The following projects and organizations have received funding:

  • Boston Bound! - Boy Scout Troup #229 - $1,500
  • Boys & Girls Club of Pulaski County Eastern Pulaski and West Central School Corporations - $10,000
  • Building Renovation - Pulaski County Human Services - $3,800
  • Timpani Drum Project - West Central Music Boosters - $2,145

 Leeann Wright, CFoPC executive director, noted, “This grant cycle revealed a clear and inspiring trend - local nonprofits are deeply focused on empowering the youth of our community. We are honored to support these efforts and excited to see the lasting impact of all the projects.”

With a strong pool of applicants in this competitive cycle, the Community Foundation remains committed to investing in organizations that create meaningful opportunities for people of all ages to learn, grow and thrive. Board president Kaye Beall added, “While funding is limited and the grant process remains highly competitive, the Community Foundation encourages all nonprofits to continue developing innovative solutions that strengthen our community and improve quality of life for everyone.”

Community Grants are comprised of discretionary dollars – funds that are awarded at the discretion of the CFoPC board, via the grants committee, to ensure that Pulaski County continues to be a place to thrive and grow today and tomorrow. The grants committee is responsible for thoroughly reviewing each application and determining funding from the Foundation’s discretionary and field of interest funds.

In 2025, the following CFoPC board members served on the grants committee: John Sass (chair), Joey Schlatter and Megan Wegner; non-board volunteer members include: Abby Dickey, Kim Marlatt, Don Street and Jennifer Mellon. The grant committee’s work was reviewed and supported by CFoPC’s 2025 board members: Kaye Beall, Christi Beavers, Pam Burger, Kurt Dickey, Brandy Goble, Karen Jones, Jill Kasten, Bill Peppers, Shane Pilarski, Christian Smith, Vicki Overmyer and Peter Zahrt.

Funding for discretionary grants is through the unrestricted Community Funds and Field of Interest funds held at the foundation. These funds were made possible by the many individuals and businesses that care deeply about Pulaski County. The Foundation staff wish to express deepest thanks and gratitude for these forward-thinking donors and to the grants committee members and board for their time and thoughtful efforts in this important program for the community of Pulaski County.

Funds supporting the Community Grants program are:

Community Grants Endowment Fund

  • Elden and Mary Lee Gutwein Family Fund
  • James A. Ehlers Unrestricted Fund
  • Mary Melvin Frank Community Fund
  • Mellon Patch Community Fund
  • Michael J. Rausch Community Fund
  • Ruff Unrestricted Family Fund
  • #LoveWhereYouLive Fund
  • Richard W. Thompson Family Fund (Field of Interest)
  • Sherald and Verla Bonnell Family Educational Fund (Field of Interest)
  • The Birdie Fund (Field of Interest)
  • Wildlife Conservation & Education Endowment (Field of Interest)

Grants are reviewed and awarded three times per year. The remaining application deadline for 2025 is Oct.r 1. First-time applicants are strongly encouraged to discuss grant applications with CFoPC staff prior to applying. For more information, visit the Community Foundation website at www.cfopc.org/grants, email This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it., or call 574-946-0906.

 

The Community Foundation of Pulaski County (CFoPC) is the philanthropic leader serving Pulaski County. Recognizing over two decades of experience, CFoPC builds resources, engages people, and inspires generosity to enrich lives in Pulaski County. CFoPC 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.

  
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Local News Briefs

Pulaski County GOP caucus June 21 to fill county council vacancy

The Pulaski County Republican Party has issued a notice that it will hold a caucus at 9:15 a.m., Saturday, June 21, to fill a vacancy on the county council. The caucus will be held at the Pulaski County Public Library in Winamac.

Party chairman Kenneth Boswell reports Dist. 3 councilman Jerry Locke has resigned effective June 30. A former county commissioner, Locke joined the council in July 2022 to fill a vacancy. He was then elected to a four-year term in November that year. His successor will fill the remainder of that term through 2026.

Circus comes to town June 17

Save on pre-sale tickets

WINAMAC - The Culpepper & Merriweather Circus is coming to Winamac Tuesday, June 17, at the Winamac Town Park for two shows, the first starting at 5:30 p.m., and the second beginning at 7 p.m. Each show lasts about an hour and a half.

