MAKE A DIFFERENCE,
MAKE IT HERE
The Power of Philanthropy
For 32 years, the Community Foundation of Boone County has united people, organizations, and philanthropy to create a thriving community for all. We’re proud of our results – but even more proud of our dedicated professionals, spirited volunteers, and generous donors whose hard work makes it all possible.
Uniting people, organizations, & philanthropy to create a thriving community for all.
Empower & Engage
We engage the community & educate citizens on how they can make a difference here at home.
Strategic & Ethical Stewardship
We invest in the people, programs, & organizations that transform lives & communities.
Collaborative Leadership
We lead a vision for collaborative solutions to address the root causes of challenges facing our community in diverse & equitable ways.
Grantmaking since 1991
Giving since 1991
in grants awarded
grants awarded
unique recipients
unique donors
donors have given for 10 or more years
donors have given for 20 or more years
Giving since 1991
unique donors
donors have given for 10 or more years
donors have given for 20 or more years
Everyone is a leader – you cannot do it by yourself, you must take people with you. We at the Community Foundation of Boone County have taken over 9,000 donors on a 32 year journey of granting out over 6,500 grants and $29 million to this great county we call home.
And we’re just getting started….
In the roller-coaster economy of 2022, the Community Foundation of Boone County remained resolute in awarding over $1.2 million in grants to help our more than 175 nonprofits achieve their purpose and fulfill their mission of addressing local needs. From homelessness to food insecurity, domestic violence to illiteracy, economic disparity to mental health education, and animals to art, we do our work for the 76,000 residents of Boone County – from our smallest town in Advance in the west to our largest town of Zionsville in the east, and every square mile of farmland and neighborhood in between – all 4 corners of this great county. We do it each and every day, for our most vulnerable youth all the way to our beloved senior citizens, right here at home.
We believe in making a difference and making it right here in Boone County.
We keep our focus on philanthropy by uniting our community, supporting our nonprofits, and helping bridge the gap between our municipalities and our service providers. We represent the many nonprofits spanning our county by serving as their collective voice with a neutral perspective to ensure that all voices are heard and included. We share the knowledge of the good work our nonprofits with boots on the ground are doing each and every day for the underserved of Boone County.
We believe the best way to love is to serve.
We are conveners. We link arms with our local Chambers, officials, and Economic Development Corporation, with our County Commissioners and Council, and with our State Representatives to address the unmet, local needs of Boone County including funding for mental health, our friends living with disabilities, and our growing elderly population. From our robust Board of Directors to our Professional Staff, we believe in solving local needs with local funds and connecting local nonprofits with local donors. We are galvanizing Boone County to both give and serve through teamwork and collaboration, and build the Boone County of tomorrow.
We are leading and growing into the future. Come along with us!
Shawna Lake,
Board Chair
Jodi Gietl,
President & CEO
2022 Highlights
Awarded in Grants
Awarded in Scholarships
Funds & Scholarships
Benefited by Amazon Donation Days
Two New Public Art Murals Along Big 4 Trail
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Our Team
We have a strong group of community partners and volunteers who support our Staff and Board to make sure everything is possible. Looking ahead, we are excited about the path in front of us!
Staff
Board of Directors
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Local Impact Stories
Historically, the Community Foundation of Boone County has focused on making a large impact in different ways, to ensure our support is inclusive of the diverse needs throughout the country.
Most recently, in 2020, CFBC awarded $150,000 in surprise grants to three county public school corporations to help with the COVID response. In 2021, we brought two new murals to the towns of Advance and Jamestown. In 2022, we continued with that focus by awarding $150,000 to the Big 4 Trail for public art murals and safety signage, $120,000 in matching grants to four nonprofit grantees, and $75,000 grant to Isaiah 117 Boone County. We continue to inject more than $1 million every year into this wonderful county we call home.
CFBC gathered together community partners, officials, and supporters to award $150,000 to provide gifts of public art to the north and south sections of the Big 4 Trail and safety signage for the entire trail. The mission of CFBC is to connect people, organizations, and philanthropy to create a thriving community for all. What better way to connect residents than with the trail that bisects the urban and rural landscape of Boone County!
This combined amount of $150,000 is the largest project grant in CFBC history. “We are able to make these monumental, impactful grants because of our supporters and donors, both today and in previous years”, said Jodi Gietl, President & CEO for CFBC. “We are grateful to those who have believed and continue to believe in the work of the Community Foundation of Boone County.”
