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Which state ranking should we address?  In 2018, Fayette County held the disturbing distinction of being the least healthy of Indiana’s 92 counties, according to a study sponsored by the Robert Wood Johnson Foundation.

“The community’s poor health did not happen overnight and will take time to begin seeing a positive change.  The first step is partnering with organizations that are working to address the health of our community members,” Fayette Community Foundation Executive Director Anna Dungan stated.

With the support of a $100,000 grant from Lilly Endowment Inc.’s GIFT VII (Giving Indiana Funds for Tomorrow) initiative, the Fayette Community Foundation (FCF) will lead efforts to address this issue and work to improve the community’s health.

Through this grant, FCF is creating a Fayette County Healthy Living Initiative (FCHLI) and seeking committee members to serve. Three objectives will be addressed: 1) Encourage active living, 2) Establish healthy food environments and 3) Enhance the quality of life through placemaking (a community-centered, asset-based approach to designing and managing public spaces to promote health, happiness and well-being).  The committee will partner with local organizations to fund projects to address the objectives to help Fayette County community members enjoy more active lifestyles and better health.

“We are so thankful for the generous support Lilly Endowment Inc. has continued to provide to Fayette County and throughout Indiana for the past three decades.  In addition to this grant they are also providing matching funds to donors who give to the community foundation’s unrestricted endowments.  The unrestricted endowments, in the future will provide resources to continue the healthy living initiatives created during the initial grant,” Dungan said.

Applications are now being accepted for the FCF Health & Fitness Coordinator to assist with this project. Please send a resumé and short video about yourself to info@givetofcf.com.

Lilly Endowment Inc. is an Indianapolis-based, private philanthropic foundation created in 1937 by J.K. Lilly Sr. and sons J.K. Jr. and Eli through gifts of stock in their pharmaceutical business, Eli Lilly and Company. While those gifts remain the financial bedrock of the Endowment, the Endowment 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 and maintains a special commitment to its hometown, Indianapolis, and home state, Indiana.

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