Timeline
envisioned the benefits of a community foundation serving Putnam County.
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.
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.
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, Greencastle, Indiana Account #30-5561 was approved as the first depository of the Community Foundation.
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.
On June 12, 1986, the Internal Revenue Service provided interim determination of tax exempt status to the Putnam County Community Foundation.
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.
The Clinton Township Scholarship Fund became the Community Foundation's first restricted endowment on July 14, 1986.
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.
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.
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.
Along with five equity partners, the Community Foundation purchased a building and established the Partnership Center.
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 donated the Community Foundation's first real estate gift, a vacant lot in downtown Greencastle.
On April 19, 1991, the Internal Revenue Service provided the Putnam County Community Foundation with a final determination letter approving its charitable status.
On May 13, 1991, the Community Foundation was the beneficiary of its first bequest from Dale and Elizabeth Teaford.
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.
The Founders Club honored persons who made an unrestricted gift of $500 per individual or $750 per couple prior to April 1992.
D. Lisa Gibson was hired on August 1, 1992 as Executive Secretary and was promoted to pait time Executive Director, serving until August 5, 1994.
Community Foundation assets reached $3.0 million including deferred gifts.
In August, the Community Foundation hired its first full-time Executive Director: Alice June "A.J." Hacker.
Lilly Endowment GIFT I was successfully achieved during the last month of the year.
Lilly Endowment GIFT II challenge was successfully achieved.
Lilly Endowment Commnunity Scholarship Program was initiated.
Lilly Endowment GIFT III awarded $750,000 to local charitable organizations with the help of the Putnam County Community Foundation.
The Community Foundation's net assets exceeded $10 million by year end.
Taking Stock Report provided in-depth Community Foundation self-assessment.
Lilly Endowment issues GIFT IV challenge by offering to match 100 percent of the value of every donation made to the Community Grants Fund up to $2 million.
Cumulative grants and scholarships from endowment funds reached $1 million.
Lilly Endowment GIFT IV was successfully achieved.
The Community Foundation's first website was established.
One hundred active funds and endowments were administered by the Community Foundation.
The Community Foundation hired its second Executive Director: M. Elaine Peck.
The Corporation legally changed its name to the Putnam County Community Foundation, Inc. on August I 6, 2002.
A conununity strengths and needs assessment was completed through a joint effort of the Community Foundation and the United Way of Putnam County.
The Community Foundation's website was expanded to provide on-line access to a full range of services.
The Share the Dream Challenge Program was launched to encourage fund raising efforts.
Cumulative grants and scholarships from endowment funds reached $2 million.
The Community program was initiated with five partners and targeted increasing educational achievement and workforce preparedness in Putnam County.
The Community Foundation's first comprehensive written strategic plan was developed.
The Nonprofit Learning Series was initiated to increase Putnam County nonprofit competencies.
The Youth Philanthropy Committee was established to develop experiences of philanthropy in Putnam County's youth.
The Knoy Resource Center in Cloverdale increased 21st Century Scholarship enrollment by more than 50%.
The Endowment Builder program initiated to help charities achieve financial strength.
The Community Foundation administers 150 active funds and endowments for charitable individuals and organizations.
Mary Louise Miller passed away on January 9, 2007. Miss Miller is the largest benefactor of the Community Foundation.
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.
Cumulative grants and scholarships from endowments reached $3 million. Cumulative grants and scholarships from both endowments and funds reached $5.0 million.
Envision 2011 program is announced: which awarded $100,000 in 2011 to Putnam Rise.
Cumulative grants and scholarships from endowments reached $4 million. Cumulative grants and scholarships from both endowments and funds reached $7.0 million.
More than 200 active funds and endowments are administered by the Putnam County Community Foundation.
On October 2, 2010 the Community Foundation's Silver Anniversary Celebration attracts 210 to celebrate first 25 years.
Cumulative grants and scholarships from endowment funds reached $9 million.
The Community Foundation administers 250 active funds and endowments for charitable individuals and organizations.
The Lilly GIFT VI challenge was announced and provided a $500,000 matching opportunity for the community.
Cumulative grants and scholarships from endowment funds reached $10 million.
The Community Foundation's net assets exceeded $25 million by year end.
On October 17, 2015 the Putnam County Community Foundation celebrated its 30th anniversary.
The Community Foundation began awarding more than $1 million a year in grants and scholarships.
Lilly Endowment GIFT VI was successfully achieved.
Envision 2016 awarded grants to People Paythways and the Heritage Perservation Society.
The Community Foundation's net assets exceeded $30 million by year end.
The Lilly GIFT VII challenge was announced as a $500,000 matching opportunity.
The Community Foundation hired its third Executive Director: Brandon Wells.
The Community Foundation's net assets exceeded $35 million by year end.
The Community Foundation staff expanded to five members when an Administrative Assistant position was added to the team.
Lilly Endowment GIFT VII challenge was successfully achieved.
The Community Foundation administers 300 active funds and endowments for charitable individuals and organizations.
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 that was user and mobile-friendly as well as providing the community with an array of resources.
