2023 Summer Newsletter - OCCF

MEMORIAL & TRIBUTE GIFTS Page 8

GRANTS Page 10 GIVING BACK Page 14

OCCF BOARD & STAFF

A Message From Our Board Chair

MISSION

To enhance the quality of life for all citizens of Owen County, now and for generations to come.

VISION

To be the trustworthy resource for philanthropy by building permanent endowment, addressing needs through grantmaking, and providing leadership resources to serve our community.

VALUES

Philanthropy Stewardship Excellence Respect Leadership Integrity

Board & Staff

CHAIR

Myrna Fields

VICE CHAIR

Tom Wallace

SECRETARY

Amber Mullin

TREASURER

Kaye Erney

Jessica Brinson (NEW)

Danielle Conner (NEW)

Susan Coulter

Marilyn Hart

Grant Minnemeyer

Ed Staubach

Ronda Stogsdill

Mike Sudol (NEW)

Ale Young (NEW)

Janet Rummel President & CEO ceo@owencountycf.org

Maria O’Connor

Senior Director of Programs & Administration maria@owencountycf.org

Karah Bobeck

Director of Development & Communications karah@owencountycf.org

Recently I had the opportunity to be interviewed by our summer intern, Grace. One of the questions that she asked me was why I was interested in being on the Board of Directors for the Foundation. It didn’t take me long to think of an answer. I told her that it was an honor to be asked and that I thought it was a way to make a difference in this community. At the time I was very much aware of the scholarships that we award, but didn’t know much more. Since joining this Board I have learned so much about all the good things that the Foundation does for this community. The grants we are awarding and the assistance we provide to nonprofits have a huge effect on Owen County. When you read this newsletter, I hope you become more aware of new ways we are impacting this community.

Fields OCCF Chairperson

Summer Interns

Thanks to grants from Lilly Endowment Inc. and the EARN Indiana program, OCCF was able to add two interns this summer.

After serving the Foundation in 2022, Grace Pendleton returned to her internship role. An incoming junior at IU-Bloomington, she continues to shadow the work at the Foundation and has taken on additional marketing & development responsibilities, including watering the downtown flowers and collaborating on projects with MYPath project manager, Kyle Hannon.

The second internship position was filled by Matthew Crum, an OVHS graduate and incoming sophomore at IU-Bloomington. Matthew is assisting the S-OCS Technology Department with preparations for the following year and tends to OCCF IT-related needs, as well.

Both Grace and Matthew’s work this summer has been invaluable.

Myrna

Grace Pendleton

Matthew Crum

2023 OCCF Board Retreat - Outlook & Priority Areas

Each year, the Foundation’s Board of Directors meet to reassess organization-wide priorities and program strategies. During this retreat, the staff and Board identified areas of need in Owen County based on numerous data sources. Three priority areas emerged as areas of focus for grantmaking and community leadership in 2024. .

Access to Information

Access to timely, unbiased information on local issues and events is one of the county’s greatest needs. In 2022, OCCF provided a planning grant for the Owen News Project, to create a rural nonprofit news organization. The Owen News is nearly ready to launch, and OCCF is committed to providing continued support for the production of outstanding journalism and access to local information. OCCF believes that local journalism powers civic health and democracy and should celebrate our Owen County communities.

OCCF Staff Volunteer Day

Martin Luther King, Jr. Day is a national day of service. The OCCF staff celebrated it by helping a local nonprofit: The Mark of Discipleship Mission Store. The Store provides clean, quality merchandise to the community at affordable prices. All proceeds are used to operate a food pantry where food, clothes, furniture, and financial assistance are provided to those in need.

Parks & Recreation

Parks, trails, and recreation centers are proven to support the physical, social, and mental health of communities, and OCCF will prioritize continued improvements in these areas. In addition to high quality trail systems such as MYPath, the Foundation looks forward to funding recreational programs that provide opportunities for our residents to get involved in the community and build relationships with one another. OCCF believes that placemakingfostering places where people want to live, work, and play - is essential for enhancing the lives of our Owen County citizens.

Director Spotlight: Tom Wallace

Childcare

Research shows that high quality early childhood programs prepare children for future success in school, work, and life. High quality child care programs are essential, not only for our Owen County children, but also to their families and to the communities in which they live. For parents and guardians in Owen County, finding childcare remains a struggle. To meet these needs, the Foundation will allocate grants and resources to improve access to high quality childcare.