“The Friends of Boone County Trails is excited to see the Community Foundation of Boone County put this money into the continuation of the trail efforts.
This is a dream come true and we look forward to seeing residents throughout the county benefit from this investment.”
-Dan Warkentien
Friends of Boone County Trails
In March of 2022, CFBC granted Isaiah 117 House Boone County a $75,000 community impact grant. “We are honored to support an organization bringing so much value to Boone County”, said Gietl. Isaiah 117 provides physical and emotional support in a safe and loving home for children awaiting foster care placement.
“The Isaiah 117 House Boone County is here to help the community’s children on their worst day”, says Tom Hundley, Isaiah 117 Boone County Local Advisory Team Chair. “This home is truly a community build.”
“We are full of appreciation and thank CFBC and the rest of the community for continually surrounding our project and supporting our needs. This gift will make a huge impact in serving these children. Every donation and gift reconfirms why we are here – to help youth in their time of need.”
-Laura Wiggs
Program Coordinator for Isaiah 117 Boone County
Established in 1993, this award recognizes someone who makes an ongoing commitment to Zionsville youth sports, in honor of Lionel Dubay. Lionel was a vital parent and supporter of youth sports in Zionsville. He was an active member of multiple sports organizations, including The Little League and Youth Soccer Association. He was also instrumental in starting pee-wee football in Zionsville.
Marty and Vicki Wilkey, the 2022 Lionel Dubay Sports Award recipients, make an impact in many children’s lives. Since 2013, they have coached cross country and track at Zionsville Middle School. They consistently pour themselves out for the kids on their team and make themselves available as mentors and friends for kids who have left ZMS. Marty and Vicki go above & beyond standard coach expectations by completing team-building activities, hosting family race nights with parents and siblings, handwriting and delivering motivational notes to nearly 100 runners each fall. Athletes develop leadership by completing service activities alongside them. By creating a team culture marked by community, friendship, determination, and trust, Marty and Vicki prove that middle schoolers can do hard things.
“Running is hard. But running is much easier with Marty & Vicki Wilkey by your side.”
Established in 1996, this fund is named after Aaron Stookey and recognizes local individuals or businesses who are exemplary in philanthropic activities. Aaron, owner and founder of Stookey’s Restaurant, dedicated his nights off to hold fundraising dinners for Boone County needs. Every year, this award recognizes someone who demonstrates a long standing commitment to local charities, sets a positive example for others by their volunteerism, and has a broad base of charitable activities.
Jane Hammock, the 2022 Aaron Stookey Spirit of Philanthropy recipient, donates time, leadership talents, and finances to support local organizations and committees. She was president of Purdue Club of Boone County for many years and spearheaded Purdue scholarships given out to Boone County graduating seniors. Jane was a collegiate member of Kappa Epsilon Pharmacy Sorority and remains active with the collegiate club, alumni club, and internationally. She is a mentor for college students attending the college of pharmacy and previously served on the Lebanon School Board, Lebanon Education Foundation Board of Directors, and helped the swim club start their scholarship fund. Jane served on the Board of Directors for the Boone County Historical Society and has taken the lead to provide Lincoln Days at the Lebanon Park, believing it is important to provide Boone County history at no cost to children and adults. She is a Pastor at Milledgeville Methodist Church and volunteers weekly for Love INC, yearly at the Boone County Cancer Society Battle of the BBQ, and monthly at the Gleaners Food Pantry at the Boone County Fairgrounds. Jane was the Boone County Coordinator for the Indiana Bicentennial Celebration and was Mrs. Boone County in the mid 1980s, where she continued to support future contestants for many years. She served as president and on the Board of Directors for the Boone County Senior Services Foundation, where you can still find her volunteering.
CFBC gathered together community partners, officials, and supporters to award $150,000 to provide gifts of public art to the north and south sections of the Big 4 Trail and safety signage for the entire trail. The mission of CFBC is to connect people, organizations, and philanthropy to create a thriving community for all. What better way to connect residents than with the trail that bisects the urban and rural landscape of Boone County!
This combined amount of $150,000 is the largest project grant in CFBC history. “We are able to make these monumental, impactful grants because of our supporters and donors, both today and in previous years”, said Jodi Gietl, President & CEO for CFBC. “We are grateful to those who have believed and continue to believe in the work of the Community Foundation of Boone County.”
