The Community Foundation of Huntington County has received a matching fund grant totaling $750,000 as part of the eighth phase of Lilly Endowment Inc.’s initiative, Giving Indiana Funds for Tomorrow (GIFT VIII). The grant will match qualified unrestricted endowment contributions with $2 for every $1 donated.
“Unrestricted funding helps address the current opportunities and challenges within our communities and GIFT VIII represents a unique opportunity to triple the value of a donation,” said Matt Ditzler, Community Foundation Executive Director. “We are grateful for Lilly Endowment’s continued commitment to unrestricted matching support through Indiana’s network of community foundations.”
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 foundations strengthen the towns, 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 the quality of life in their communities.
Matching donations will be added to the Community Impact Fund, which supports current needs in Huntington County. Donors who reach over $5,000 in cumulative donations to the Community Impact Fund have additional opportunities for grant sponsorships, invitations to check presentations and site visits, and other exclusive matching opportunities. If you are interested in receiving a $2 for $1 match on a donation, please contact Matt Ditzler.
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.