Mr. Tom Wallace has been involved in Owen County communities for over twenty years, serving in his local church, on FFA Agricultural boards, and the Foundation’s Board of Directors as Vice Chair. Most people know Mr. Wallace by his tenure at Owen Valley High School where he taught Ag Education from 2002 to 2022. Here he was instrumental in starting the school’s goat farm, initially a class project, but one that evolved into a business that has involved hundreds of students over the years. It not only garnered the school national recognition, but also introduced the Foundation to Mr. Wallace. OCCF helped sponsor the project, which is when he fully realized the scope of the Foundation’s outreach and wanted to be a part of it.

“You can help so many people who need a leg up. I like people helping people...[and] we have a lot of the donor mentality to help others.”

Tom will serve as the Foundation’s Board Chair in 2024. He looks forward to continuing the outreach and growth OCCF has already achieved, as well as its scope and diversity in grantmaking. He hopes the community knows that, “if they need something, this is the place to come and ask and we’ll take care of them.”

OCCF Aids in Tornado Recovery Efforts

Our Owen County communities have been fortunate to not withstand a natural disaster as widespread as the March 31, 2023 EF-3 tornado since the flood of ’08. Despite the lapse in time, OCCF was ready to spring into action to help those in need. In the wake of the ‘08 flood, community agencies came together to create a Community Organizations Active in Disaster (COAD) coalition. COAD serves to preserve the knowledge gained from past disaster recovery efforts to better serve our communities if and when the next local disaster occurs. COAD immediately stepped into action, surveying the damage and assisting officials, while the OCCF worked to pool donations and administer grants for those in need.

The Spencer Exchange Club immediately stepped in with a $5,000 to help their fellow residents, and not long after, Boston Scientific offered a one-to-one match opportunity for each dollar donated to the cause by a Boston Scientific employee.

In addition to multiple homes and McCormick’s Creek State Park withstanding damage, Riverside Cemetery, which was struck especially hard, experienced severe destruction to the cemetery grounds and grave sites. Utilizing OCCF’s fundraising platform, the cemetery was able to recover the majority of the unexpected expenses caused by the storm damage.

Janet Rummel, President & CEO of the Foundation remarked, “It never fails to amaze me how apt Owen County residents are to step up and help a neighbor in need in a time of crisis. It’s truly inspiring!”

Town of Spencer Mural Art

Local artist, Israel Hogan, is staying busy this summer beautifying the north side of the Courthouse Square with a Spencer-themed mural. This project has been made possible by a generous grant from the Indiana Destination Development Corporations’ IN Indiana Mural Project which is being administered by the OCCF.

The mural is being painted on the side of the World Arts building and will span 46 feet x 16 feet. Israel anticipates having the mural completed this Fall. We hope to have an updated photo for you in our next publication.

The OCCF thanks all Owen County nonprofits for the incredible work that they do. We are always excited to help them reach their philanthropic goals!

Walk on MYPath, for your Health

“We always feel better when we finish.”

That is what our participants in the weekly walks on MYPath say. It doesn’t matter if people are stressed about things, or if they are generally relaxed. It doesn’t matter if it is hot, cold, rainy, or sunny. Spending some time walking on a nature trail and talking with others, or just walking alone, improves a person’s mood.

Some of this benefit is attributed to exercise (Office of Disease Prevention and Health Promotion). Even though the current MYPath loop is a level, non-strenuous walk of only a mile, any exercise, any movement, has benefits. People can achieve the same benefit from walking around the neighborhood or walking around a track. But a nature trail is more fun. It looks different each week. Which wildflowers are blooming? Will we see the wild turkey again? Will we see the bald eagle this time? How has the water level changed? These questions, and more, keep you moving.

Trails like MYPath are important to the community. But Owen County residents are 11th from the bottom in Indiana for access to parks and trails. At the same time, Owen County residents rank 73rd out of Indiana’s 92 counties for overall health. (University of Wisconsin Population Health Institute. County Health Rankings & Roadmaps 2022 county health stats). The poor health and lack of access to parks and trails are not a coincidence.

A local collaborative effort led by the Owen County Community Foundation, MYPath was developed as a natural amenity for Owen County residents. Owen County has wonderful natural amenities and MYPath helps trail visitors explore and experience natural beauty. At the same time, we need to consider the trail as a healthy asset for the community.

