The Fulton County Community Foundation will use the funding to strengthen the Foundation’s unrestricted endowment, providing flexible charitable resources that allow the Foundation to respond to emerging needs, support local nonprofits, invest in community priorities, and improve quality of life for future generations.

Qualifying matching funds raised to support the community foundation’s unrestricted endowment will be eligible for a $2(grantor)-to-$1(grantee) match from the Endowment.

“We are grateful for this opportunity to expand our support for needs across the community,” said Brian Johnson, Director of Development of the Fulton County Community Foundation. “Unrestricted funds enable the foundation to respond quickly to vital local projects.”

In the past year alone, grants from Fulton County’s unrestricted funds have supported projects like Pike Memorial Park improvements, Rochester’s Summer Parks Program, and food pantry support. Dozens of other nonprofits, schools, and community groups benefit each year thanks to the generosity of donors to unrestricted funds.

Through GIFT IX, Lilly Endowment has awarded matching grants totaling $124.5 million to community foundations across Indiana. Eligible community foundations submitted proposals requesting grants ranging from $250,000 to $13.2 million based on the population of the counties they serve.

Lilly Endowment created the GIFT initiative in 1990 to help local communities in Indiana develop the philanthropic capacity to identify local needs and challenges and work with other organizations and residents to help their communities thrive. Through GIFT IX, Lilly Endowment has awarded $259.7 million to support community foundations in each of Indiana’s 92 counties. These grants are helping community foundations grow their financial resources and further strengthen their ability to address their community’s highest-priority challenges and opportunities.

About Fulton County Community Foundation

The Fulton County Community Foundation is an affiliate of the Northern Indiana Community Foundation, Inc., a 501 (c) (3) public trust. The mission of the Community Foundation is to improve the quality of life in our communities by assisting donors in fulfilling their charitable wishes. We do this by building endowment funds for our communities with contributions, both large and small.

About Lilly Endowment Inc.

Lilly Endowment Inc. is an Indianapolis-based private foundation created in 1937 by J.K. Lilly, Sr. and his sons Eli and J.K. Jr. through gifts of stock in their pharmaceutical business, Eli Lilly and Company. Although the gifts of stock remain a financial bedrock of the Endowment, it is a separate entity from the company, with a distinct governing board, staff and location. In keeping with the founders’ wishes, the Endowment supports the causes of community development, education and religion. The Endowment funds significant programs throughout the United States, especially in the field of religion. However, it maintains a special commitment to its founders’ hometown, Indianapolis, and home state, Indiana.

Receiving the most member votes, Fishes and Loaves Food Pantry was awarded a $3,500 grant to help support its weekly meal program. A $2,500 grant was awarded to the Fulton County Choral Club for performance attire and new choral music. The Fulton County 4-H Poultry Club was awarded a $1,500 grant for fans and new feed and water containers in the poultry barn, and $1,250 grants were awarded to both Fulton County H.O.P.E. and Little Zebbies Daycare.

Since its inception in 2010, the Women’s Giving Circle has granted $119,500 to organizations serving Fulton County.

“The Women’s Giving Circle is a great example of the power of collective giving,” said Brian Johnson, Fulton County Community Foundation Director of Development. “Members come together and combine contributions to make significant grants supporting community needs.”

The Women’s Giving Circle welcomes any woman with a heart for giving back. Whether you live in Fulton County or simply care about its future, you can become a member and take part in this inspiring effort. Women can already begin paying their 2027 dues online here to ensure their vote counts at next year’s gathering.

The program, administered statewide by Independent Colleges of Indiana (ICI) and locally in Fulton County through the Northern Indiana Community Foundation, is open to all Indiana residents who:

• graduate from an accredited Indiana high school by 2027 and receive their diploma no later than June 30, 2027
• intend to pursue a full-time baccalaureate course of study at an eligible college or university in Indiana
• meet the criteria specific to their local community foundation. Visit nicf.org for complete information regarding the Fulton County application criteria.

Students can learn more about the Lilly Endowment Community Scholarship in Fulton County and apply for this scholarship by visiting www.nicf.org/fulton-county/scholarships.  Applications must be completed and submitted by Thursday, September 3, 2026 to be considered.

Applications will be evaluated on, but not limited to, the following criteria: academic performance, service in community, work, and school, as well as application essays. Finalists will be nominated by the Fulton County Lilly Committee, and their selection will be submitted to ICI for review. Scholarship recipients will be notified in December.

Lilly Endowment created LECSP for the 1997-98 school year and has supported the program every year since with tuition grants totaling more than $505 million. More than 5,400 Indiana students have received Lilly Endowment Community Scholarships since the program’s inception.

