The Farm Place received a grant for phase two of its Animal Companionship Center. Pictured from left are Jeremy Burgi, board member, The Farm Place; Margaret Malone, founder, The Farm Place; Octavia Yoder, executive director, LaGrange County Community Foundation; Sue Keenan, board member, The Farm Place; Stacy Merrifield, board member, The Farm Place; Jennifer Laughlin, board member, The Farm Place; and Arlene White, board member, The Farm Place. Photos provided by the LaGrange County Community Foundation.

News Release

LAGRANGE — The LaGrange County Community Foundation has awarded $75,975 in grants to eight nonprofit organizations as part of its 2024 Fall Community Impact Grants Cycle.

The grants will support a range of initiatives aimed at enhancing the quality of life for LaGrange County residents, from health and human services to education, environmental stewardship, and arts and culture.

One of the funded projects is a rain garden initiative led by the Mongo Community Development Association. This community-led project will improve the natural landscape around the Mongo Post Office and improve water management, helping to keep the sidewalk in a low-lying area dry and accessible.

Alongside the rain garden project, The Farm Place was awarded $25,000 to help complete its Animal Companionship Center in LaGrange. The facility will offer families involved in foster care and court systems private meeting spaces where children can connect with case managers, mental health professionals and participate in supervised visits. Additionally, animal companionship during these visits will provide emotional support, fostering a nurturing environment to help families through difficult times.

“Each of these organizations play a crucial role in meeting essential needs and enriching LaGrange County,” said Octavia Yoder, executive director of the LaGrange County Community Foundation. “We are proud to support these efforts and to be part of the positive change happening across LaGrange County.”

Phase two of the Animal Companionship Center will focus on outfitting the facility’s interior with furniture, kitchen essentials and office equipment to create a welcoming and functional space for families to heal and thrive.

In addition to these projects, LaGrange Communities Youth Centers has been awarded $25,000 to support its expanding summer programs. Each year, its summer camps in art, conservation, drama and music reach full capacity, offering educational experiences for youth during the summer months.

The LaGrange County Community Foundation remains committed to supporting organizations that make a meaningful impact on the lives of residents and is excited to see the difference these grants will make in the coming months.

The 2024 Fall Community Impact Grant recipients are:

• Brightpoint: Covering kids and families of Brightpoint Health Insurance Navigation Services, $5,000
• Hope’s Harbor: Overnight accommodations for LaGrange County families, $5,000
• Kate’s Kart: Book gifting program at Parkview LaGrange Hospital, $2,500
• LaGrange Communities Youth Centers: 2025 summer camp programs, $25,000
• Lima Township: Howe Town Park bathroom facilities, $10,000
• Mongo Community Development Association: Mongo Post Office rain Garden, $1,475
• Science Central: Science4U program, $2,000
• The Farm Place: Animal Companionship Center: Phase 2 interior, $25,000

Each year, the Community Foundation invites proposals for projects that support local nonprofits in their mission to serve the LaGrange County community. The Grants Advisory Committee evaluates applications and recommends funding to the Board of Directors for approval.

The Community Impact Grants are made possible by donors contributing to the Foundation’s Caring Community Fund, unrestricted funds, and field of interest funds. For more information about grant opportunities, visit Lccf.net/grants.

LaGrange Communities Youth Centers received a grant for summer camps. Pictured from left are Leanna Martin, program director, LaGrange County Community Foundation; Octavia Yoder, executive director, LaGrange County Community Foundation; Jennifer Martin, executive director, LaGrange Communities Youth Centers; Jamesi Lemon, board member, LaGrange Communities Youth Centers; and Rebekah Troyer, board member, LaGrange Communities Youth Centers.