Morgan County, IN – The Community Foundation of Morgan County has received a matching
fund grant totaling $1 million through the eighth phase of Lilly Endowment Inc.’s initiative, Giving
Indiana Funds for Tomorrow (GIFT VIII).
The Community Foundation of Morgan County will use the funding to build its Impact
grantmaking fund. Grantmaking is a sustainable funding source for our local nonprofits. The
Community Foundation of Morgan County grants thousands of dollars each year so local
nonprofits can offset expenses, address preventative and upstream care, respond to immediate
needs, train and certify staff, and stay ahead of the needs of those they serve. When a nonprofit
applies for one of Community Foundation of Morgan County’s three grants, it is committing to a
particular project with proof of sustainability, proof that the organization is in good standing
financially and legally and it is required to submit regular reports throughout the life of the grant
for accountability.
These grants are critical to meeting the needs of everyone in our communities. All these efforts
elevate not just how we collaborate and respond to ongoing needs in our communities, but they
also allow nonprofits to take a step back and look at the source of problems and how to address
them proactively. Grants are an effective tool to fund bigger initiatives that operational costs
may not afford.
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.
“This generous matching gift will provide the Community Foundation of Morgan County the
opportunity to provide the additional support to our community that is so greatly needed,” said
Christine Arnold, Interim Executive Director.
The Community Foundation of Morgan County (CFMC) was founded on January 5, 2000, in
partnership with the Mooresville Community Foundation and Morgan County Community
Foundation. The historic Academy Building on the Newby Campus in Mooresville was CFMC’s
original location. Every year, CFMC distributes thousands of dollars in grants and scholarships
to local nonprofit organizations and students. We also collaborate with other nonprofits on major
initiatives to improve our community.
The mission of CFMC is to connect donors and their charitable giving with our evolving
community needs to enhance the quality of life for current and future generations through
impact grant making. The vision of CFMC is to be the philanthropic leader and a catalyst to
maximize available resources in our county.
Through GIFT VIII Lilly Endowment has awarded matching fund grants totaling $133.8 million to
community foundations serving all 92 of Indiana’s counties. Eligible community foundations
submitted proposals requesting grants ranging from $100,000 to $15,000,000 based on the
population of the counties they serve.
In 2023, Lilly Endowment launched GIFT VIII to help community foundations strengthen the
towns, cities, and counties they serve. Matching fund grants are one of several funding
opportunities designed to help community foundations promote long-term viability; further
strengthen their abilities to lead; encourage board engagement; and support and develop
strategic efforts to enhance quality of life in their communities.
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.