Timeline
1984
Robert W. Evans and Stephen C. Jones
envisioned the benefits of a community foundation serving Putnam County.
1985
October 8
A meeting of the Subscribing Members of the Putnam County Foundation was held on October 8, 1985, at DePauw University Administration Building at 10:30 a.m. to approve the Articles of lncorporation for filing with the Secretary of State's office.
October 17
On October 17, 1985, the Putnam County Community Foundation was incorporated as the Putnam County Foundation, Inc., a non-profit organization in the State of lndiana.
December 18
On December 18, 1985, Aura May Durham became the first donor of record, contributing $1,500 to what would become the Community Grants Endowment.
Central National Bank
Central National Bank, Greencastle, Indiana Account #30-5561 was approved as the first depository of the Community Foundation.
1986
The first meeting
The first meeting of the Board of Directors of the Putnam County Community Foundation was held at 16 South Jackson Street at 9:00 a.m. on January 8, 1986 to approve the By-Laws and elect officers.
June 12
On June 12, 1986, the Internal Revenue Service provided interim determination of tax exempt status to the Putnam County Community Foundation.
Community Foundation's
Dian Phillips helped create the Community Foundation's original logo, incorporating a photo of the Putnam County Courthouse clock taken by Lawrence Taylor. The Community Foundation's first brochure was completed in December 1986.
July 14
The Clinton Township Scholarship Fund became the Community Foundation's first restricted endowment on July 14, 1986.
1987
May 1
The first annual meeting of the Putnam County Community Foundation was held on May 1, 1987 in the Terrace Room of the DePauw University Student Union Building at 6:30 p.m.
August 14
On August 14, 1987, the Board of Directors awarded the Community Foundation's first grant to Fillmore to help the Town cover the cost of becoming incorporated. The amount was $150.00.
1991
Lilly Endowment, Inc
Lilly Endowment, Inc. announced the Giving Indiana Funds for Tomorrow (GIFT) initiative, whose purpose was to establish an active Community Foundation serving every county in Indiana.
Partnership Center
Along with five equity partners, the Community Foundation purchased a building and established the Partnership Center.
Barbara Mann was hired as Executive Secretary
Barbara Mann was hired as Executive Secretary, becoming the Community Foundation's first employee and serving from September 24, 1991 to 1992.
Robert and Roberta McCormick
Robert and Roberta McCormick donated the Community Foundation's first real estate gift, a vacant lot in downtown Greencastle.
April 19
On April 19, 1991, the Internal Revenue Service provided the Putnam County Community Foundation with a final determination letter approving its charitable status.
May 13
On May 13, 1991, the Community Foundation was the beneficiary of its first bequest from Dale and Elizabeth Teaford.
November 14
Initially requesting to be anonymous, Vera Mae Kierstead became the first person to name the Community Foundation as a beneficiary of a Charitable Remainder Unitrust on November 14, 1991.
1993
$3.0 million
Community Foundation assets reached $3.0 million including deferred gifts.
1994
Alice June
In August, the Community Foundation hired its first full-time Executive Director: Alice June "A.J." Hacker.
1995
Lilly Endowment GIFT I
Lilly Endowment GIFT I was successfully achieved during the last month of the year.
1998
Lilly Endowment GIFT III
Lilly Endowment GIFT III awarded $750,000 to local charitable organizations with the help of the Putnam County Community Foundation.
1999
$10 million
The Community Foundation's net assets exceeded $10 million by year end.
2002
M. Elaine Peck.
The Community Foundation hired its second Executive Director: M. Elaine Peck.
August I 6
The Corporation legally changed its name to the Putnam County Community Foundation, Inc. on August I 6, 2002.
Community Foundation and the United Way of Putnam County.
A conununity strengths and needs assessment was completed through a joint effort of the Community Foundation and the United Way of Putnam County.
2003
The Community Foundation's website
The Community Foundation's website was expanded to provide on-line access to a full range of services.
The Share the Dream Challenge Program
The Share the Dream Challenge Program was launched to encourage fund raising efforts.
2004
$2 million
Cumulative grants and scholarships from endowment funds reached $2 million.
2006
The Nonprofit Learning Series
The Nonprofit Learning Series was initiated to increase Putnam County nonprofit competencies.
The Youth Philanthropy Committee
The Youth Philanthropy Committee was established to develop experiences of philanthropy in Putnam County's youth.
The Knoy Resource Center
The Knoy Resource Center in Cloverdale increased 21st Century Scholarship enrollment by more than 50%.
The Endowment Builder program
The Endowment Builder program initiated to help charities achieve financial strength.
The Community Foundation
The Community Foundation administers 150 active funds and endowments for charitable individuals and organizations.
2007
Mary Louise Miller
Mary Louise Miller passed away on January 9, 2007. Miss Miller is the largest benefactor of the Community Foundation.
$375,000
A grant commitment of $375,000 for the Ivy Tech Community College Greencastle Campus is the largest single grant award in the Community Foundation's first 25 years.
$5.0 million
Cumulative grants and scholarships from endowments reached $3 million. Cumulative grants and scholarships from both endowments and funds reached $5.0 million.
2009
Envision 2011 program
Envision 2011 program is announced: which awarded $100,000 in 2011 to Putnam Rise.
2009
$7.0 million
Cumulative grants and scholarships from endowments reached $4 million. Cumulative grants and scholarships from both endowments and funds reached $7.0 million.
2010
More than 200 active funds and endowments
More than 200 active funds and endowments are administered by the Putnam County Community Foundation.
October 2
On October 2, 2010 the Community Foundation's Silver Anniversary Celebration attracts 210 to celebrate first 25 years.
2012
$9 million
Cumulative grants and scholarships from endowment funds reached $9 million.
2015
$25 million
The Community Foundation's net assets exceeded $25 million by year end.
October 17
On October 17, 2015 the Putnam County Community Foundation celebrated its 30th anniversary.
$1 million a year
The Community Foundation began awarding more than $1 million a year in grants and scholarships.
2016
Lilly Endowment GIFT VI
Lilly Endowment GIFT VI was successfully achieved.
Envision 2016
Envision 2016 awarded grants to People Paythways and the Heritage Perservation Society.
2017
$30 million
The Community Foundation's net assets exceeded $30 million by year end.
2018
The Lilly GIFT VII
The Lilly GIFT VII challenge was announced as a $500,000 matching opportunity.
2019
Brandon Wells
The Community Foundation hired its third Executive Director: Brandon Wells.
$35 million
The Community Foundation's net assets exceeded $35 million by year end.
Administrative Assistant
The Community Foundation staff expanded to five members when an Administrative Assistant position was added to the team.
2020
Lilly Endowment GIFT VII
Lilly Endowment GIFT VII challenge was successfully achieved.
The Community Foundation
The Community Foundation administers 300 active funds and endowments for charitable individuals and organizations.
Putnam County Relief Fund
Putnam County Relief Fund was activated to assist community in combatting emerging and long-term needs caused by COVID-19.
Launched a newly-refreshed website
Launched a newly-refreshed website that was user and mobile-friendly as well as providing the community with an array of resources.
1984
1985
1986
1987
1991
1992
1993
1994
1995
1997
1998
1999
2000
2001
2002
2003
2004
2005
2006
2007
2009
2009
2010
2012
2014
2015
2016
2017
2018
2019
2020