Putnam County Community Foundation awarded $750,000 in matching funds

Putnam County Community Foundation (PCCF) 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).

PCCF will use the funding to grow its unrestricted endowments, a collection of discretionary funds which fuel the organization’s grantmaking programs and other initiatives which seek to meet the current and future needs of Putnam County. PCCF aims to raise $375,000 by December 31, 2025, to maximize the matching opportunity.

Qualifying matching funds raised to support the PCCF’s unrestricted endowments will be eligible for a $2(grantor)-to-$1(grantee) match from the Lilly Endowment.

“Growing our unrestricted endowments allows the Putnam County Community Foundation to remain responsive to emerging community needs,” said Neysa Meyer, PCCF executive director. “Lilly Endowment has recognized how invaluable those resources are in improving the quality of life for communities across Indiana. We are grateful for the opportunity to leverage upwards of $1.1 million for Putnam County through this matching grant.”

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.

“Thanks to Lilly Endowment, the Putnam County Community Foundation has an exciting opportunity to grow sustainable, flexible resources to support our community for generations to come,” said Marianne Savage, PCCF board president. “We are eager to take on this challenge and are confident that our community will join us in doing so.”

In 2023, Lilly Endowment launched GIFT VIII to help community foundations strengthen the towns, cities and counties they serve. Matching fund grants are one 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 quality of life in their communities.

To learn more about GIFT VIII, please visit Lilly Endowment’s website. For additional information about the Putnam County Community Foundation or its role in the GIFT VIII initiative, individuals may contact Sarah Stone at sstone@pcfoundation.org or call the office at 765.653.4978.