“The Friends of Boone County Trails is excited to see the Community Foundation of Boone County put this money into the continuation of the trail efforts.
This is a dream come true and we look forward to seeing residents throughout the county benefit from this investment.”
-Dan Warkentien
Friends of Boone County Trails
In March of 2022, CFBC granted Isaiah 117 House Boone County a $75,000 community impact grant. “We are honored to support an organization bringing so much value to Boone County”, said Gietl. Isaiah 117 provides physical and emotional support in a safe and loving home for children awaiting foster care placement.
“The Isaiah 117 House Boone County is here to help the community’s children on their worst day”, says Tom Hundley, Isaiah 117 Boone County Local Advisory Team Chair. “This home is truly a community build.”
“We are full of appreciation and thank CFBC and the rest of the community for continually surrounding our project and supporting our needs. This gift will make a huge impact in serving these children. Every donation and gift reconfirms why we are here – to help youth in their time of need.”
-Laura Wiggs
Program Coordinator for Isaiah 117 Boone County
Established in 1993, this award recognizes someone who makes an ongoing commitment to Zionsville youth sports, in honor of Lionel Dubay. Lionel was a vital parent and supporter of youth sports in Zionsville. He was an active member of multiple sports organizations, including The Little League and Youth Soccer Association. He was also instrumental in starting pee-wee football in Zionsville.
Marty and Vicki Wilkey, the 2022 Lionel Dubay Sports Award recipients, make an impact in many children’s lives. Since 2013, they have coached cross country and track at Zionsville Middle School. They consistently pour themselves out for the kids on their team and make themselves available as mentors and friends for kids who have left ZMS. Marty and Vicki go above & beyond standard coach expectations by completing team-building activities, hosting family race nights with parents and siblings, handwriting and delivering motivational notes to nearly 100 runners each fall. Athletes develop leadership by completing service activities alongside them. By creating a team culture marked by community, friendship, determination, and trust, Marty and Vicki prove that middle schoolers can do hard things.
“Running is hard. But running is much easier with Marty & Vicki Wilkey by your side.”
Established in 1996, this fund is named after Aaron Stookey and recognizes local individuals or businesses who are exemplary in philanthropic activities. Aaron, owner and founder of Stookey’s Restaurant, dedicated his nights off to hold fundraising dinners for Boone County needs. Every year, this award recognizes someone who demonstrates a long standing commitment to local charities, sets a positive example for others by their volunteerism, and has a broad base of charitable activities.
Jane Hammock, the 2022 Aaron Stookey Spirit of Philanthropy recipient, donates time, leadership talents, and finances to support local organizations and committees. She was president of Purdue Club of Boone County for many years and spearheaded Purdue scholarships given out to Boone County graduating seniors. Jane was a collegiate member of Kappa Epsilon Pharmacy Sorority and remains active with the collegiate club, alumni club, and internationally. She is a mentor for college students attending the college of pharmacy and previously served on the Lebanon School Board, Lebanon Education Foundation Board of Directors, and helped the swim club start their scholarship fund. Jane served on the Board of Directors for the Boone County Historical Society and has taken the lead to provide Lincoln Days at the Lebanon Park, believing it is important to provide Boone County history at no cost to children and adults. She is a Pastor at Milledgeville Methodist Church and volunteers weekly for Love INC, yearly at the Boone County Cancer Society Battle of the BBQ, and monthly at the Gleaners Food Pantry at the Boone County Fairgrounds. Jane was the Boone County Coordinator for the Indiana Bicentennial Celebration and was Mrs. Boone County in the mid 1980s, where she continued to support future contestants for many years. She served as president and on the Board of Directors for the Boone County Senior Services Foundation, where you can still find her volunteering.
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Women of Impact
Women coming together to make a local difference
Women of Impact Boone County is a philanthropic women’s group designed to provide financial support for local nonprofit organizations, while creating a sense of community. Since the groups inception in 2017, members have collectively granted more than $252,000 to Boone County-serving nonprofit organizations!
Total Amount Raised
Nonprofits Benefited
Hover over the chart below to see our grantees within each area of impact!
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Grantmaking
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Scholarship Spotlight
Megan Suzanne Hammerle Memorial Scholarship: Fulfilling A Legacy
Megan Suzanne Hammerle loved playing trombone, running cross country, and giving back through Key Club, National Honor Society, Girl Scouts, and as a 10-year member of 4-H. Megan found a friend in everyone she met, whether at her job at the local Dairy Queen or her church youth group. You could find Megan doodling, reading or playing board games when not at school, work, or volunteering.