MYPath will be working with partners to host events that bring more people to the trail for health reasons. The Owen County Health Department is working to get more of our friends and neighbors active. Exercise, even moderate exercise, can reduce obesity, blood pressure, and diabetes. MYPath can be used for moderate walks. As we upgrade the trail surface, the trail will be longer and accessible to bicycles, strollers, and wheelchairs. Users can determine their own level of activity. We have even mapped out a potential 5K run/walk route. As people decide to try healthy activities outdoors, the Foundation will continue to keep MYPath open and accessible to the public.

When MYPath staff installed trail counters, (see story this issue), we were pleased to see that many people have discovered the benefits of walking on the trail. We were pleased, but not surprised. People are using the trail now and we look forward to welcoming more people to the trail when the current trail project is complete. And then we are looking forward to collecting the assets to expand the trail the McCormick’s Creek State Park and beyond.

Today, you can enjoy MYPath, for the health benefits while experiencing natural wonder. You are invited to join us for our weekly walks, Wednesday, 10:00 am, 788 Pottersville Road, Spencer. You will feel better when you finish.

SCHOLARSHIPS

Your OCCF proudly presented 71 scholarship awards to high school seniors and postsecondary students during the April 23rd Scholarship Celebration. This year, $128,950 in scholarships was awarded. $107,400 was awarded to 30 Owen Valley, Clay City, Cloverdale, and Shakamak High School seniors, and $21,550 was awarded to 11 postsecondary students who are currently attending college and technical education institutes.

Many scholarships have different eligibility requirements; however, one element remains the same – they make higher education more accessible and affordable for Owen County students. The complete list of scholarships awarded this year is listed below.

