The Jennings County Community Foundation has received a matching fund grant totaling $750,000 as part of the eighth phase of Lilly Endowment Inc.’s initiative, Giving Indiana Funds for Tomorrow (GIFT VIII).

JCCF will use the funding to build its unrestricted community grant endowment fund as well as to support several community partners, including the Food Security Coalition, the Park Theatre Civic Center and Leadership Development Programs through the Jennings County Economic Development Commission.

Qualifying matching funds raised to support JCCF’s unrestricted endowment will be eligible for a $2(grantor)-to-$1(grantee) match from the Endowment while qualifying matching funds raised for community projects and program or capacity-building activities will be eligible for a $1(grantor)-to-$1(grantee) match.

“This is huge opportunity for Jennings County. With this grant we can bolster great projects already going on in our community and build the unrestricted community grant endowment fund to provide opportunities for other worthy causes right here in Jennings County,” said Kelly Kent, JCCF Executive Director.

Through GIFT VIII Lilly Endowment has awarded matching fund grants totaling $133.8 million to community foundations serving all 92 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 of 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.

While the JCCF is currently accepting gifts on behalf on the Matching Fund Grant, an official launch will occur at the 30th Anniversary Gala on Saturday, May 18. To learn more about giving opportunities and the 30th Anniversary Gala, visit jenningscountygives.org.