NORTH VERNON — The executive director of the Jennings County Community Foundation has set one final, big goal to reach before she retires: grow the 25-year-old organization’s assets to at least $7 million.
Jennings County Community Foundation began in 1994 when five local residents — Lester Tracy, Dan Baugh, Jo Ann Bentz, Marie Elsner, Cindy Hatfield — passed a hat and collected $67 to start a fund and establish a public charity designed to improve the quality of life in the county. They worked to create an organization designed to assist the community through time, treasure and talent.
The foundation now has assets worth more than $6.4 million — an amount that has doubled since Shaw took over as executive director 10 years ago, she said.
The foundation appears to be “here for good to do good things in Jennings County,” said Shaw, who added that she’s contemplating retirement in the near future.
But, reaching the greater asset goal would help ensure the foundation’s ability to help for many years to come.
That goal is possible with a matching grant challenge offered by Lilly Endowment Inc. If the foundation raises $500,000 by the end of next year, it will match the amount.
Tremendous growth
The five founders were drawn together to start the Jennings County Community Foundation when they learned the Eli Lilly and Company’s Lilly Endowment Inc. was encouraging every county in Indiana to start a foundation. Lilly Endowment promised and delivered financial support to everyone of Indiana’s 92 counties to help each county start a foundation.
Shaw began her work at the foundation as a part-time volunteer. As the JCCF became solvent, paid employees were added. Shaw joined the paid staff and worked her way up.
“It was difficult at first and during the early years we struggled at times. In fact, there were a couple of times we didn’t think we were going to make it, but people stepped up and showed us how to organize things to make it work,” Shaw said.
In addition to Lilly’s continued support, Jennings County Community Foundation worked to raise money in order to provide services to the community.
“Really, the people of Jennings county made it all happen. They are the most generous people in the world. Our local businesses were also very, very generous,” Shaw said.
Donations to the JCCF are used to provide grants to individuals and organizations. The foundation gives money to provide educational opportunities and help charitable institutions. Museums, parks, recreational facilities and other public services have been assisted.
Lilly Endowment also continues support of the foundation.
“Indiana is very lucky to have a company like Eli Lilly. I don’t think there is any other state that has that kind of resource,” Shaw said.
Up for challenge
In October of 2014, Lilly Endowment offered the foundation a challenge to raise $500,000 with the promise Lilly Endowment would match the $500,000 if the drive was successful.
“We met that challenge. Now, the Lilly Endowment has given us another $500,000 challenge, and I know we can meet that as well,” Shaw said.
Jennings County Community Foundation has until December 2020 to raise the $500,000. With the matching Lilly funds, Shaw will then meet her goal of bringing the foundation’s assets to $7 million.
Community fun
Before the fund drive slips into high gear, the foundation wants to give the community a day of celebration. It’s inviting the public to share in a celebration of the foundation’s 25 years with the Summer Fun Fest from 3 to 10 p.m. Saturday at the Stellar Plaza in downtown North Vernon. The event also will be used to celebrate the 50th anniversary of the Apollo 11 moon landing.