2023 Lilly Endowment Community Scholarship

Emma Paauwe

2023 Elliott Hickam Memorial Scholarship

Jenna Harris

2023 Erika Wells Memorial Scholarship

Maria Hartman

2023 Freedom Alumni Scholarship

Kolton Jackson

2023 Gary McCarter Scholarship

Kailee Cooper

2023 George & Nancy Thurston Scholarship

Lily Leitzman

2023 Geraldine & Wilma Bucklew

Educational Scholarship

Allison Staples

2023 Babbs Supermarket Scholarship

Lillie Hamm - in memory of Charlie Hamilton

Maria Hartman

2023 Bennie J. & Joan R. Woodruff Scholarship

Jakota Fisher

2023 Burns Family Scholarship

Veronica Clark

2023 Charles T. Cooper Scholarship

Tyler McDaniel

2023 Charles W. Edwards Scholarship

Nathan Mobley

2023 Clinton & Louise Abrell Scholarship

Tyler McDaniel

2023 Coal City Alumni / Jefferson Township Scholarship

Cynthia Slough

2023 Coyne Family Scholarship

Hannah Sheese

2023 David Campbell Gray Scholarship

Lillie Hamm

2023 Dick (Mr. Dyar) & Sue Dyar Scholarship

Norah Beeman

Emily Bray

Julianna Hartman

Reagan Martin

Cloe Sharpee

2022 Educators Philanthropic Investment Chapter (EPIC) Scholarship

Marissa Taylor

2023 Gosport Alumni Scholarship

Kailee Cooper

2023 Gosport Lions Club Scholarship

Kailee Cooper

2023 Ione W. Fulk Scholarship

Kenzington Brown

2023 James P. Root Scholarship

Norah Beeman

2023 Jeffrey Wayne Johnson Scholarship

Grace Coryea

2023 Jim & Wilma Fulford Scholarship

Drew Kristoff

2023 Joe Carmichael & Gary W. Boruff

Sons of American Legion Scholarship

Madison Kay

Jonathan Wetzel

2023 John Moore Scholarship

Kearstin Ciresi

2023 Josephine Brown Owens Scholarship

Kage Brown

2023 Judy Hamilton Education Scholarship

Marissa Taylor

2023 Lloyd H. & Rosalie E. Lucas AgriScience 4-H & FFA Scholarship

Kailee Cooper

2023 Loretta Heidrick Memorial Scholarship

Marissa Taylor

2023 Lyle & Marion Brighton Scholarship

Lucy Elkins

2023 MacMorran Family Scholarship

Lucas Hendershot

Marissa Taylor

2023 Margaret Marley Pinkston Scholarship

Hannah Sheese

2023 Mearl & LaVerne Brown Scholarship

Kailee Cooper

2023 Melvin & Margaret Hall Nursing Scholarship

Norah Beeman

2023 Michael Job Vocational Scholarship

Rebecca Brown

2023 Mildred Harbison Scholarship

Hailey Manuel

2023 Monroe, Long, & Butts Vocational Scholarship

Rebecca Brown

2023 Morgan L. Drescher Family Scholarship

MaKenna Blankenship

2023 Our Community Bank Scholarship

Hailey Manuel

2023 Owen County Farm Bureau Scholarship

Kailee Cooper

Christian McDonald

Victoria Worland

2023 Owen County IU Varsity Club Scholarship

Jenna Harris

2023 Owen Valley FFA Scholarship

Holly Comte

2023 Patricksburg Alumni Scholarship

Maria Hartman

Elijah Weaver

2023 Quincy Alumni Scholarship

Kaylynn Paris

Catherine Simpson

2023 R.E. Dillingham & C.L. Patterson

Dillingham Scholarship

Veronica Clark

Klaudia Stahl

2023 Rebecca & William Applegate Scholarship

Hannah Walden

2023

Scholarship

Kailee Cooper

2023 Roma Wilson Scholarship

Cloe Sharpee

2023 Spencer Alumni Scholarship

Jonathan Wetzel

2023 Tri Kappa Cochrane-Royer Scholarship

Chloe Harris

2023 Tri Kappa Continuing Education Scholarship

Grace Coryea

2023 Tri Kappa Lillian Dyar Music Scholarship

Tyler McDaniel

2023 Tri Kappa Vocational Scholarship

- in honor of Jill Wagner McKay

Holly Comte

2023 Vada Baker Scholarship

Catherine Simpson

2023 West & Parrish & Pedigo Funeral Home Scholarship

Ashlyn Boltinghouse

Breanna Davis

2023 Woody & Barry Franklin Scholarship

Kaylynn Paris

Emma Paauwe, 2023 Lilly Endowment Community Scholar

This year the 2023 Lilly Endowment Community scholarship was awarded to Cloverdale High School Graduate, Emma Paauwe. In high school, Emma was very active in a number of organizations and held positions of leadership such as Cloverdale High School Ambassador, captain on the Academic Science Bowl team and junior editor for the Citizen One newsclub. She was also involved in theatre as an actor and stage manager, the school art club, National Honor Society, and played first clarinet in the band. Ms. Paauwe earned the additional honor of being awarded the Cumulative Honors Award for having a GPA over 3.0.

In the fall, Emma will be attending the Rose-Hulman Institute of Technology where she will be pursuing a degree in computer science.

“It has been an honor to have been the one chosen for this scholarship, especially as a junior. I am eternally grateful for my family, friends, teachers, and the Owen County Community Foundation for giving me this amazing opportunity. I am looking forward to studying computer science and working to help close the digital divide all around the world.”

To be considered for the Lilly Endowment Community Scholarship, students must be a resident of Owen County, have a minimum cumulative GPA of 3.75 on a 4.00 scale and have an SAT/ACT score of 1100 or above, or the ACT equivalent (21).

2023 PFC Brett Wood Memorial Scholarship

Robert & Barbara Bonness

The Paauwe Family

2023 William Truax Family Scholarship

MEMORIALS & TRIBUTES

We received the following Memorial & Tribute gifts from January 1, 2023 through June 30, 2023. The name of the person being memorialized or honored is in bold.

