COMMUNITY FOUNDATION CELEBRATES RECENT ACCOMPLISHMENTS AT ANNUAL MEETING

Wednesday, May 9, 2018 at 10:50 AM

By Bill Barnes

Photo of 2018 Community Foundation Scholarship Winners (Photo Courtesy of Janie Mahoney Photography)

Over $143,000 in scholarships awarded to local students

Madison, IN–The Community Foundation of Madison and Jefferson County had a large turnout for its Annual Meeting at the Livery Stable on May 8, 2018, sponsored by German American Bank. Board members, staff, volunteers and the public celebrated the recent accomplishments of the Community Foundation, while also recognizing scholarship recipients for 2018.

Community Foundation President and CEO Bill Barnes started the event by sharing the Community Foundation’s message of GIVE, GROW, GRANT. In 2017, the Community Foundation received 677 donations. Of those donations, 77% were $100 or less, showing that the Foundation is truly community supported. Investments grew 16.02% leading to the Community Foundation ending the year with nearly $24 million in assets. The Community Foundation awarded nearly $700,000 in grants and scholarships in 2017. Barnes then shared information about 14 recently created endowments. Attendees also heard how competitive grants totaling $254,000 are impacting Jefferson County, how the Women’s Giving Circle was able to grant over $22,000 due to a record breaking number of members, about the inaugural class of Leadership Jefferson County, and how to make a lasting impact through joining the Legacy Society.

The highlight of the evening was the awarding of over $143,000 in scholarships to 40 area students. Benjamin Hardin, Jefferson County’s 2018 Lilly Endowment Community Scholar, was also recognized for his achievement. All of the students will be recognized again at their individual school’s Honors Day programs.

Board Chair Ann Suchocki thanked retiring Board members Darleen Connolly, Robin Goodknight, and past Board Chair Steve Telfer for their service, then welcomed new board member Lynn Maricle.

Established in 1991 by a group of local volunteers, the Community Foundation of Madison and Jefferson County fulfills the mission of building a strong, vibrant community by helping donors provide perpetual funding for the people, projects, and passions of Jefferson County. Since the Foundation’s creation, over 200 permanent funds have been established.