CFPC reflects on 2017 highlights, looks ahead to 2018

With the first month of the New Year coming to a close, the Community Foundation of Pulaski County (CFPC) offers a final look back at 2017 and offers a peek at what’s ahead in 2018.

The Community Foundation of Pulaski County’s 20th anniversary was celebrated in grand style at Mill Creek Gardens in July. Past and present community members were recognized for their many acts of giving over the years, building both the foundation and the community in turn.

Also last year:

  • Fourteen board volunteers embarked on the implementation of a new strategic plan in 2017, including a new grantmaking opportunity through Love Your Community placemaking grants. Every community in the county received funding for projects to re-imagine public spaces in the heart of their community. Totaling $50,000, the grants represent CFPC’s largest unrestricted community grant cycle to date.
  • The board also worked to renew compliance with National Standards, meeting rigorous standards in philanthropy for operational quality, donor service and accountability in the community foundation sector. The Finance Committee led an intensive proposal process for advisors in keeping with long term investment goals. Directors also served on grants, scholarships, development, governance and executive committees. One hundred percent of CFPC board members made financial gifts to the Community Foundation in 2017, and donated a total of 435 hours of time.
  • The Community Foundation administered 34 scholarships last year, including numerous committees and specific procedures. The prestigious Lilly Endowment Community Scholarship is only available through eligible community foundations. Following a strict process, Winamac’s Peyton Newman was announced in December as the 37th Pulaski County Community Scholar.
  • CFPC provides assistance to PACE each year. Pulaski Alliance for Community Education was created many years ago after the Community Foundation submitted a winning proposal to Lilly Endowment for a CAPE II educational grant. The independent PACE organization now offers annual educational grants through its endowment fund.
  • Also in 2017, CFPC offered Fans of Philanthropy Club camps for elementary students at both county schools, a professional advisor seminar for continuing education credit, and the county’s third annual #GivingTuesday opportunity.
  • The board of sirectors approved an increased distribution rate in the fall, resulting in over $400,000 in fund payouts for charitable organizations and purposes. Thanks to strong market returns and community generosity, CFPC finished the year boldly, surpassing $10 million in total assets.

Today the community foundation is self-sustaining and looking forward to its next decade.

  • With a seasoned staff, three new directors, and increased community awareness, the community foundation is ready to strengthen its service in 2018 to those who want to enrich the Pulaski County community. Plans are underway to hold office hours in Francesville periodically, providing greater opportunity to serve residents.
  • A new, year-round grant process will be available soon, allowing proposals to be accepted on a continuous basis without deadline. In addition to the usual community grants and youth grants, new sustainability and impact grants will be offered.
  • Lilly Endowment’s announcement in December of a $40 million grant for the Wabash Heartland Innovation Network (WHIN) may begin to impact the community this year. The 10-county network includes Pulaski County and the grant will build on strengths in agriculture, manufacturing and technical training. A portion of the grant is dedicated for quality of life projects, an area that community foundations will have input on.

In addition to these new efforts, the Community Foundation of Pulaski County will hold fast to its mission to encourage the growth of permanent funds for the good of the community today and tomorrow. It will uphold its commitment to improve quality of life by funding projects in the areas of community development, education, environment; to steward endowed funds for future generations; and to foster philanthropy in Pulaski County.

To learn more about the Community Foundation of Pulaski County, call 574-946- 0906 or visit www.cfopc.org.