After graduating from Lebanon High School in 2014, Megan enrolled in the Science Research Fellows program at DePauw University. Over the holidays, she came home, had a headache, and a short four weeks later, Megan passed away at the age of 18 from a rare type of meningitis that resulted in a fatal stroke. Devastated, her family and friends started asking Megan’s family, Amy, Rick, Sara, and Connor, what they could do. With donations from family and friends, Rick & Amy connected with the Community Foundation of Boone County and created the Megan Suzanne Hammerle Memorial Scholarship.
Megan’s high school friends wanted to channel their grief into something positive, so they organized a 5K to honor Megan’s love of running. The first race raised $10,000 and continued to support the scholarship fund which quickly raised enough to be endowed, resulting in the scholarship being a gift that can keep on giving, year after year. The Megan Hammerle Memorial 5K continues today, with proceeds benefiting the Boone County Mentoring Partnership, spreading Megan’s spirit throughout the community.
Since 2016, the Megan Suzanne Hammerle Memorial Scholarship is awarded annually to a Lebanon High School graduate who is a 4-year instrumentalist or 4-year athlete on the cross-country team. The recipient is chosen by a committee including the band director and cross-country coach, both who knew Megan personally. Since the creation of the fund, nine scholarships have been awarded to local students in Megan’s honor.
Megan’s profound impact lives on due to the generosity of her family, friends, and local Boone County community. Megan’s light continues to serve her community, and the Community Foundation provides a place to pool resources and make an impact today, tomorrow, and in the future.
Drake Baker: Driven To Succeed
Timing is everything; that’s what Drake Baker has learned. After graduating from Western Boone High School in 2019, Drake started classes at Ivy Tech and worked full-time at Hendrickson, a world leader in designing and manufacturing high-quality suspension systems in Lebanon. He began as a maintenance apprentice and worked his way up to the highest maintenance technician level possible while going to school full-time. He graduated from Ivy Tech and applied for a beginning engineering position at Hendrickson. He had the skills needed for the job but lacked one requirement – a bachelor’s degree.
Drake Baker: Driven To Succeed
Timing is everything; that’s what Drake Baker has learned. After graduating from Western Boone High School in 2019, Drake started classes at Ivy Tech and worked full-time at Hendrickson, a world leader in designing and manufacturing high-quality suspension systems in Lebanon. He began as a maintenance apprentice and worked his way up to the highest maintenance technician level possible while going to school full-time. He graduated from Ivy Tech and applied for a beginning engineering position at Hendrickson. He had the skills needed for the job but lacked one requirement – a bachelor’s degree.
When Drake graduated high school, he received the Jay Martin Vocational/Trade School Scholarship from the Community Foundation of Boone County. Since he did not immediately enroll in a 4-year college, he did not initially use the scholarship. However, when he realized he needed to earn his bachelor’s degree in order to reach his career goals, he explained his situation to CFBC and he was able to then use the scholarship at a 4-year college. This flexibility provided Drake with the needed funds to pursue his career goal. Today, Drake is on track to graduate from Purdue University with a degree in mechanical engineering technology. He funds his studies through the Jay Martin Vocational/Trade School Scholarship and by working as a co-op student for Rolls Royce.
Receiving the scholarship from CFBC alleviated one of Drake’s most significant hurdles in going to college. He credits the scholarship with alleviating his worry, and when you are as busy as Drake is by going to school and working full-time, it is a real advantage to have one less thing on your plate. After graduation, Drake hopes to continue at Rolls Royce & continue living in Boone County.
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Meet Our Funds
“Society grows great when we plant trees in whose shade we know we will never sit.”
-Greek proverb
This sentiment perfectly sums up how planned giving makes an impact even after loved ones are gone. Whether the planned gift is a financial donation or a donation of property or stock, the gift leaves a legacy that will continue to remember the donor for years to come.
Leaving a Legacy Society gift offers a way to make a difference far beyond the measure of a lifetime. The Legacy Society recognizes individuals who have chosen to leave a lasting legacy by including the Community Foundation of Boone County in their will, trust, or estate plan. Legacy Society donors are generous, forward-thinking, and share a passion for Boone County.
