The LaGrange County Community Foundation awarded $47,500 to four nonprofit organizations during its 2022 Spring Community Impact Grants cycle.
The grants will address community needs in education and health and human services. One of the grants will support the development of the Community Health Clinic in Shipshewana. The Community Health Clinic is a nonprofit healthcare facility that focuses on research and specialized care for individuals with rare genetic conditions.
Pictures above left to right: Jared Beasley, Executive Director of the Community Health Clinic; Octavia Yoder, Executive Director of the LaGrange County Community Foundation; Dr. Zineb Ammous, Clinical Geneticist and Medical Director of the Community Health Clinic.
We are excited to support the Community Health Clinic’s new facility. The expanded clinic will help their organization provide better services to their patients and continue to serve the community with comprehensive medical genetics care. All of the nonprofits are providing important services and programs to the LaGrange County community. We are thrilled to support their efforts as they seek to improve the quality of life and help meet critical community needs.
Octavia Yoder, Executive Director of LaGrange County Community Foundation
The 2022 Spring Community Impact Grant recipients include:
Community Health Clinic, Community Health Clinic Building, $40,000.
RespectTeam, RespectTeam programming for LaGrange County, $3,000.
McMillen Health, Preventative Health Education for LaGrange County youth, $2,500.
LaGrange County Miracle Tree, Turn Up for Teens, $2,000.
Each year, the Community Foundation seeks proposals for charitable projects and programs that help local nonprofit organizations provide services in LaGrange County. The Grants Advisory Committee reviews the submitted grant applications and makes recommendations to the Board of Directors who approve the grant awards.
The Community Impact Grants are made possible by the generosity of donors who give to the unrestricted and field of interest funds at the Foundation.
The LaGrange County Community Foundation presents a grant for $40,000 to LaGrange County Trails on Nov. 11. In front, from left are Octavia Yoder; LaGrange County Community Foundation Executive Director; Sherryl Rhinesmith, Vice President, LaGrange County Trails; Beth Thornburg, Secretary, LaGrange County Trails, and Fritz Helmuth, Board Member, LaGrange County Trails. In back, from left, are Jeff Wingstrom, President, LaGrange County Trails; and Bradd Giggy, Board Member, LaGrange County Trails.
The LaGrange County Community Foundation presents a grant for $13,000 to the Stroh Volunteer Fire Department on Nov. 16 to update its technology for volunteer training and field reporting. From left are Blaine Williams, Stroh Volunteer Fire Department; Mandy Williams, Stroh Volunteer Fire Department; Octavia Yoder, LaGrange County Community Foundation Executive Director; and Tyler Terry, Chief, Stroh Volunteer Fire Department.
The Community Foundation awarded $78,439 to seven nonprofits during its 2021 Fall Community Impact Grants cycle.
The grants will address community needs in recreation, education and health and human services.
“Some of the grants will support the development of the recreational Hawpatch Trail in Topeka, training and technology equipment for the Stroh Fire Department and the development of baseball and softball fields at Spreuer Park in LaGrange,” said Octavia Yoder, Executive Director.
“All of the nonprofits are providing important services and programs to the LaGrange County community. We are thrilled to support their efforts as they seek to improve the quality of life and help meet critical community needs,” Yoder added.
The 2021 Fall Community Impact Grant recipients include:
LaGrange County Trails Inc., The Hawpatch Trail, development of the trail, $40,000;
Stroh Volunteer Fire Department, Audio Video Technology Advancement, update technology including conferencing equipment and computers for ease of filing reports and access to virtual training and conferences, $13,000;
LaGrange Baseball League Inc., Spreuer Park Development, construction of baseball and softball fields at Spreuer Park, $10,000;
LaGrange County Department of Parks & Recreation, Delt Church Park Playground equipment, replacement of two current playground pieces, $7,439;
Junior Achievement of LaGrange County, Junior Achievement Capstone Experiences, sending Lakeland and Westview students to participate in JA Biztown and Finance Park, education on financial literacy, community, economy, and business management, $5,000;
Kate’s Kart, Book distribution at Parkview LaGrange Hospital, provides new books to patients in all areas of the hospital, $1,500; and
Community Harvest Food Bank of Northeast Indiana, LaGrange County Farm Wagon Mobile Pantry Program, serving families with fresh produce, dairy products and other healthy foods at no cost, $1,500.
Each year, the Community Foundation seeks proposals for charitable projects and programs that help local nonprofit organizations provide services in LaGrange County. The Grants Advisory Committee reviews the submitted grant applications and makes recommendations to the Board of Directors who approve the grant awards.