MEMORIALS

Don Abrell

Dave & Doris Scully

Fred & Mary Jo Thatcher

Kim Tucker

Lori & Gary Quillen

Mary Ackerman

Jim & Chris Caddell

Jetta Allison

Barbara Cooper

Jennifer Dunning

Keith Casebeer

Barbara Cooper

Virginia Childress

Becky Wilson

Al Childs

Barbara Cooper

Bob Christenberry

Michael & Judith Boyd

Cindy Curvin and Family

Tom & Karen Fulk

John & Deanna Heckman

Don Lamm & Kathy Spinks

The Neumeyer Family

Mary Rice

Curt & Benita Thacker

Charles T. Cooper

Barbara Cooper

Bill & Betty Daniels

Dan & Cathy Wyatt

Michael Dean

Daniel & Kimberly McMains

Marilyn DeFord

Fred & Donna Dorsett

John & Cindy Hackworthy

Jack & Linda Simmerman

Steve & Cynthia Withem

Terry Downey

Rob & Cassie Babbs

Rhonda Truax Farmer

Spencer High School Class of 1970

Connie Flory

John & Cindy Hackworthy

Bonnie Frank

John & Nancy Fuhs

Joe & Judy Heinmiller

Morris & Betty Franklin

Kent & Linda Franklin

Leota Fulk

Jack & Linda Simmerman

Margie Tucker

Ginger Galloway

Spencer High School Class of 1970

Meme Gillaspy

Barbara Cooper

Aaron & Helen Griffith

Stanley & Nancy Griffith

Charlie Hamilton

Babbs Supermarket

Steve & Peggy Cradick

Ed & Diana Curry

Jean M. Drinkut

Charles “Charlie” R. Hamilton

Mr. Hamilton was a community pillar in Owen County. A life-long resident, he graduated from Spencer High School in 1965, married Patricia Hamilton in 1970, and raised a family in Owen County. He worked at Babbs Supermarket for nearly 40 years and enjoyed being involved with the community. He will be remembered for coaching little league, being a 4-H leader, and making an impact on so many people’s lives.

At the 2023 Scholarship Ceremony, the Hamilton family was in attendance to award Lillie Hamm the Babbs Supermarket Scholarship in Charlie’s memory. His wife, Patricia, wrote, “[He] mentioned to me several times how she was a hard worker and wasn’t afraid to do anything asked of her. He would be very proud that this scholarship was awarded to her.”

John & Sylvia Dyar

Patty Edwards

Larry & Bonnie Frank

Scott & Heather Herrington

Robert T. Jones

Vic, Shirley, & Jason Kinney

Thomas & Kimberly Knox

Bob & Penny Meyer

John & Arlene Meyer

Barbara Moen

Maria O’Connor

Toby & Debra Rodney

Rick & Sheila Schwartz

Dave & Doris Scully

Becky Smith Styer

Mark & Nancy Snapp

Spencer Save-A-Lot

Ronda, Mackenzie, & Hunter Stogsdill

Damon & Susan Summerlot

Donald & Rebecca Taylor

Curt & Benita Thacker

Kevin & Debbie Wampler

Becky Wilson

David E. Wilson

Opal Hardesty

Insurance Services, Inc.

Carol Herrington

Barbara Cooper

Joe Hutcherson

George & Nancy White

Mike Hyer

Maria O’Connor

Jarrod Jackson

Spencer High School Class of 1970

Julie James

Owen County Public Library Staff

Elizabeth Jones

Robert T. Jones

Margie Jones

Steve & Becky Pedigo

Michael Jones

Lori & Gary Quillen and Family

Evan Kelley

John & Jane Burks

Friends & Family of Evan Kelley

Randy & Karen Harmon

William “Doug” Kenfield

John & Nancy Fuhs

Owen County Community Foundation

Robert Knapp

Jack & Linda Simmerman

Lloyd Lucas

Jack & Linda Simmerman

Gary McCarter

Scott McCarter

Harley Melton

Jack & Linda Simmerman

Lois Jean Miller

George & Nancy White

Charlie Minnick

Al & Joan Tucker

Arthur & Ella Mae Parrish

Barbara Cooper

Mark Pendleton

Spencer High School Class of 1970

Julie Thacker Romas

Curt & Benita Thacker

Bart Richardson

Barbara Cooper

Patty Sadler

Walter Sadler

Sam Schur

Barbara Cooper

Herbert & Wilma Skinner

Jane Mellenthin and Family

Barbara Spinks

John & Lisa Gillaspy

Jason & Kimberly Hale

Buck & Nan Johnson

Lori & Gary Quillen and Family

Mary Rice

Linnell Schur

Frank & Betty Stewart

Jane Mellenthin and Family

Kirby Stogsdill

Michael & Judith Boyd

Indiana Farmer’s Insurance

Hunter Stogsdill

Ronda Stogsdill

Steve & Cynthia Withem

Barbara Taylor

Barbara Cooper

Maureen Taylor

Barbara Cooper

Betty Thacker

Spencer High School Class of 1970

Richard Allen Thacker

Curt & Benita Thacker

Richard W. Thacker

Curt & Benita Thacker

Leonard Tucker

Jack & Linda Simmerman

Darin & Carol Tucker

Dirk & Sherry Tucker

Zach Tucker

Phyllis Tucker

Wayne & Norma Warner

Judith Stanfield

Gordon & Diane Wells

Janet “Sue” Watkins

Joyce Graham

Erika Wells

Cindy White

Alice Louise Whaley

Joyce Graham

Joe & June Whitaker

Jan Torgerson

Jerry Wilson

Stanley & Nancy Griffith

Rosie Winders

Barbara Cooper

Jack L. Woodruff

Babbs Supermarket

Every effort is made to ensure your name and your Memorial/Tribute is written as you wish. If your name or recipient is incorrect, or you wish you to be listed differently, please contact the OCCF.

