Nestled in Pulaski County, the non-profit Community Foundation is at the ready to improve the lives of its residents.
“CFPC was established in 1997 by a group of volunteers who cared deeply about the quality of life in Pulaski County. From our humble beginnings, we have grown to become the philanthropic leader serving our communities,” says CFPC Executive Directoe Leeann Wright. “Recognizing over two decades of experience, CFPC builds resources, engages people and inspires generosity to enrich lives in Pulaski County. We believe that collaboration is the key to enhancing the quality of life in our communities.”
The CFPC is governed by a volunteer board of directors composed of members across Pulaski County.
Since 1997, the foundation has awarded over $2,600,000 in community grants, nearly $1,500,000 in scholarships to local students, and almost $6,400,000 to designated local nonprofits and charitable causes in the community.
Wright said the CFPC provides a grants program to help nonprofits and charitable causes fund projects and programs. “We administer over 43 scholarships for local students,” Wright said. “CFPC is also a thought partner for individuals in the community who want to make an impact, but do not know where to start. If a community member is motivated to solve a problem or passionate about a cause, the foundation is a great place to get connected to resources and others who might be interested. We are happy to discuss with individuals and families their philanthropic goals, whether through estate planning, complex gifts such as stock and securities, or through annual giving. The foundation is a great place to ensure that your passions and interests are met through your giving, whether you start a fund here or simply want to learn more about the nonprofits and causes in our community.”
In 2000 the Pulaski County committee unanimously voted to become self-standing, and a local office was established in Winamac in 2001 with a part-time staff.
“The board of directors was increased and the organization applied for 501(c)(3) status,” Wright said. “Also in 2001, CFPC won a $5,000,000 educational [Community Alliances to Promote Education] grant for Pulaski County, forming the PACE organization that continues as a grant-making entity today.”
On March 31, 2002, Wright said the Pulaski County Community Foundation officially became an independent organization. Its first independent granting cycle was offered that year, awarding over $12,000 to local projects and organizations.
A full-time executive director was hired in 2003, and the foundation continued to grow. The office was moved to 127 East Pearl Street in Winamac in 2006, and by its 10th anniversary, total assets of the foundation exceeded $6.5 million.
In early 2023 the foundation began a strategic planning process, which resulted in reworking their mission statement: “To build resources, engage people and inspire generosity in Pulaski County, Indiana.”
“With our new mission, we also landed in a new home, and our offices are now permanently located at 221 North Monticello Street in Winamac, Indiana,” Wright said. “With our new home, we chose to update our look, rebranding and aligning our website with our new mission and look.”
At the end of the year, Lilly Endowment Inc. launched GIFT Phase VIII, opening the door for a $2 to $1 match on gifts to their unrestricted community funds, which support their community grants program.
“Our goal is to raise $375,000 by December 31, 2025, to maximize our match,” Wright said.
Scholarship applications will open in early 2025.
Wright said the CFPC is always looking for more help.
“Contact us at info@cfopc.org, call us at 574-946-0906, or stop from 8 a.m. to 4 p.m. at our office at 221 North Monticello Street in Winamac,” Wright said. “We would love to chat with you about what you might be interested in doing, whether it’s to discuss philanthropic goals, volunteering in the community, serving on our board or one of our committees, or simply just to learn more about our community.”
