News

As 2024 draws to a close, I find myself reflecting on a year filled with growth, learning, and meaningful progress for Fayette County. This past year marked my first as Executive Director of the Fayette Community Foundation, and it has been both a privilege and an inspiration to witness the impact of our work alongside our donors, partners, and community members.

2024 brought with it opportunities to strengthen our programs, launch new initiatives, and expand the ways we serve Fayette County. One of the highlights was overseeing key programs like our Competitive Grant Cycle and Scholarship Programs, including the prestigious Lilly Endowment Community Scholarship. These programs are much more than funding opportunities; they represent hope for students, nonprofits, and community projects that fuel Fayette County’s future.

Bringing Funds to Fayette County

A major focus this year was leveraging the opportunities available through Lilly Endowment Inc.’s GIFT VIII initiative. We applied for several impactful grants, including a $750,000 request to establish a 2:1 matching fund for Fayette County. This program has the potential to multiply the generosity of our donors, creating sustainable resources for projects that will benefit our community for years to come.

In addition to the matching fund request, we joined a regional collaboration with neighboring counties to tackle one of the most pressing challenges facing families: access to quality childcare. Working with the Rush County, Hancock County, and Henry County Community Foundations, we developed a deeper understanding of the early education and childcare needs of our region. This effort brought together diverse voices, from local leaders to childcare professionals, ensuring that our planning grant laid the groundwork for effective, actionable solutions.

Locally, our commitment to enhancing Fayette County’s recreational spaces culminated in some exciting projects. After completing a Parks Master Plan, we applied for a $5 million implementation grant through GIFT VIII. We were delighted to find out earlier this month that this grant was approved and will fund transformative projects, including an inclusive playground and accessible loop trail at Roberts Park, as well as several new trail segments throughout Connersville. These enhancements will make our parks and trails more welcoming and accessible for everyone, creating spaces where families and neighbors can connect and thrive.

Community Collaboration

Throughout the year, we worked hard to communicate the tangible impact of our projects and funds raised. Our enhanced annual report and targeted mailers allowed us to share real stories of how donor generosity is creating positive change. We also celebrated the launch of new funds like the O’Brien Family Community Impact Fund and the Pete and Ruth Ann Gulley Community Impact Fund, which will serve as lasting legacies of generosity in Fayette County.

Collaboration has been a recurring theme this year. I’ve learned so much about the power of partnerships, whether it’s working with local government on our Parks Master Plan or coming together with other community foundations to address regional challenges. These collaborations remind me that every voice matters, and that when we listen to one another, we find the best solutions for our community.

Of course, this year has not been without its learning curves. Stepping into the role of Executive Director has been a transformative experience, one that’s required balancing long-term vision with the immediate needs of our community. I’ve learned to pace my expectations for change, understanding that meaningful progress often comes through deliberate, consistent steps. We also welcomed a new Program Officer, Nyah Frank, to our team to bring us fresh perspectives and further serve the community.

Bring on 2025!

There have been countless moments of joy and pride this year. Meeting the finalists for the Lilly Scholarship was one of my favorites. Hearing their dreams and aspirations reinforced why we do what we do. Another standout moment was sharing our 2023 Annual Report with donors. Showing them the tangible outcomes of their generosity—stories of scholarships awarded, grants implemented, and lives changed—was a powerful reminder of the deep connections that make our community foundation so special.

Looking ahead to 2025, I feel a renewed sense of purpose and excitement. My theme for the coming year is “Empower and Elevate.” By empowering our team and community members, we can elevate the Foundation’s impact in ways that bring more voices to the table and build a stronger sense of shared purpose. I hope to deepen partnerships, expand programs, and see even more legacy funds established to reflect the values and dreams of Fayette County’s residents.

One of the most exciting opportunities on the horizon is maximizing the 2:1 match offered through the GIFT VIII initiative. This program allows us to amplify the impact of every dollar donated, creating a lasting resource for Fayette County. I also look forward to meeting and connecting with more donors, learning about their visions for our community, and sharing my gratitude for their generosity.

Thank you for being part of this journey. Your support, generosity, and vision inspire everything we do. My wish for the new year is simple but powerful: that together, we continue to strengthen the connections that make our foundation a vital part of Fayette County’s future. Here’s to a bright 2025—one where we grow, dream, and achieve as a community. Thank you for being part of this journey. Let’s build something extraordinary together.

-Abigail Roszell, Executive Director, Fayette Community Foundation