The primary purposes of LECSP are: 1) to help raise the level of educational attainment in Indiana; 2) to increase awareness of the beneficial roles Indiana community foundations can play in their communities; and 3) to encourage and support the efforts of current and past Lilly Endowment Community Scholars to engage with each other and with Indiana business, governmental, educational, nonprofit and civic leaders to improve the quality of life in Indiana generally and in local communities throughout the state.

The Fulton County Community Foundation is again pleased to offer LECSP for its thirtieth year in Fulton County.  “Each year, it is a privilege for us at the Foundation to administer the Lilly Endowment Community Scholarship and witness the remarkable talent, leadership, and potential of students across our communities,” said Hannah Bahney, Northern Indiana Community Foundation Program Director.

Lilly Endowment Inc. is an Indianapolis-based, private philanthropic foundation created in 1937 by J. K. Lilly and his sons, Eli and J.K. Jr., through gifts of stock in their pharmaceutical business, Eli Lilly and Company. While those gifts remain the financial bedrock of the Endowment, Lilly Endowment Inc. is a separate entity from the company, with a distinct governing board, staff, and location. In keeping with its founders’ wishes, the Endowment supports the causes of community development, education, and religion. Although the Endowment funds programs throughout the United States, especially in the field of religion, it maintains a special commitment to its hometown, Indianapolis, and home state, Indiana.

Since 1997, Independent Colleges of Indiana has administered the Lilly Endowment Community Scholarship Program statewide with funding provided by Lilly Endowment Inc. Founded in 1948, ICI serves as the collective voice for the state’s 28 private, nonprofit colleges and universities. ICI institutions employ over 22,400 Hoosiers and generate a total local economic impact of over $5.3 billion annually. Students at ICI colleges have Indiana’s highest four-year, on-time graduation rates, and ICI institutions produce 30 percent of Indiana’s bachelor’s degrees while enrolling 20 percent of its undergraduates.

Video applications provide organizations with the opportunity to share their story in a personal, creative way—highlighting their passion, their people, and the impact of their projects. Videos can be recorded on any device and do not require professional editing. Budget forms must also be submitted through a grant portal.

Grants typically range from $1,000 to $3,000.

“Women’s Giving Circle grants have often been the extra boost community projects need to be successful,” said Brian Johnson, Fulton County Community Foundation Director of Development. “Not only do the grants provide financial support to the applicants, but they also allow the organization to educate the community on the amazing work they are doing!”

Grant recipients will be selected by Women’s Giving Circle members during the group’s Annual Gathering on Tuesday, September 29.

Since 2011, the Women’s Giving Circle has awarded over $100,000 to local charitable organizations through a combination of membership contributions and an endowed fund that will support Fulton County forever.

Membership in the Women’s Giving Circle is open to women of all ages and members who pay their annual dues by the gathering date are eligible to vote on grant recipients.

If you are interested in applying for a grant and/or becoming a member, please visit www.nicf.org/fulton-county/womens-giving-circle. If you require any assistance or have any questions, call the Fulton County Community Foundation office at 574.223.3223.

Each Saturday, Fishes & Loaves serves between 325 and 370 meals. Community members may pick up meals at St. John’s Lutheran Church, while volunteers also deliver more than 275 meals each week to individuals and families who are unable to travel.

“Receiving this grant is an incredible blessing for Fishes & Loaves. It allows us to continue serving our neighbors with dignity, compassion, and hope by providing nutritious meals to those who need them most. Every dollar invested in this ministry is transformed into a reminder that our community cares. When we feed someone, we remind them they are seen, valued, and never alone,” said Christina Davis, Director of Fishes & Loaves.

This grant was made possible through the Fulton County Community Fund, which supports the Foundation’s responsive grantmaking efforts to meet changing community needs and opportunities. Gifts to the Community Fund help strengthen Fulton County by supporting projects that improve quality of life today while building resources for the future.

Right now, every dollar donated to the Fulton County Community Fund is matched with an additional $2, tripling the impact of every gift. You can donate online or learn more by contacting FCCF Director of Development Brian Johnson at 574.224.3223.

The grant funded the “Viking Culmination Celebration,” a hands-on educational experience designed to enrich third grade students’ English Language Arts learning through their curriculum. Approximately 100 third graders participated in the project, which combined literacy, history, creativity, and collaborative learning activities.

Throughout the unit, students explored Viking culture and history through reading, writing, geography, and interactive learning experiences. The culminating celebration brought learning to life through Viking themed games, crafts, and activities. The students created necklaces, Viking armor, and 3-D fish crafts. Students also participated in games that encouraged teamwork.