TRIBUTES

2023 S-OCS Retirees

Mark Rogers

George Allison

Michael & Julie Donham

Jennifer Dunning

Marty Figg

Sandy Featherston

Kelly Tucker

Margie Tucker

Phyllis Tucker

John Gillaspy

Buck & Nan Johnson

John & Cindy Hackworthy

Amy Paul

Todd & Deborah Zellers

Brandy Johnson

John & Lisa Gillaspy

Ann Mahrdt

Cory & Inger Boggess

Lynn Nelson

John & Lisa Gillaspy

OCCF Staff

John & Sylvia Dyar

Shawn Parrish

Steve & Alice Parrish

Steve Parrish

Alice Parrish

Riverside Cemetery Staff

David Livingston

Sophie the MYPath Trail Dog

Jim Hardy

The Spinks Family

Linnell Schur

Lori Thatcher Quillen

Sandy Featherston

Kelly Tucker

Margie Tucker

Phyllis Tucker

Phillip Zook

Rob & Cassie Babbs

Your Gifts Matter!

If you would like to make a donation in honor or memory of a loved one, please consider using the enclosed remittance envelope. Gifts can also be made by scanning the QR code.

2023 Large Impact Grant Recipient

Owen County Fair Association

Since its inception in the 1940s, the Owen County Fairgrounds has been an invaluable asset for our communities. “The Owen County Fair Association brings our community together like no other entity,” remarked Lillian Pursell, a member of the Fair Board. The fairgrounds is responsible for hosting various training and educational opportunities, workshops, flea markets, food, toy, and blood drives, community gatherings and ceremonies, and even serves as an emergency shelter for citizens and animals during harsh weather events. Countless groups, clubs, businesses, and civic organizations regularly utilize the fair buildings for meetings.

The Foundation reviewed several high-quality applications as part of this competitive grant process, ultimately awarding $30,000 to the Owen County Fair Association because the fairgrounds play such a vital role in bringing the community together. The funds supported the repaving of the grounds’ walkways, roadways, and entryways to barns, buildings, arenas, and restrooms. Before asphalt, pathways were gravel, limiting access to users and making traveling more difficult. Pursell noted that,

Paving was completed in June, just in time for the 2023 Owen County Fair. Stop on by and see for yourself just what a difference this project has made in our community!

“This project will expand and promote community connectivity to include and enhance the quality of life for the elderly and handicapped population.”

One of the many events hosted at the Owen County Fairgrounds is the White River Poultry Show.

2022 Large Impact Grant Recipient Updates

The Owen News Project

The Owen News Project was awarded a planning grant of $10,000 in 2022 from the OCCF. This grant has allowed the Owen News Project to research other non-profit news organizations; pursue possible partnerships with DePauw University and Indiana University; and establish the Journalism Advisory Board. With the help of the Owen County Chamber of Commerce’s new Business Buildout Program, they are developing theowennews.org website. The project has also received a $2,500 grant from the Lilly Lead Forward Community Grants program to begin a spark club that will teach media literacy to Owen County youth who will become local news writers.

Great strides have already been made with an anticipated publication date in early Fall.

Crossroads Ranch Inc.

In 2022, the OCCF awarded $24,255 to Crossroads Ranch Inc. for the This is Me! Program. The program works with Owen County’s youth to teach valuable life skills and lessons through equine-assisted therapy. In both individual and group sessions, kids learn how to overcome unique challenges and discover their true selfworth and potential.

The grant money provided by the Foundation has allowed nearly 30 children to participate in over 250 hours of lessons since springtime. Crossroads continues to grow and has plans to deliver more sessions next year to meet overwhelming interest. OCCF is excited to see the incredible positive impact they are making with our youth.

What is a Large Impact Grant?

The Large Impact Grant is the Foundation’s largest grantmaking option, intended for requests ranging from $10,000 to $30,000. Programs that are considered for support are those located in Owen County or will directly benefit its citizens. We currently consider grand awards in five broad areas: Civic Affairs, Education, Health & Wellness, Human Services, and Trails & Parks.

Organizations must submit a 5-7 minute video of intent before applying. A selected round of participants then will be invited to apply based on their submitted video. To find more information, call (812) 829-1725, visit our website at owencountycf.org/nonprofits, or scan the QR code.

The next Large Impact Grant cycle will begin in Spring 2024.

