FCF Receives Planning Grant from Lilly Endowment Inc.’s GIFT VIII
The Fayette Community Foundation (FCF) has received a $50,000 planning grant as part of the eighth phase of Lilly Endowment Inc.’s initiative, Giving Indiana Funds for Tomorrow (GIFT VIII). With the grant, the community foundation will support the creation of a strategic plan for the City of Connersville’s Parks and Recreation Department.
FCF is one of 92 community foundations and affiliate funds in Indiana receiving planning grants through GIFT VIII. These grants are designed to help community foundations collaborate with local partners to engage broad and diverse stakeholders in their communities and deepen their understanding of their communities’ highest-priority challenges and opportunities. In 2024, FCF will have the opportunity to request funding to implement strategic initiatives and activities developed during the planning period that address especially compelling needs in Fayette County.
“Lilly Endowment’s GIFT VIII planning grant is an excellent opportunity for our community to actively participate in the strategic planning process, contributing to the future vision of Connersville and Fayette County. The Foundation is extremely grateful to Lilly Endowment for this grant and the upcoming grant opportunities that will further enhance our collective impact,” said Abigail Roszell, executive director of the Fayette Community Foundation.
The strategic planning process will be comprehensive and collaborative, and FCF encourages any community members that are interested in being involved to keep an eye out for public surveys and meetings that will be announced in the coming months.
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 to help their communities thrive. Through GIFT VIII, Lilly Endowment has allocated up to $210 million to support Indiana’s community foundations in growing their financial resources and further strengthening their ability to address their community’s highest-priority challenges and opportunities.
About Fayette Community Foundation
Fayette Community Foundation is inspiring the spirit of philanthropy in Fayette County to enhance the quality of life. Through connection and relationships, the Fayette Community Foundation brings together nonprofits and donors to improve the community.
About Fayette Community Foundation
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.