation) have announced a new grant opportunity focused on creating more inclusive communities for individuals with disabilities. Through this collaboration, the WindSwell Foundation Accessible Communities Fund was established at the Community Foundation, supporting a new WindSwell Inclusive Communities Grant Cycle. This initiative is designed to empower nonprofits to better serve individuals by funding projects that promote accessibility, inclusion, and community engagement. Examples of eligible projects include sensory-friendly spaces, adaptive toys and equipment, entryway ramps, accessible vehicles, fencing for children with autism, universal restrooms, or inclusive playground upgrades. "We're thrilled about this opportunity with the WindSwell Foundation, as it will broaden our grantmaking capacity and bolster programs that advance inclusivity and empowerment for individuals with disabilities in Grant County," said Dawn Brown, President and CEO of the Community Foundation. Beginning May 1, 2025, local nonprofits can apply for grants between $2,500 and $10,000 to support inclusive programs and projects that align with WindSwell Foundation’s Guiding Principles, which emphasize: Self-determination – Individuals with Disabilities deserve a choice driven life (self-determination). Preferences, opinions, priorities, and accommodations are best defined by the individual rather than for the individual. Inclusion over segregation – Inclusion and...

06 Mar

Posted at 14:38h in Featured Story
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So, our clocks will spring forward one hour at 2 a.m. this Sunday in accordance with Daylight Saving Time. The key word here is SPRING.  Yes, Spring will officially begin on Thursday, March 20th—that’s THIS month…just around the corner. I don’t know about you, but January and February were challenging for us at the CoFo.  January was 89 days long and both months were so cold, dark, and dreary.  That’s probably why Hoosiers appreciate Spring so much.  Sunshine, the spouts of new flowers, and even March Madness means longer (and warmer) days are coming. We need them.  We deserve them. Another thing we need and deserve is an active, prepared workforce. My Board emphasized that this year when they established a strategic plan goal for us to use our scholarship dollars as an economic development tool. That’s bold!  But what does it mean exactly? Let me explain. Well, in case you didn’t know, our scholarship application is now open through the end of March. You can find more information about that and how to apply at www.GiveToGrant.org. Anyone from Grant County who plans to attend college next fall should consider applying no matter what age! I appreciate scholarships.  In fact, I might not have...

05 Mar

Posted at 16:27h in Community News
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[vc_row css_animation="" row_type="row" use_row_as_full_screen_section="no" type="full_width" angled_section="no" text_align="left" background_image_as_pattern="without_pattern"][vc_column][vc_column_text]The CLIMB is a 3-day leadership program designed to empower individuals to take bold, transformative actions within their communities. The course equips Climbers with knowledge in Board Leadership, Civic Leadership, and Personal Leadership. [/vc_column_text][vc_empty_space][/vc_column][/vc_row][vc_row css_animation="" row_type="row" use_row_as_full_screen_section="no" type="full_width" angled_section="no" text_align="left" background_image_as_pattern="without_pattern"][vc_column][vc_separator type="normal"][vc_empty_space][vc_column_text css=""] 2025 Cohort: [/vc_column_text][vc_empty_space][/vc_column][/vc_row][vc_row css_animation="" row_type="row" use_row_as_full_screen_section="no" type="full_width" angled_section="no" text_align="left" background_image_as_pattern="without_pattern"][vc_column width="1/6"][vc_column_text css=""] Alyssa Sigler Andrew Heald Ashley Shirley Brittany Howey Chuck Binkerd [/vc_column_text][vc_empty_space][/vc_column][vc_column width="1/6"][vc_column_text css=""] Courtney Middlesworth David Hunt Dawn Brown Emma Pearson Emma Reagan [/vc_column_text][vc_empty_space][/vc_column][vc_column width="1/6"][vc_column_text css=""] Evan Gilmore Evan King Haley Anderson Hannah Gavorski Kayla Johnson [/vc_column_text][vc_empty_space][/vc_column][vc_column width="1/6"][vc_column_text css=""] Kyle Knight Kylie Jackson LeeAnna Smith Libby Root Lindsey DeWitt [/vc_column_text][/vc_column][vc_column width="1/6"][vc_column_text css=""] Lynn Nguyen Matt Wilson Meagan Mathias Misty Fox Nate McNeely [/vc_column_text][/vc_column][vc_column width="1/6"][vc_column_text css=""] Sarah Worl Shelly Jones Sia M’Bayo Steve Gibson Tammy Pearson [/vc_column_text][/vc_column][/vc_row][vc_row css_animation="" row_type="row" use_row_as_full_screen_section="no" type="full_width" angled_section="no" text_align="left" background_image_as_pattern="without_pattern"][vc_column][vc_separator type="normal"][vc_empty_space][vc_column_text css=""] Leadership Core Competencies: [/vc_column_text][vc_empty_space][/vc_column][/vc_row][vc_row css_animation="" row_type="row" use_row_as_full_screen_section="no" type="full_width" angled_section="no" text_align="left" background_image_as_pattern="without_pattern"][vc_column width="1/3"][vc_column_text css=""] Board Leadership: - Core Responsibilities of Nonprofit Boards - Effective Staff and Board Roles - Building a Thriving Board - Setting Vision and Strategy - Fundraising Essentials for Board Members - Activating Board Committees[/vc_column_text][vc_empty_space][/vc_column][vc_column width="1/3"][vc_column_text css=""] Civic Leadership: - Choose a life of purpose at the local level - Study an issue and set goals for the greater good - Build a Talented Team - Grow and Thrive in an Ecosystem - Engage Audiences and Share your Success - Empower, Evolve, and Envision[/vc_column_text][vc_empty_space][/vc_column][vc_column width="1/3"][vc_column_text css=""] Personal Leadership: - Self Leadership - Building a Culture of Trust & Transparency -...

