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.

The Miami County Community Foundation will use $450,000 of 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. Another $300,000 will support the Miami County YMCA Next Level Campaign, which includes playground and parking improvements, as well as building improvements and program equipment that will enhance recreational opportunities and strengthen services for Miami County residents.

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 while qualifying matching funds raised for the Miami County YMCA Next Level Campaign will be eligible for a $1(grantor)-to-$1(grantee) match.

“GIFT IX represents a significant opportunity for Miami County to invest in projects that strengthen our communities, improve quality of life, and create lasting impact for future generations,” said Cheryl Broyles, Director of Development of the Miami County Community Foundation. “Through collaboration, local commitment, and strategic investment, we can turn community vision into meaningful action.”

In the past year alone, grants from Miami County’s community funds have supported projects the North Miami FFA International Dairy Tour, ACRES Land Trust enhancements, and installing AEDs at Peru Community Schools. Dozens of other nonprofits, schools, and community groups benefit each year thanks to the generosity of donors to community 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 Miami County Community Foundation

The Miami 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.

The Starke County Community Foundation will use $540,000 of 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. Another $210,000 will support the Starke County Youth Club’s Early Learning Initiative, which will help address the shortage of accessible, high-quality childcare in Starke County by establishing a licensed preschool program serving three- and four-year-old children.

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 while qualifying matching funds raised for the Starke County Youth Club’s Early Learning Initiative will be eligible for a $1(grantor)-to-$1(grantee) match.

“This match opportunity helps us show the community that the SCCF is where giving grows,” said Jacque Ryan, Director of Development of the Starke County Community Foundation. “We’re grateful for the chance to triple community fund contributions once again and to partner with Starke County Youth Club to support their Early Learning Initiative and allow donors to double their dollars for this vital community programming.”

In the past year alone, grants from Starke County’s community funds have supported projects like HealthLinc’s Food as Medicine Program, Junior Achievement serving Starke County, the North Judson Mint Festival, and building wheelchair ramps for disabled residents. Dozens of other nonprofits, schools, and community groups benefit each year thanks to the generosity of donors to community 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 Starke County Community Foundation

The Starke 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 Father’s House provides a stable, substance-free environment where up to 10 adult men can rebuild their lives while working toward long-term recovery. In addition to housing, residents participate in recovery programming, support groups, and church involvement while developing healthy relationships with others who share similar experiences. This positive support system helps reduce relapses and decrease repeat involvement with the criminal justice system.

Residents are also expected to seek and maintain employment while becoming active participants in the community. By joining the local workforce, shopping at local businesses, paying rent, volunteering, and participating in community organizations, they make meaningful contributions to Miami County’s economy and civic life. At a time when many employers struggle to find dependable employees and organizations need volunteers, The Father’s House helps meet those needs while supporting individuals as they regain independence and restore relationships with their families.

As Father’s House board member, Matt Feller, shared, “The Father’s House offers housing and programming that supports those seeking to live in long-term recovery. It serves as a positive, substance-free environment for men across the socioeconomic spectrum.” He noted that the organization’s emphasis on employment, community involvement, and accountability not only strengthens the recovery process but also benefits the broader community by helping residents become productive, engaged citizens.

Grants like this one are made possible through Miami County Community Funds. Community Funds create a pool of flexible grant dollars available to charitable organizations that work to make our communities a better place for everyone.

A $1,250 grant helped make the North Miami FFA International Dairy Tour possible after the team earned Reserve National Champion honors at the National FFA Dairy Cattle Evaluation Career Development Event. Their national finish resulted in an invitation to participate in a 14-day educational tour through Scotland, Ireland, and England, where they competed in international dairy judging contests and explored agricultural operations across the United Kingdom. Throughout the trip, students visited dairy farms in each country, learning firsthand how producers manage smaller herds, maximize feed efficiency, and navigate agricultural regulations that differ greatly from those in the United States. The experience also exposed them to centuries of history, culture, and farming traditions while strengthening friendships. 

“The students gained a great appreciation for agriculture in Scotland, Ireland, and England, but they also returned with an even greater appreciation for the American lifestyle and freedoms we enjoy,” said Glen Jones, advisor for the North Miami FFA Dairy Team. “This was truly a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity that helped them grow both personally and professionally.” The students, all from northern rural Indiana, are pursuing futures in agriculture with college plans. 

By supporting educational opportunities like the North Miami FFA International Dairy Tour, the Miami County Community Foundation continues to invest in experiences that broaden horizons, strengthen leadership skills, and prepare the next generation of agricultural leaders to make a lasting impact in their communities.

The program, administered statewide by Independent Colleges of Indiana (ICI) and locally in Starke 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 Starke County application criteria.

Students can learn more about the Lilly Endowment Community Scholarship in Starke County and apply for this scholarship by visiting www.nicf.org/starke-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 Starke 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 Starke County Community Foundation is again pleased to offer LECSP for its thirtieth year in Starke 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.

The program, administered statewide by Independent Colleges of Indiana (ICI) and locally in Miami 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 Miami County application criteria.

Students can learn more about the Lilly Endowment Community Scholarship in Miami County and apply for this scholarship by visiting www.nicf.org/miami-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 Miami 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 Miami County Community Foundation is again pleased to offer LECSP for its thirtieth year in Miami 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.

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.

The funding will help address gaps in veterinary access, reduce shelter overcrowding, and prevent pet homelessness by increasing access to prevention-focused care. The grant will also support both cats and dogs through a combination of financial assistance for pet owners and partnerships with local animal welfare organizations.

Of the grant funding, $2,000 will support the Spay-Neuter Assistance Program (SNAP) for cats and dogs, $1,000 will be used for the Open Door Fix Fund for dogs, and the remaining $2,000 will help the Fulton County Animal Center provide surgery appointments for Miami County cat owners. The cat funding alone will make approximately 80 additional spay and neuter surgeries possible by covering a portion of each procedure cost.

Pet Friendly Services of Indiana has worked to prevent pet homelessness since 1977 by increasing access to affordable, high-quality spay and neuter services throughout the state. The organization partners with veterinarians, shelters, rescue organizations, and municipalities to provide preventative services that reduce pet overpopulation and shelter intake before they become larger community challenges.

Indiana communities continue to face barriers to veterinary care, particularly in rural areas where provider shortages, transportation challenges, and financial limitations make preventative care difficult to access. By expanding affordable spay and neuter services, the program aims to reduce unplanned litters, decrease shelter overcrowding, and improve the health and well-being of both pets and the communities they live in.

The project is expected to provide approximately 302 spay and neuter surgeries during 2026. In addition to preventing thousands of future unwanted births, the initiative will help reduce pressure on local shelters, improve access to affordable veterinary care, and strengthen community partnerships focused on addressing canine and feline overpopulation in rural Indiana.

This grant was made possible by MCCF Community Funds, which are currently being matched by $2 for every $1 donated. Donate online or contact MCCF Director of Development, Cheryl Broyles, at 765.470.1778 for more information.