We are so pleased to announce that over $1.1 million dollars was raised for our community during the recent Lilly Endowment matching gift campaign. The Giving Indiana Funds for Tomorrow (GIFT) initiative was a huge success and the $500,000 matching challenge was met due to the overwhelming generosity and interest of donors. “Our community responded to the Lilly matching gift opportunity in an unprecedented way. We thank each and every donor for their gifts and for their contributions to improving the quality of life in Montgomery County,” stated Kelly Taylor, Executive Director. This was the sixth phase of these Lilly initiatives, which were designed to help strengthen Indiana community foundations and the critical role they play in improving the quality of life in our communities.
Here’s what this means for the community: During this campaign, which began August 1, 2014, there were 27 new funds established at the MCCF. These new funds provide assets that will grow into increased grants and scholarships that will be poured right back into Montgomery County. Over half of the funds raised are unrestricted which will allow the MCCF Board the flexibility to address needs as they evolve in our community. Support was received for the Nourish program which provides weekend food backpacks to county children, along with nutrition and education programs for families. Several nonprofits were strengthened through the establishment of new funds, or through gifts to existing endowments. The enormous success of this matching gift campaign will significantly impact the community for many years to come.
Though this particular Lilly Endowment GIFT challenge has ended, the MCCF Board has set aside additional funds to offer their own matching gift opportunity because many of their donors, and those serving the nonprofits, have expressed interest in such an opportunity. The focus during this campaign will be to further strengthen local nonprofits by building endowments that benefit designated agencies, or adding unrestricted funds which provide grant awards for the MCCF Unrestricted Grant Cycle. The maximum matching amount that is now available is $100,000 and this opportunity will end on December 31, 2015, or until funds are exhausted. Please call Kelly Taylor, Executive Director, at 765-362-1267 if you would like more information.