The Community Impact Grants are made possible by the generosity of donors who give to the unrestricted and field of interest funds at the Foundation.
Through its Community Impact Grant program, the foundation aims to support nonprofit needs and provide innovative programs and services in LaGrange County.
Ark Animal Rescue and Adoption was among the five organizations who received funding this fall. The Community Foundation awarded Ark Animal Rescue and Adoption $10,000 for the new roof at the Paws and Claws Bookstore in Howe. The bookstore provides slightly used books to readers of all ages. All books sold are on a donation basis and volunteers staff the bookstore. All donations directly benefit the Ark Animal Rescue and Adoption. The grant supported the replacement of the roof at the bookstore.
The 2020 Community Impact Grant Fall awards include:
Each year, the Community Foundation accepts proposals for charitable projects and programs that help local nonprofit organizations provide services to LaGrange County families and individuals. The Grants Advisory Committee reviews the submitted grant applications and makes recommendations to the Board of the Directors who approve the grant awards. The grants are made possible through the generosity of donors who have supported the unrestricted and field of interest charitable funds at the Community Foundation.
If you would like to support the Foundation’s efforts, please click below and be sure to designate your donation to the Caring Community Grant Making Fund.
The LaGrange County Council on Aging received a COVID-19 Rapid Response Grant earlier this year to support its services.
In partnership with Aging & In-Home Service of Northeast Indiana, the COA delivered 51 emergency COVID-19 packs to local residents. The emergency packs contained food, face masks, gloves, batteries, coupons, sanitizer, and emergency information.
With limited funds and transportation services, the COA adjusted their schedule and delivered groceries to senior citizens and provided prescription delivery services during the stay at home order.
During the crisis, L-CAT was able to provide local transportation to seniors for donations.
Nothing like this has ever happened in my lifetime and I sure hope it never does again, but you have to be strong and have the desire to push on in order to help as many people as possible during trying times. Every dollar helps in this situation and this grant assisted us to continue serving members of our community.
Cheri Perkins, Executive Director of LaGrange County Council on Aging
Established in 1975 by Eva Connelly, the COA is a resource for services that improve the quality of life for older adults of LaGrange County to enable them to retain their independence and provide safe accessible public transportation for all residents.
To make a donation to the Good Samaritan Fund, which supports COVID-19 relief efforts click here.
Community Impact Grants are available to nonprofit organizations serving LaGrange County. These grants are made possible through the generosity of donors who have supported the unrestricted and field of interest charitable funds at the Foundation.
Duff Lake Fen at Pine Knob Park
Grant applications will be due September 3, 2020.
The Community Foundation seeks proposals for innovative or creative projects with significant impact on the community.
Nonprofit organizations serving LaGrange County are eligible to apply in six areas:
McMillen Health provided 10 preventative health education program sessions at Lakeland High School and Westview High School. The focus for 2019 was opioid use and vaping.
McMillen Health was awarded a grant from the Community Foundation in 2019 to support their efforts. McMillen Health’s greatest strength in this effort includes providing fact-based health education that promotes positive health decisions youth carry into adulthood.
Serving 310 LaGrange County youth in grades 6-12 and 15 teachers and staff for a total of 325 lives touched through LaGrange County Community Foundation funding.
They liked identifying which was candy or vape juice. Every time I have a program come in I am impressed and have never had a bad experience. Speakers are engaging and energetic and knowledgeable.
Ms. Duff at Westview High School
McMillen Health is continually expanding its programs and funding sources. Receiving support from the LaGrange County Community Foundation, the Council for Drug-Free LaGrange County, the Cole Foundation, and the Dekko Foundation has enabled opportunities to meet the everchanging needs of LaGrange County students.
LCCF presents members of the LaGrange County Trails, Inc. board with a $25,000 check at the site of the trail bed that is proposed for development in Topeka. From Left, LaGrange County Community Foundation Executive Director Octavia Yoder, LaGrange County Trails President Jeff Wingstrom, LaGrange County Trails Vice President Sherryl Rhinesmith and LaGrange County Trails Treasurer Beth Sherman.
The LaGrange County Community Foundation awarded Community
Impact Grants totaling $126,836 in 2019 to 18 projects and programs benefiting LaGrange
County.
Through Community Impact Grants, the foundation aims to
support nonprofit needs and provide innovative programs and services in
LaGrange County.