Bringing a Big Impact to Owen County

So far, in 2023, your OCCF has administered more than $345,000 in grants and scholarships. Our core programs and community impact initiatives are designed to support students, strengthen nonprofits and solve community problems while delivering solid results and leveraging relationships.

2023 Community Investment Grantees

The intended purpose of Community Investment Grants is to supply broad, diverse, and responsive funds of up to $5,000. As of June 30th, three Community Investment grants have been awarded; applications are open through October 1 for the second round of grant funding.

Owen Valley Fire Territory - $5,000 - This funding was used to help purchase protective kevlar vests for first responders to use during high risk calls and while making entry during active shootings. This equipment will allow earlier access to patients to administer immediate lifesaving care.

Gosport VFW Post 7850 - $5,000 - After over 75 years of serving service members, the Gosport VFW building was in need of a remodel. As the building hosts many community gatherings annually, renovations were crucial in order to enhance the safety and wellness of occupants. Funding helped replace carpet and light fixtures, update restrooms, rebuild a user-friendly bar, install air purifiers, and apply fresh paint.

Centerstone - $2,000 - The Care Closet is a resource that will help the children of Owen County meet their basic needs. Children between the ages of 5 to 17 years can “shop” for a multitude of items, including hygiene products, food that they can make themselves, clothing, and winter gear. OCCF funding helped stock the closet, but donations are always needed. Visit Centerstone’s Facebook page for more information.

Rapid Response Grants

The intended purpose of Rapid Response Grants is to provide immediate support of up to $1,000 for operations, emergency equipment purchases, and funds for completing a project. As of June 30th, four Rapid Response Grants have been awarded:

• Owen County Preservations, Inc/Tivoli Theater$1,000 – AP20 Sound System Part Replacement

• Gosport Fire Department - $1,000 – Tanker Repair

• Cunot Food Pantry, Inc. - $200 – Building Repairs

• Rescue Recovery, Inc. - $1,000 – Operational Support

Want to Apply?

If your organization is in need of funding for a project, please check out these grants. Community Investment grants award up to $5,000 & Rapid Response issues up to $1,000. There are no deadlines to apply for either. Access the applications on our website or by scanning the QR code with your phone.

Check Presentation for Centerstone Care Closet

Gosport VFW Post 7850 Building Renovation

Check Presentation for First Responder Kevlar Vests

Updates from 2022 Grantees

Owen County CASA

Owen County CASA is committed to providing trained community volunteers to advocate for abused and neglected children in the pursuit of safe and permanent homes. In 2022, an anonymous donor established a fund to provide grant funding for CASA to open a new office and help sustain its operations. This fund is endowed and will provide support to the Owen County CASA program in perpetuity. The Owen County CASA team has officially moved into their new office, located inside the Tivoli Theater, and ready to help the next child in need.

The Exchange

OCCF is proud to have sponsored the Chamber of Commerce’s new project in Spencer, The Exchange. The Exchange is a co-working space for members of the community, housing offices, meeting rooms, business equipment such as computers and printers, and highspeed internet. The Exchange serves those with an entrepreneurial spirit and will equip them with the tools they need in order to succeed, offering in-house training programs to startups, freelancers, remote workers, side hustlers, and small companies.

Owen County Public Library Pavilion

The Foundation contributed $25,000 towards the OCPL pavilion construction, a building equipped with a poured concrete floor, WiFi, security cameras, and lighting. The pavilion is used for a variety of public events, even hosting community activities such as weekly Tai Chi classes.

OCCF’s grantmaking has also allowed the library to continue kid’s summer reading programs. Countless kids visit the library daily to participate in creative, fun activities.

Mark of Discipleship Food Pantry

During the pandemic, The Mark of Discipleship Food Pantry wanted to continue their outreach despite its challenges. They established a drivethrough facility where food could be distributed with minimal contact. OCCF helped fund an extension that would shield volunteers and individuals from weather elements. All of the improvements have been successful, as more food has been able to be stored, distributed quickly and efficiently, and to a larger population.

Owen County Humane Society

It costs about $412 a day to run the Owen County Humane Society. Building maintenance and care for approximately 90 animals is solely funded through donations, adoption fees, and grants similar to the ones the Foundation distributes. Last December, with a $5,000 grant awarded by OCCF, the Humane Society was able to repaint the building’s interior, replace HVAC grilles, fix roof leaks, and repair damaged flooring.

Help is always needed, as are donations such as quality dog food, treats, and cleaning supplies.

