NEW ALBANY, Ind. – The Community Foundation of Southern Indiana (CFSI) has received a matching fund grant totaling $5 million as part of the eighth phase of Lilly Endowment Inc.’s initiative, Giving Indiana Funds for Tomorrow (GIFT VIII).
The Community Foundation of Southern Indiana will use the funding to support its unrestricted Community Impact Fund, which supports the greatest needs and highest priorities of Clark and Floyd counties – both now and for future generators. Qualifying matching funds raised to support CFSI’s unrestricted endowment will be eligible for a $2(grantor)-to-$1(grantee) match from the Endowment.
“The GIFT VIII Planning Grant is an exciting opportunity to bring significant funding into our community to support our community’s greatest needs and highest priorities, now and forever,” said Linda Speed, CFSI President and CEO. “While our region’s future needs and objectives may differ from those in place today, funding to the unrestricted Community Impact Fund will provide our Foundation with important grant flexibility down the road, helping organizations address the ever-evolving needs of our communities.”
Through GIFT VIII, Lilly Endowment has awarded matching fund grants totaling $133.8 million to community foundations serving all 92 of 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 foundation strengthen the town, 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.
For more information on the GIFT VIII grant initiative, please visit our website: www.CFSouthernIndiana.com/Gift8
About CFSI
The Community Foundation of Southern Indiana was founded in 1991 as the region’s partner, resource, and steward in philanthropy. The Foundation manages $134 million in charitable assets and administers nearly 300 individual funds – each of which supports the unique charitable intent of the donor who established the fund. Annually, the Foundation awards millions in grants and scholarships and is a National Standards certified community foundation. For more information about the Community Foundation, contact 812-948-4662 or visit www.CFSouthernIndiana.com.
About Lilly Endowment Inc.
Lilly Endowment Inc. is an Indianapolis-based private foundation created in 1937 by J.K. Lilly, Sr. and his sons Eli and J.K. Jr. through gifts of stock in their pharmaceutical business, Eli Lilly and Company. Although the gifts of stock remain a financial bedrock of the Endowment, it is a separate entity from the company, with a distinct governing board, staff and location. In keeping with the founders’ wishes, the Endowment supports the causes of community development, education and religion. The Endowment funds significant programs throughout the United States, especially in the field of religion. However, it maintains a special commitment to its founders’ hometown, Indianapolis, and home state, Indiana.
# # #
Contact: Wes Scott, Marketing and Communications Officer, Community Foundation of Southern Indiana
Phone: (812) 948-4662
Email: wscott@cfsouthernindiana.com