Community Foundation of Crawford County Celebrates 25 years
The Community Foundation of Crawford County (CFCC) is celebrating its 25th birthday this year. Its history and future plans are outlined by Executive Director Christine Harbeson.
“CFCC recently underwent a building-wide renovation,” Harbeson said, “culminating in a community birthday party that included a ribbon cutting and tour of the facility.” Founding board members were honored and attendees assisted with the ribbon cutting.
Harbeson noted that the CFCC had planted its first seeds under the umbrella of the Community Foundation of Southern Indiana in 1998, through initial funding from Lilly Endowment Inc. Then, in 2004, it received its own charitable letter of recognition and became a single county foundation. In 2021, the organization acquired the building at 4030 E. Goodman Ridge Road in Marengo through a gift/purchase agreement. The Board of Directors accessed the county’s needs and planned the renovation and raising funding with renovations beginning in late 2022 with Schwartz Family Construction Co., contractor.
Renovations included a 1,500-square-foot Community Room, sponsored by Jasper Engines & Transmission, with a kitchenette and island; an Education/Resource meeting room and office, sponsored by First Savings Bank; two office areas for CFCC staff; four refreshed bathrooms; ADA entrances with enhanced safety features including railing and lighting; refreshed and elevated signage; storage for CFCC records and program supplies.
Renovations included a 1,500-square-foot Community Room, sponsored by Jasper Engines & Transmission, with a kitchenette and island; an Education/Resource meeting room and office, sponsored by First Savings Bank; two office areas for CFCC staff; four refreshed bathrooms; ADA entrances with enhanced safety features including railing and lighting; refreshed and elevated signage; storage for CFCC records and program supplies.
The CFCC supports the nonprofit sector in Crawford County and provides more than 30 scholarships and other educational funds, including adult education, Harbeson said.
The Community Room provides space for public forums or input sessions as well for as its own events and public education opportunities. Nonprofit organizations can use the Community Room for fundraising events or large community meetings. The smaller education/resource rooms are also available for nonprofits for appropriate events, she said.
Building Grant-Making Funds
Harbeson announced that a drive to build the community grant-making funds is underway. These allow the CFCC to conduct a competitive grant application cycle each year. The more funds the CFCC can raise, the more it can grant to the nonprofits who provide necessary services. The CFCC’s board is offering a 25% match to all dollars given to an unrestricted fund until $25,000 is awarded.
“This is the first time that the CFCC has offered a match of this sort with its own investment earnings,” Harbeson said. “The board will provide other opportunities once this is expended.” •
For more information, contact the Community Foundation at (812) 365-2900 or charbeson@cf-cc.org.
Story by Sara Combs
Photos by the Community Foundation of Crawford County
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