GIVING BACK

Nonprofit Spotlight

New Beginnings Crisis Pregnancy Center

The New Beginnings Pregnancy Center has been an Owen County staple since its opening in 1980, helping relieve the financial burden of caring for children in order to give clients the space to use that energy to be the best parents they can be. New Beginnings currently serves around 125 active clients, and on average, 50 client families per month. Families come to the center for material needs once a week or utilize one of many services available, including referrals for other community services, biblical counseling and free pregnancy testing, or make use of the Baby Boutique.

Mrs. Stacy Kristoff, Director of New Beginnings, wishes that the community knew that they are here for all parents and those caring for children, no matter their circumstances. During an interview with OCCF, Stacy remarked, “While reaching those in crisis pregnancy situations is the heart and mission of our ministry, we want to help all parents in our community. We are not a needs-based organization. People of any income level may utilize our services for their children at New Beginnings.”

She also notes that although they are not a medical center yet, they are working hard toward the day when they will be ready and able to provide additional services at no cost to the client, including, but not limited to ultrasound services and STD screenings and treatment. This Fall, they plan to introduce another program, a support group for parents wading through the troubles of infertility.

Besides Stacy, the Board and staff are comprised completely of unpaid volunteers. There are so many great things happening at New Beginnings and so many ways to get involved. Anyone interested in volunteering should reach out by stopping by the New Beginnings office located at 189 S. Main Street in Spencer or by calling the center at 812-829-2229(BABY).

Fund Spotlight

Kirby Stogsdill Community Fund

It has been over a year since community pillar, Kirby Stogsdill, passed away. The outpouring of love and support from Kirby’s loss culminated into the Kirby Stogsdill Community Fund, a donor-advised fund. The beauty of donor-advised funds is that they allow the family the ability to be involved with choosing future grantees that the fund’s annual payout will support.

Recently, your OCCF met up with Indiana Farmers Insurance marketing manager, Brett Hagedorn, to receive a $1,000 donation for the fund. The Kirby Stogsdill Community Fund was chosen as part of Indiana Farmers Insurance’s monthly giving program in which a worthy cause is selected every month to receive a donation.

This fund will carry out the good work that Kirby, a lifelong Owen County resident, would have wanted to see in his beloved community.

New Beginnings Director Stacy Kristoff and board member Becca Anderson presented the 2023 New Beginnings Pregnancy Resource Center Abundant Life Scholarship to Kage Brown, Chloe Harris, and Kaylynn Paris

“[Kirby] was a vital part of our office and a wonderful friend to all of us. He was taken way too soon, but it is our goal to keep his memory alive. This is just one way to do this.”

“LEAF” YOUR LEGACY...

It starts with YOU the donor

You make a tax-deductible gift of cash, securities, real estate, or other property.

With a PASSION for your community

Your gift creates/adds to a charitable fund to benefit a cause important to you: animal welfare, education, religious, etc.

Whose GIFTS are used

Gifts are cash, securities, real assets, retirement funds, insurance, and bequests.

To CREATE & BUILD funds

Funds are invested prudently for long-term growth, overseen by local investment professionals.

DISTRIBUTIONS fulfill your charitable

passions through grants & scholarships

The support your fund provides to nonprofit projects, organizations, and student scholarships strengthens our community while creating your lasting legacy of giving.

THE OCCF TEAM WILL HELP

• Determine what fund type is best

• Assist with giving complex gifts

• Help you grow your funds

HOW TO GIVE

• Offer expertise on community needs

• Preserve your wishes in perpetuity

• Provide regular fund statements

2023 IMPORTANT DATES

• August 11: Deadline to submit Lilly Endowment Community Scholarship Application. Apply at owencountycf.org/lilly-endowment-community-scholarship

• September 10: Invitation to interview for Lilly Endowment Community Scholarship & notice to continue local scholarship application.

• September 21: 21st Annual SMV Realty, LLC ~ Jim Fulford Golf Open at Rolling Meadows Golf Course

• September 29/30: Lilly Endowment Community Scholarship Interviews

• October 1: Deadline to submit Round II - Community Investment Grant Application.

• October 18: Recipients of Round II - Community Investment Grant notified.

• November 22: The online application process begins for all OCCF scholarships. For details visit owencountycf.org/students

• November 28: Giving Tuesday, often stylized as #GivingTuesday for purposes of hashtag activism, refers to the Tuesday after Thanksgiving. It is a movement to create a national day of giving at the beginning of the Christmas and holiday season.

• December 31: Last day to make year-end gifts for 2023 tax purposes. Start planning now!