LaGrange County Trails, Inc., of Topeka was among the 18 organizations who received funding. The Community Foundation awarded LaGrange County Trails $25,000 for The Hawpatch Trail, a proposed 17-mile trail that will stretch from Millersburg to Wolcottville, connecting three counties. The grant will support the early stages of developing the Hawpatch Trail in Topeka through legal fees, title research, surveying and appraisals.
Founded in 2019, LaGrange County Trails, Inc. is committed
to creating hiking and biking trails for LaGrange County and to encourage safe,
active, outdoor experiences.
The Town of LaGrange received $20,000 to support an inclusive park and splash pad in the heart of downtown LaGrange. The grant will support phase one of the new park, a splash pad accessible for all ages and abilities. The next phase will consist of an inclusive play area and a pavilion. Phase one will break ground spring of 2020. The Town of LaGrange Park Committee will fundraise to complete all phases. Located near the existing bathrooms this inclusive park and splash pad will serve all families of LaGrange County.
“I am so excited that the new town park is coming to
fruition. We really want a space that provides play opportunities for all kids
and is unique enough to bring in visitors from surrounding towns,” said
Brittany Cowley, Town of LaGrange Park Committee Member.
Each year, the Community Foundation accepts proposals for
charitable projects and programs that help local nonprofit organizations
provide services to LaGrange County families and individuals. The Grants
Advisory Committee reviewed the submitted grant applications and made
recommendations to the Board of the Directors who approved the grant awards.
The grants are made possible through the generosity of donors who have
supported the unrestricted and field of interest charitable funds at the
Foundation.
The 2019 Community Impact Grant awards include:
LaGrange County, Courthouse Restoration & Historical Project, $5,225
In 2020, applications for Community Impact Grants will be accepted on April 1 and Sept. 3. To learn more, visit lccf.net/grants.
LaGrange County Park employees replace the boardwalk at Pine Knob County Park. LCCF grant will support the continuation of the boardwalk at Duff Lake Fen.
The LaGrange County Community Foundation’s mission is to inspire and sustain generosity, leadership and service. Founded in 1991, the Community Foundation connects people to charitable causes and provides resources to nonprofits to make a lasting and sustainable impact.
Early Childhood Alliance is building better futures in LaGrange County by partnering with parents, grandparents and local early intervention resources. The program is Parents as Teachers, PAT, and focuses on the individual strengths of each family to provide early learning experiences for their children. PAT supports parents as their child’s first and most influential teacher. PAT meets with families whose children are most at risk for school success.
This year Early Childhood Alliance was able to serve 10 families through the PAT program, servicing roughly 22 children. Families participating in PAT have children ranging in age from prenatal to age six. Families involved may have one or more barrier that may hinder the child’s readiness for school and ultimately school success. Some barriers may include, low income levels, low family education and English language learners.
The PAT program provides the opportunity to fill a gap in the community, providing support to parents through age 6, whereas other programs serve families up to age three.
Early Childhood Alliance is pleased to report that 80% of families indicated an increase in three or more of the nine critical areas of parenting skill and knowledge. Four children graduating the program will enter kindergarten, 100% have demonstrated they have the skills to be ready!
The PAT program was funded in part by a Community Impact Grant from the LaGrange County Community Foundation.
LIFE grant applications are due to the LaGrange County Community Foundation office by 5 p.m. on Thursday, January 31. The application form can be downloaded at www.lccf.net/life-grants.
The LIFE Philanthropy Program at LCCF was created to promote youth involvement and teach philanthropy to LaGrange County’s next generation of community leaders. LIFE oversees its own grantmaking fund and makes recommendations for funding to the Board of Directors.
LIFE grants are available to nonprofit youth organizations and nonprofits providing a youth program or service. Additionally, public and private schools are eligible to apply for funding. Grant amounts typically range from $500 to $2,000 per award.
The LaGrange County Community Foundation will be hosting a Grant Workshop on Wednesday, Feb. 20, from 4-5 p.m. at the Community Foundation.
The Foundation encourages those nonprofit or government organizations considering submitting an application in 2019 to attend.
Topics at the workshop will include an overview of the Community Impact Grant Program, the online application portal, eligibility requirements and the elements of an effective application.
The Foundation will be conducting two funding rounds in 2019. Community Impact Grant applications are due April 1 and September 3. The application process will open online on January 31, 2019.
The LaGrange County Community Foundation is seeking proposals for innovative or creative projects with significant impact on the community. Eligible areas of funding include: arts & culture, recreation, health & human services, education and environment.
Information about the Community Impact Grant program, as well as the application and eligibility criteria is available on the Foundation’s website at www.lccf.net/community-impact-grants.
