2019 Grant Recipient Spotlight: WCICTA
Thanks to the generosity of our donors, we were able to award a grant to the West Central Indiana Community Tennis Association in 2019. The grant allowed the organization to purchase two commercial-grade ball machines to the tennis programs at Greencastle High School and South Putnam High School. Additionally, the Greencastle machine will be used in the summer and winter youth tennis programming for Putnam County students K-5 and the middle school program.
2019 Grant Recipient Spotlight: GCPCDC
For several years the Greencastle/Putnam County Development Center (GCPCDC) has focused on leadership training. In 2019, GCPCDC sought grant funding to bring a leadership course for the local workforce back to Putnam County. Kristin Clary, GCPCDC Executive Director, and Lynn Ringis, Putnam County Leadership Academy Director, discuss why this grant was transformative for Putnam County and what the Leadership Academy is all about.
2020 Lilly Scholar
In December 2019, the Putnam County Community Foundation announced the 2020 Lilly Scholar, Ben Wilkerson. Wilkerson had been at the top of his class at Greencastle High School and had been an integral member of multiple state champion academic teams. Outside of school, Wilkerson served on the Youth Philanthropy Committee for four years (two of which he chaired) and volunteered with Servants at Work, Camp Invention, and the CUBES math program.
2019 Youth Philanthropy Committee
The Youth Philanthropy Committee, comprised of 13 high school students representing all four county school systems, awarded eight grants in 2019. In the short clip below, several Youth Philanthropy Committee members discuss Youth Philanthropy and their impact throughout Putnam County. Click here to see a complete list of grants awarded by the Youth Philanthropy Committee in 2019.
2019 Grants & Scholarships
2019 Annual Report
In 2019, the Putnam County Community Foundation awarded more than $1 million in grants and scholarships. These funds helped high school students offset their tuition, upgraded the sound system at Fillmore Elementary School, and assisted Habitat for Humanity with purchasing construction tools for their current build. Click here to view a list of grants and scholarships awarded in 2019.
These grants and scholarships would not be made possible without our generous donors. Thank you for your continued support of the Community Foundation and the incredible organizations and philanthropic initiatives here in Putnam County. To see a list of 2019 donors, click here.
Did you receive a 2019 Annual Report? This year’s report is a calendar format that provides an overview of the Foundation, highlights holidays and important Foundation dates, and includes a financial snapshot, while also providing access to more in-depth information through QR codes in a format that you can utilize all year long.
The calendar runs from July 2020 – June 2021, so if you didn’t receive an Annual Report or would like another, request one now.
Honorary Board Members
The Putnam County Community Foundation recognizes past board members who serve for a minimum of six years and demonstrate service beyond the call of duty as Honorary Board Members. Current board members give them this distinction in appreciation of their exemplary service to the Community Foundation. Click here to read about our newest Honorary Board Members and see a full list of individuals who have received this high honor since inception.
Spirit of Philanthropy
The Spirit of Philanthropy Award is the highest honor bestowed by the Putnam County Community Foundation Board of Directors and recognizes persons who have demonstrated extraordinary philanthropic spirit and accomplishments. There is no requirement to recognize someone with the Spirit of Philanthropy Award every year. It is only awarded when someone truly remarkable rises to the top. This year, we are fortunate to recognize two extremely passionate individuals; Vivian Whitaker & Todd Lewis. Their dedication to Cloverdale, Putnam County, and the Community Foundation does not go unnoticed. Click here to learn more about our newest recipients, view a video of their award presentation, and see a full list of past recipients.
2020 Board Officers
The following Putnam County Community Foundation Board Members will begin their term as board officers on January 1, 2021; Jeff McCall (President), Marianne Savage (Vice-President), Kyle Beasley (Treasurer), and Alan Zerkel (Secretary). To learn more about our incoming officers, click here.
Incoming Board Members
The Board of Directors is honored to recruit and nominate exceptional, qualified, and committed individuals to the volunteer Board of Directors. We strive for diversity of skills and professional backgrounds, as well as geographic representation across the county. The following individuals were elected by the membership; Dakota Everts, Jane Huge, Greg Linton, and Brad McClure. Click here to learn more about our incoming board members.
2019 Financial Report
The Putnam County Community Foundation is certified as meeting ethical and operational standards at both state and national levels, and obtains an external audit each year. Click here to view the 2019 Financial Report based upon the audited financial statements completed by Blue & Company.
Adult Careers Scholarship
The Putnam County Community Foundation is excited to announce the creation of the Adult Careers Scholarship. This scholarship is designed to reduce the financial barriers for adults seeking to further their careers through the attainment of an accredited certification, credentialing, or apprenticeship program. Applications must be submitted by December 31, 2020. Click here to learn more about this scholarship opportunity!
Putnam County Relief Fund
The Putnam County Community Foundation has utilized the Putnam County Relief Fund to disburse grant funding to organizations that directly serve the individuals impacted by COVID-19. Since March, the Board has allocated more than $130,000 to the Relief Fund to allow the Community Foundation to respond to emerging and long-term needs created by COVID. Click here to learn more about the Relief Fund and see a list of recipients.
2020 Matching Program
We are excited to announce that we have recently allocated $30,000 in matching funds for the 2020 Matching Program. This unique opportunity will match any restricted gifts to the Putnam County Community Foundation beginning October 1. All restricted gifts will be matched $.75 for every $1 contributed between now and November 30, or until the matching funds have been depleted.
We encourage donors who want to receive the match to give early to ensure matching funds are still available. Donate now!
Thank you for your continued support of the Putnam County Community Foundation!