Legacy Society donations can be of any amount and in any form. It is a common misconception that you need extreme wealth to make this type of donation , which is not true. The Foundation can be named a beneficiary on a life insurance policy or accept planned gifts of real estate, stocks, and other assets. Establishing your gift now allows you to create a relationship with the Foundation; therefore, once the gift comes to fruition, the Foundation will know precisely how you want your donation used.
Eugene O. & Mabel Higgins Trust Fund: Legacy Gift
The Community Foundation of Boone County received a transformative gift this year from the Eugene O. and Mabel Higgins Trust Fund. This Charitable Remainder UniTrust began in 1997 with a transfer of stock to establish the Eugene O. & Mabel Higgins Scholarship Fund. A sale of land that went into the family’s established trust allowed the trust to grow over time.
In fall of 2022, the remainder of the trust was transferred to the Community Foundation of Boone County and made a sustainable impact in four different ways. First, the Eugene O. & Mabel Higgins Scholarship Fund, which routinely awards three scholarships per year, received a significant injection of funds to ensure the fund lives on in perpetuity and continues awarding multiple scholarships per year. Second, a sustainable injection was made into other scholarship funds and established a new designated scholarship fund, ensuring the Higgins’ commitment to education lives on forever. Third, a portion of the gift was put into a fund to help with operational and granting expenses for the Foundation. Lastly, we were honored to rename the Community Foundation of Boone County conference room the “Eugene O. & Mabel Higgins Conference Room.”
This transformative gift is one of the largest in the Community Foundation of Boone County’s history. We are grateful to help the legacy of Eugene O. and Mabel Higgins live on in our community.
Types of Gifts We Accept & Tax Benefits
Type of Funds
Click on the name to learn more about the types of funds we offer
Bond & Stock Transfer
Donor Tax Benefits
No Capital Gains Tax Paid. Donations limited to 30% of AGI
Gifts of Grain
Donor Tax Benefits
Reduction in AGI & income tax paid.
Life Insurance
Donor Tax Benefits
Income tax deduction. Charitable use of non-needed life insurance policy.
Cash
Donor Tax Benefits
Income Tax Deduction. Donations limited to 60% of AGI.
IRA/RMD
Donor Tax Benefits
If over 70.5 year old, QCD tax free distribution of up to $100,000 per year.
Mutual Funds Transfer
Donor Tax Benefits
No Capital Gains Tax paid. Donation limited to 30% of AGI.
Charitable Trust
Donor Tax Benefits
Income Tax Deduction. Fixed or variable income for life or term of years.
Legacy Charitable Request & Planned Gift
Donor Tax Benefits
Can be percentage, specific amount, asset, or residual of estate.
Real Estate Transfer
Donor Tax Benefits
No Capital Gains Tax paid.
Type of Funds
Click on the name to learn more about the types of funds we offer
Operational Funds
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Provides support for the operations of the foundation.
Community Impact Funds
Your Subtitle Goes Here
Allows for flexible grantmaking, providing support as needed of the county change.
Field of Interest Funds
Your Subtitle Goes Here
Funds are disbursed to nonprofits within your desired field of charitable work.
Agency Funds
Your Subtitle Goes Here
Ensures long-term sustainability of nonprofit organizations.
Designated Funds
Your Subtitle Goes Here
Permanently supports your chosen charitable organization.
Scholarship Funds
Your Subtitle Goes Here
Helps others reach their dreams of higher education.
Donor Advised Funds
Your Subtitle Goes Here
You recommend which nonprofits receive your funds.
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Our Supporters
We’re thankful for our CFBC supporters and the amazing gifts they give to the community!
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Financials & Investments
GET GIFTS. GROW FUNDS. GIVE BACK.
It’s what we do at the Community Foundation of Boone County.
We receive gifts from people all over this county we call home. We invest those gifts so they grow and maximize the resources we have to support the 175+ nonprofits that help Boone County thrive. Our endowed funds are invested to preserve the original value of these gifts and grow our assets over time. We employ a moderate growth strategy in which 60% are invested in equities, 20% in fixed income vehicles, and 20% in liquid alternatives. Our investment strategy has produced excellent results for Boone County in both stable and unstable markets spanning three decades.
10 Year Net Asset Growth (*Cash basis).
10 Year Donation History (*Cash basis).
Since 1991, we have awarded more than $29 million to address local needs.
Hover over the chart below to see the amounts awarded within each area of impact!