Content paid for by the Community Foundation of Boone County.
The Community Foundation of Boone County (CFBC) has been in operation since 1991, to solve critical challenges in the county by uniting people, organizations, and philanthropy.
Currently they are uniquely staffed by all women.
Julie Reagan, chief executive officer of the foundation, has been in the position for a year and said her core job description is straightforward – building relationships, connecting and convening.
“A huge part of what I do is build relationships throughout the community at all different levels and areas of the county,” Reagan said. “When we need to bring everyone together for a particular need, we’re able to make an impact.”
Sometimes the job entails granting funds, leveraging knowledge, fundraising, or being a cheerleader and advocate for those in the community.
Sometimes it’s simply making those important connections.
“It’s been really neat to see how we’ve been able to build a strong trust and core throughout the community,” Reagan said. “People are reaching out to us in new ways and we’re having new conversations.”
In addition to programs and making connections, fundraising is a large part of the foundation’s mission. With nearly $35 million in net assets, the team works to be the best steward of the dollars granted to it.
“As a nonprofit we have high auditing standards, and our board of directors and staff ensure everything is done as it should be,” Reagan said. “We want to lead by example with best practices.”
The foundation’s dedicated team of seven includes Hope Coons, director of community engagement, Samantha Cotten, director of communications, Crystal Dimiceli, director of operations, Annette Jones, director of finance and investments, Ali Maxey, director of education and grant making, and Michele Thomas, program associate.
Each member brings a unique blend of passion, expertise and commitment to ensure programs, grants and scholarships reach those who need them the most.
At the beginning of 2024, the team grew from four to seven members – a strategic expansion driven by the foundation’s commitment to proactive planning.
“We were intentional with each hire,” Reagan said. “We brought on individuals who not only met our current needs, but also had the skills and vision to support our long-term growth.”
Together they manage programs for the community, meant to unite and educate.
Connect Boone County was made possible by a Lilly Endowment, Inc. grant. For the past three years, residents have been able to visit the free, one-stop-shop website that pairs nonprofits and those looking to volunteer or donate.
They also offer the Women of Impact Boone County program, bringing more than 150 women together to network and donate toward nonprofit initiatives.
“This is a vibrant and exciting time for the group,” Reagan said. They have four quarterly meetings and two social events throughout the year. They pool their annual $500 membership fee together and grant funds to a nonprofit every quarter. Since 2017 the Women of Impact Boone County members have granted more than $340,000.”
This month they will partner with the Boone County Chamber to offer their newest initiative, LEAD06, a collaborative program bringing together the expertise and resources of both organizations to offer leadership development to the county.
In 2025, CFBC will bring back the Boone County Leadership program, focused on getting involved and driving positive change. The 10-month program provides a well-rounded education on issues and facets of the county, while guiding participants on an intentional journey to further develop leadership skills.
The women at CFBC aren’t stopping there. They are constantly brainstorming and coming up with new ideas to reach organizations in the community and to make Boone County the best it can be.
“Our team is specifically great at looking at things with a new lens and listening to community partners,” Reagan said. “I think people appreciate that we’re all willing to step up and help out. It’s a really collaborative, innovative team.”
Reagan is quick to point out that they don’t do it alone. The CFBC board of directors plays a critical role.
“We have a super supportive board and we can only do what we do because of them,” Reagan said. “We’re so appreciative to all the women and men who have served currently and in the past that have paved the way to get us to where we are today, and we’re honored to be playing that role for future CFBC generations.”
At their core, it’s all about the community.
“Every person on staff ultimately wants to look at how we can make our community better by being here and helping people,” Reagan said.
