The Community Foundation of Boone County (CFBC) is proud to announce a major milestone for Boone County’s future. CFBC has exceeded its GIFT VIII fundraising goal of $825,000, successfully unlocking $1.5 million in matching funds from Lilly Endowment Inc. through its Giving Indiana Funds for Tomorrow (GIFT VIII) initiative.
Through extraordinary generosity from donors, fund advisors, local leaders, and community partners, CFBC surpassed the required match ahead of schedule. In total, more than $2.3 million will now strengthen CFBC’s ability to address the county’s most pressing needs and advance long-term, community-driven solutions.
“This achievement reflects the deep care, trust, and commitment that Boone County residents share for one another. Every single gift – large or small – helped unlock this transformational funding. Together, we are building a stronger, more resilient Boone County for generations to come.”
The $1.5 million match from Lilly Endowment Inc. was part of the statewide GIFT VIII initiative, designed to help Indiana community foundations grow their unrestricted endowments and expand their ability to respond to emerging challenges and opportunities. By exceeding the $825,000 fundraising goal, CFBC significantly increased its capacity to invest in education, health and wellness, community connectivity, nonprofit support, and other areas essential to Boone County’s long-term vitality.
“Meeting and surpassing the GIFT VIII goal is a powerful statement about who Boone County is. This community believes in taking care of one another. We are grateful for every donor who made this possible.”
Funds raised through GIFT VIII and the match dollars now secured will support unrestricted grantmaking and community leadership efforts. This flexible funding equips CFBC to address needs as they arise and invest in innovative solutions across all of Boone County.
“Unrestricted community impact giving is one of the most impactful ways to strengthen a community foundation. Our donors helped create a legacy of problem-solving and opportunity-building that will impact Boone County for decades. We are humbled and grateful.”
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. It has granted more than $31 million to nonprofit organizations and programs working to solve critical challenges in Boone County. With more than $40 million in endowed 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 philanthropic foundation created in 1937 by J.K. Lilly Sr. and his sons Eli and J.K. Jr. through gifts of stock in Eli Lilly and Company. The Endowment supports community development, education, and religion, with a special commitment to Indianapolis and Indiana.