The event is sponsored by the Winamac Kiwanis Club.

Pulaski County Farmers Market open for 2025 season

Pulaski County Farmers Market is open for the summer season with a weekly location in Winamac.

The Market features fresh produce, plus, local meats, maple syrup, honey, eggs, baked goods, sweet treats, cut flowers and coffee. The market will be open from 9 a.m. to 12 noon, Saturdays June through September, on Main Street in front of the courthouse in Winamac.

Francesville ‘Family Fun in Park’ June 28

FRANCESVILLE – The Uptown Project, in partnership with West Central Youth League, will sponsor its “Family Fun in the Park,” from 6 p.m. to sunset, Saturday, June 28.

The public is welcome to join in for a fun evening of fellowship at the Francesville Town Park.

PCPL activities, programs listed for June

The Pulaski County Public Library has listed its programs and activities for June. They include the Summer Reading Program, a youth improve camp, a children’s program on bubbles, and a stuffed animal sleepover.

For more information on any program, call the library at 574-946-3432 or visit the library’s website at www.pulaskicounty.lib.in.us.

  

Indiana News

4C Health purchases Curtis Building from PMH

PERU - 4C Health is marking its 50th year in business with an exciting development for Pulaski County operations with the purchase of the Curtis Building from Pulaski Memorial Hospital.

The building is located north of Winamac, just off U.S. 35, at 2418 Curtis Drive.

Yakym surprises 'Hoosier Heroes' with Congressional records

WASHINGTON, D.C. (May 27) –Congressman Rudy Yakym honored two local first responders Tuesday recognizing their “exceptional service and commitment to their communities.”

Pulaski County Deputy Christopher Parish and Culver Community Police Chief Ryleigh Carr received entries into the Congressional Record.

Young, colleagues address shortage of mental health providers in schools

WASHINGTON, D.C. (May 27) – U.S. Senators Todd Young (R-Ind.), Jeanne Shaheen (D-N.H.), and Kevin Cramer (R-N.D.) reintroduced the Mental Health Excellence in Schools Act to address the shortage of mental health providers in schools by boosting the pipeline of graduate students trained to become school psychologists, counselors, and social workers.

“Access to mental health resources improves the safety, well-being, and academic success of Hoosier students,” said Sen. Young. “Our bill will both support the school-based mental health workforce and address the critical need for these professionals.”

Pulaski County unemployment rate drops to 2.4% in April

Pulaski County's unemployment rate dropped to 2.4 percent in April, down from 3.1 percent in March, the Indiana Department of Workforce Development reported Thursday, (May 22). The rate was 3.1 percent a year ago.

The county had 6,777 employed persons in a labor force of 6,943 in April. In March those numbers were 6,753 of 6,967. A year ago the numbers were 6,388 of 6.591.

  

Post News

CFoPC awards$17,000 to community organizations

The Community Foundation of Pulaski County (CFoPC)  announced Thursday (June 5) $17,000 has been awarded in grants to four local nonprofits and community organizations.

The Foundation works to strengthen the community through funding, convening and fostering collaboration among nonprofits to amplify their impact.

Winamac Community HS presents 2025 senior awards

WINAMAC - Winamac Community High School has announced its 2025 Senior Awards winners, honoring graduates for various academic and athletic awards, and scholarships.

The awards were presented at the annual Senior Awards program Friday evening (May 30).

Winamac Community HS 2025 commencement exercises held June 1

Senior photos featured

WINAMAC - Commencement exercises for the Class of 2025 at Winamac Community High School were held Sunday June 1, at the high school gymnasium.

Diplomas were presented to 81 seniors.

Human Services celebrates 50 years

Pulaski County Human Services (PCHS) continued the celebration of its golden anniversary Wednesday (May 28) at its annual Senior Citizen Health and Resource Fair in Star City.

PCHS is a non-profit organization that provides assistance to low-income, disabled, and elderly households, as well as general public-transportation and referral services in Pulaski County.

West Central HS awards diplomas to 41 seniors

Senior photos featured

FRANCESVILLE - The 58th annual commencement exercises at West Central High School were held Sunday (May 25), in the school gymnasium. Diplomas were awarded to 41 seniors.

The program opened with a baccalaureate service at 2 p.m., sponsored by the West Central Ministerial Association, followed by the commencement ceremonies.