Teacher Leesa Kolter showed her appreciation after the successful event, “Thank you so much for supporting our 3^rd grade culminating activity this year! Our students and teachers enjoyed a much-needed fun day of creating Viking crafts, having snacks, and just being together.”

The celebration also created a positive and rewarding end-of-year experience for students, allowing them to celebrate their accomplishments while reinforcing key academic concepts. Through the support of the grant, students experienced an educational opportunity that made learning exciting and impactful.

To learn more or support projects like these, contact Fulton County Community Foundation Director of Development Brian Johnson at 574.224.3223.

NICF Interns Ella McCarter and Sophia McCall, FCCF Director of Development Brian Johnson, Byron Tinkey, United We Stand Ministries of Akron Board President Bonnie Dunbar, Cris Randall, and Ryan Gast.

In recent years, UWS has struggled with storage limitations for larger donated items such as packages of toilet paper, cereal, and other bulk goods. The lack of storage space restricts the amount of supplies the organization can distribute and limits the number of clients they can accommodate. The project will also include a private patio area, where new clients can complete registration and enrollment in a more comfortable and confidential setting.

In 2025, UWS served 2,752 people in and around the Akron community through its food pantry and assistance programs. They provide a self-serve shopping experience, where registered households can monthly select groceries, hygiene products, pantry staples, and medical supplies. Beyond food assistance, the organization also helps neighbors facing financial challenges by providing support for rent, utilities, and other emergency needs.

“We do it for the love of our community,” says UWS Board President, Bonnie Dunbar.

Community members who wish to support projects like this can contribute to the Community Foundation’s community fund. For a limited time, all donations made to the fund will be tripled, allowing supporters to make an even greater impact on local nonprofits and community initiatives.

To learn more, contact Fulton County Community Foundation Director of Development Brian Johnson at 574.224.3223.

“MSDC-Manitou Center is sincerely grateful to the Fulton County Community Foundation for this generous grant,” said Manitou Center representative Michelle Wallace. “For nearly 60 years, Manitou Center has served the Fulton County community. We are deeply thankful for community support that helps us continue our mission of providing meaningful day services and life experiences for individuals with disabilities.”

This grant was made possible by generous donors to the Foundation’s Fulton County Community Fund. Right now, every dollar donated to the fund is matched with an additional $2, tripling the impact of every gift. Donations support meaningful projects that provide opportunities, foster inclusion, and strengthen the quality of life for individuals and families throughout Fulton County.

Operated primarily by The Cross Church with support from several neighboring churches, Matthew’s Market provides food and essential resources to residents experiencing food insecurity. The renovation will create a more welcoming, private, and accessible space for those seeking assistance.

Funding from the Community Foundation will be used to improve the market’s layout, allowing clients to shop in a more comfortable and dignified environment. The project will also make the facility ADA accessible through the addition of ramps and other accessibility improvements, ensuring that everyone can easily access the services Mathew’s Market provides.

“We will be using this money to help the community and allow them to use the new market for their needs,” said The Cross Pastor Martin Furrow.

The rebuild is currently being supported by approximately 20 dedicated volunteers, and additional volunteers are always welcome. Community members interested in lending a hand are encouraged to get involved as the project continues to take shape.

Through this investment, the Fulton County Community Foundation is helping ensure Matthew’s Market can continue serving local families in a space that reflects the care, dignity, and compassion at the heart of its mission.

This funding allowed the school to purchase class sets of Agatha Christie novels including And Then There Were None, Death on the Nile, Murder on the Orient Express, and The ABC Murders. The grant also provided instructional resources such as reading guides, chapter activities, quizzes, and writing assignments to strengthen student engagement and comprehension. 

This project provided senior English students with the opportunity to explore the mystery and detective fiction genre through British literature. Agatha Christie’s influential works connected strongly with students’ growing interest in “true crime” storytelling while also aligning closely with the senior English curriculum. Students participated in reading groups, collaborative discussions, written analysis, and multimedia projects that encouraged deeper critical thinking and communication skills. 

The impact of this project extended beyond simply reading novels. Students gained a greater appreciation for classic literature and discovered that older texts can still feel exciting, relevant, and engaging. The collaborative nature of the unit strengthened discussion and teamwork skills, while the culminating video podcast project allowed students to integrate technology and creativity into literary analysis. Many students expressed interest in reading additional Christie novels after completing the unit, demonstrating an increased enthusiasm for reading and literature. The materials purchased through this grant will continue to benefit future Rochester High School students for years to come, creating a lasting impact on literacy instruction and student engagement. 

To learn more about the Marian Dyer Literacy Fund or to donate and support similar projects, please visit www.nicf.org/funds/marian-dyer-literacy-fund.