12 Feb

Posted at 16:42h in A Message from Dawn, Featured Story
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I used to teach 1st grade way back in the day. Literally before widespread use of the internet.  So, while we had dictionaries, we didn’t have Merriam-Webster.com, Google, or that funny crookedthing that Word does to tell us if a word (like) was spelled incorrectly. Since we didn’t have those nice things, we didn’t miss them.  But it sure did make for some funny nighttime reading as I was grading the papers of 6-year-olds. At that time, I taught The Writing Process.  And amazingly, several students in my class were writing at a 4th grade level by the end of the year.  I always loved it when my students were in the Revision Phase of the process. They all had these little tennis visors that I had purchased.  They’d pull them out of their desks and don a visor when they were re’vising’.  Get it.  Yeah, I know it’s not spelled the same way, but they didn’t…and it was adorable! One of my favorite essays was about hozay kinsakeo—that’s José Canseco for those who aren’t fluent in the art of first grade writing. While spelling would be important when we got to a published piece, during the writing process, it’s all about flow—any...

11 Feb

Posted at 19:43h in Featured Story, Grantmaking Impact
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The Community Foundation of Grant County is proud to announce the distribution of $350,000 in designated grants to local nonprofit organizations. These grants, made possible through the generosity of donors who have established over 200 designated endowment funds, provide long-term, sustainable support to organizations serving Grant County. These funds, along with the Community Foundation’s 250+ other charitable funds, are a testament to the power of philanthropy and its lasting impact on the nonprofits that help our community thrive. Designated grants support specific nonprofit organizations as named by the donors who established the funds. This year, several organizations across Grant County have received funding to advance their missions, enrich our community, and address critical needs. “Our designated endowment funds represent the vision of donors who want to ensure a sustainable future for the organizations and charitable causes they care about most,” said Dawn Brown, President and CEO of the Community Foundation. “These grants help organizations plan for the future, knowing they can rely on consistent financial support year after year.” A designated endowment fund is a charitable giving tool created by a donor to provide ongoing financial support to a specific nonprofit organization or cause. The principal amount of the fund is invested, and a...

18 Dec

Posted at 13:50h in Community News
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The Community Foundation of Grant County is pleased to announce the recipients of the 2025 Lilly Endowment Community Scholarship for Grant County - Samuel Gonzalez and Nadira Balasundaram, both of Mississinewa High School. Lilly Endowment Community Scholars are known for their community involvement, academic achievement, character, and leadership. “Samuel and Nadira stood out not only for their impressive academic achievements but also for their dedication to serving their community and demonstrating leadership in meaningful ways," said Dawn Brown, CEO at the Community Foundation. "Their commitment to making a positive impact exemplifies the qualities we seek in a Lilly Endowment Community Scholar, and we are proud to support their bright futures.” Each Lilly Endowment Community Scholarship provides for full tuition, required fees and a special allocation of up to $900 per year for required books and required equipment for four years. The scholarship is for full-time undergraduate students leading to a baccalaureate degree at any eligible Indiana public or private nonprofit college or university. Lilly Endowment Community Scholars may also participate in the Lilly Scholars Network (LSN), which connects both current scholars and alumni with resources and opportunities to be active leaders on their campuses and in their communities. Both the scholarship program...

17 Dec

Posted at 15:47h in Community News, Grantmaking Impact
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We are thrilled to share this exclusive preview of our 2024 grantmaking-to-date—40th Anniversary Grantmaking Report, celebrating four decades of unwavering dedication to Grant County. Together, we’ve achieved incredible milestones, including over $28 million in charitable investments since our founding and over $4 million in grantmaking from January through November of 2024 alone. This report highlights the transformative power of our shared commitment to Asset Development, Grantmaking, and Community Leadership—the three pillars that guide our work and guide our mission. Take a moment to explore the remarkable stories, inspiring grants, and the impact made possible by our generous donors and partners. THANK YOU for being a vital part of this journey as we look ahead to an even brighter future for Grant County. Let’s celebrate together!  Click Here to check out ALL the grantmaking awarded yet this year and see how we’ve partnered with people and nonprofits to make Grant County a better place—all because of YOU.  Triple Your Impact Today This impact could be tripled when your end-of-year donation is matched! With your generosity, we can continue supporting vital programs and initiatives that create real, lasting change in Grant County. This is a rare opportunity to triple the power of your generosity and make a lasting difference. This is a...