Community Development
Union County Foundation has received a matching fund grant totaling $736,083.00 as part of the eighth phase of Lilly Endowment Inc.’s initiative, Giving Indiana Funds for Tomorrow (GIFT VIII). Union County Foundation will use the funding to build our unrestricted endowments for
community projects and help support the expansion project for the Union County Public Library.
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, while qualifying matching funds raised for the Union County Public Library will be eligible for a $1(grantor)-to-$1(grantee) match.
“The Union County Foundation is known for its community leadership and serves as a sounding board and support for many projects in our county,” said Olivia Chewning, executive director of Union County Foundation.
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 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.
The Union County Foundation, Inc. is a non-profit community foundation established in 1989 to serve our community with aim to improve the quality of life for Union County Citizens. We strive to help individuals, families, businesses and non-profit organizations achieve their charitable
goals by offering tools and resources that make giving easy and effective.
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.
At the Foundation we are proud to be participating in many community development efforts. Together, everyone achieves more!
At the Union County Foundation, our commitment to enhancing the quality of life in our community is unwavering. To better understand the needs and aspirations of Union County residents, we have partnered with Stratavize, a renowned consulting firm. Together, we have undertaken a comprehensive data collection initiative, gathering insights through surveys and community group discussions. This initiative is pivotal in shaping our future endeavors, ensuring that our actions are aligned with the community’s needs and goals.
Over the next eight weeks, we are excited to share the findings of this extensive research with you through a series of newsletter articles. Each installment will delve into specific areas of interest, shedding light on key issues, opportunities, and actionable insights. Our aim is to foster a transparent dialogue with you, our valued community members, and to collaboratively build a stronger, more resilient Union County.
