The Community Foundation of Boone County (CFBC) has received a matching fund grant totaling $1,500,000 as part of the eighth phase of Lilly Endowment Inc.’s initiative, Giving Indiana Funds for Tomorrow (GIFT VIII). 

CFBC will use the funding to enhance its community grantmaking initiatives by addressing local unmet needs, identifying their root causes, and building up the operational endowment for lasting philanthropic impact. CFBC’s goal is to fundraise a total of $825,000 by December 31, 2025.

The grant triples donations made to any current or new unrestricted community impact fund, by matching $2 for every $1 gifted from the Endowment, up to $675,000 total. Monies in these funds allow CFBC to give back locally as needs arise, promote leadership training and development, and be an overall support system for all of Boone County.

CFBC also has $150,000 to match $1 for every $1 donated to any current or new operational endowed fund. These funds secure CFBC’s ability to fulfill its mission and empower it to make a lasting impact in the community for years to come.

 

“We are extremely grateful to Lilly Endowment for their support at this exciting time of growth for our foundation and county. CFBC is committed to fostering a healthier, welcoming, and resilient community. We’re excited that this opportunity will amplify the positive change we seek to make in Boone County and, with the help of our generous community, team and board, we look forward to meeting the goal and expanding our impact,”
Julie Reagan

CEO, Community Foundation of Boone County

 

You can contribute online or in person, and pledges are accepted to secure a portion of matching funds for donations by December 31, 2025. For further details or to get involved, please reach out to Julie Reagan, CEO of CFBC.

 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.

ABOUT THE COMMUNITY FOUNDATION OF BOONE COUNTY
The Community Foundation of Boone County exists to unite people, organizations, and philanthropy to create a thriving community for all. Since 1991, its leaders have worked to empower and engage local communities to make a difference right here in Boone County, while also leading a vision to collaboratively address the root causes of challenges facing Boone County in diverse and equitable ways. The Community Foundation continues to invest in the people working to fill local needs and has granted more than $29 million to nonprofit organizations and programs working to solve critical challenges in Boone County. With over $30 million in net assets, the Community Foundation works with donors to create permanent funds for charitable giving, to strengthen Boone County for generations to come.

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.