Heritage Fund challenge way to help community

Generous local residents looking for a cause to support financially should consider a challenge from Heritage Fund — The Community Foundation of Bartholomew County.

Heritage Fund is trying to increase its unrestricted assets — known as the community fund — so that it can better respond to the critical needs of residents. That fund assists organizations which benefit the community, including:

  • Orphan Grain Train, a local outreach ministry and social service agency that provides free furniture, appliances and other items to the needy.
  • Tablet Reconnect, which gives refurbished electronic tablets to children with special needs.
  • Utopia Wildlife Rehabilitators, which helps wounded animals return to their habitats.

Helping organizations such as these requires an ongoing financial commitment, which is where community support plays an important role.

Heritage Fund received $3 million in new gifts last year to raise its total assets to $63.4 million. Now it is trying to raise $200,000 by March 31 of next year in order to leverage $1 million from the Lilly Endowment GIFT (Giving Indiana Funds for Tomorrow) Challenge VI. Lilly is offering mostly dollar-for-dollar matches on donations to the community fund.

To spark the community’s giving, Heritage Fund has rolled out its “Get a Gift, Give a Gift” promotion. People who donate $50 or more to the fund will receive a limited-edition “Love Where You Live” T-shirt, designed by a local artist and featuring images of local landmarks.

The money raised will help worthwhile community organizations that provide a helping hand needed by some residents. The better off residents are, the better the community is. Heritage Fund’s challenge is worth supporting.

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For more information on the “Get a Gift, Give a Gift” program and how to donate, call Heritage Fund at 812-376-7772, or go online at heritagefundbc.com.

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