The Kosciusko County Community Foundation’s fiscal year for its 50th year ended earlier this year. InkFreeNews photo by Dan Spalding.

WARSAW — Kosciusko County Community Foundation, with an eye on strengthening its standing in the future, is reminding the public of ways to support its cause.

As representatives recapped the foundation’s move into its 51st year, noting that they have assets of more than $61 million and the ability to grant more than $2.5 million into the community annually, they’re also striving to look ahead.

Brenda Rigdon, the foundation’s development director, told an audience of several hundred people Tuesday, Nov. 12, at The Heritage Room that the foundation has collected $380,000 of the $500,000 in the past year to qualify for the Gift VII Challenge in which the Lilly Endowment is offering the foundation a two-for-one match.

If they can raise $120,000 more, it would open the door to $1.5 million in unrestricted community funds, Ridgon said.

Deadline for the fundraising effort is December of 2020.

As part of that effort, for a limited time, a two for one match for donations to new and existing community funds is being offered.

Those in attendance also heard a recap about the series of public meetings known as Hometown Chats. The foundation hosted meetings in 11 towns and has compiled a report summarizing what they learned.

“We heard loud and clear that residents are concerned about housing and childcare. We heard that young workers and young families have a difficult time finding housing that they can afford in our community. That they want to work here, but cannot always find a place to live,” said Stephanie Overbey, the foundation’s associate director.

MacKenzie Cloutier, executive director of CASA of Kosciusko County, was the guest speaker Tuesday at the Kosciusko County Community Foundation luncheon. InkFreeNews photo by Dan Spalding.

The foundation is already supporting work in those two areas. The group invested in a housing study with other entities that will soon result in a strategic plan for improving affordable housing in the county.

The foundation is also a key player in the development of LaunchPad, a coalition working with the Kosciusko Chamber of Commerce and United Way and others to increase access to high-quality childcare.

The launchPad’s strategic initiative was set to be released Wednesday, Nov. 13.

Other foundation highlights mentioned Tuesday:

• The foundation was able to award more than $3.2 million in charitable grants from all funds in its past year.
• Nearly $590,000 in scholarships were awarded to 230 local students.
• Donors gave nearly $7.9 million and established 44 new funds in a period that concluded the foundation’s 50th year on June 30.

The luncheon’s guest speaker was MacKenzie Cloutier, executive director of CASA of Kosciusko County. The Court Appointed Special Advocate program began in 1992 and works to recruit, train and support volunteer advocates in court matters. They currently work with 140 youths.

Cloutier said the foundation has provided $119,000 over the years for training and also assists with grant writing.

She said they continue to seek volunteers for the program.

Cloutier said they recently had their most successful fundraiser to date.

“I believe it is in part a result of the relationships we have built in this community and the encouraged philanthropic nature of this county — which I believe is the direct result of the structure and stability encouraged by our Community Foundation for the past 50 years,” Cloutier said. “Congratulations on a great year and thank you for all you do for all of us — we are a better community because of you.”