COMMUNITY FOUNDATION OF HOWARD COUNTY AWARDS GRANTS

Nonprofit organizations awarded more than $52,500 in second half of 2015

Dec. 18, 2015 -- The Community Foundation of Howard County has awarded $52,500 in competitive grants during the second half of 2015. Combined with the first half total of $200,400, this brings the total of competitive grants awarded to $ 252,900 for the year.

“These grants are made from our community endowment unrestricted funds,” said Joe Dunbar, chairman of the Community Foundation of Howard County Grants Committee. “We are in a match period that will increase our grantmaking capabilities by building our endowment assets.  For every $1 given to our community endowment unrestricted funds, Lilly Endowment will match with a $1. A successful match will lead to an additional $80,000 in annual grant dollars that will be put to work in our community.  What a great opportunity to have your giving doubled and support the services and programs that are so important to our community.”

The following agencies and programs were awarded grants:

$10,000 to Carver Community Center will provide support for supplies for the art, tutoring and drama programs. Funding will also be used to purchase media equipment that will enable youth to make movies and short story filmmaking for the Drama Club. These programs provide opportunities for personal growth and enrichment to children at risk.

$15,000 to the Housing Authority of the City of Kokomo for KATCO Inc. provides partial funding to purchase and install playground equipment at Garden Square housing. The community-build model calls for more than 200 volunteers to help construct the playground that will improve the quality of life for children in the community.

Up to $7,500 to the Indiana Lions Foundation for the Russiaville Lions will be used to replace the roof on the Lions Club clubhouse that is used as a regular meeting venue for Howard County organizations.

$1,500 to Ivy Tech Foundation for the Authentic Center supported the "Enough is Enough" Women's Empowerment Conference. Grant money provided conference scholarships to approximately 50 women. The event addressed values that drive decision-making, hurdles to success and juggling careers while maintaining a healthy work-life balance.

$5,000 to Ivy Tech Foundation provides partial support for the "2016 Doing the Dream" program that embraces and celebrates cultural diversity. This year's presenter, John Quiñones has had a long and distinguished career as a broadcast journalist. He will participate in a public banquet event and address high school students about the importance of education in overcoming difficulties and achieving success.

$10,000 to the Greater Economic Development Alliance for SHAK Makerspace will be used for monitoring and security equipment for the facility where a full fiber lab, electronics and 3D printing lab, metal shop, wood shop, clay and project working areas are located. The member-based Makerspace concept is to foster innovation, cooperation, mentoring and entrepreneurship. 

$3,500 to Servants at Work will be used to build ADA specific wooden wheelchair ramps for six Howard County residents who are living with both a financial and physical need. The work is completed by volunteers.

The Community Foundation of Howard County, Inc. was formed as a not-for-profit public charity in March 1991. The Foundation seeks to serve donors and make grants to benefit the citizens of Howard County. For more information about the Community Foundation, contact Hilda Burns at 765-454-7298 or hilda@cfhoward.org. The Web site www.cfhoward.org contains information about making gifts to endowment funds, scholarships and grantmaking.