Community Foundation of Southern Indiana Receives $5 Million Matching Grant

The Community Foundation of Southern Indiana (CFSI) has received a matching fund grant totaling $5 million as part of the eighth phase of Lilly Endowment Inc.’s initiative, Giving Indiana Funds for Tomorrow (GIFT VIII).

The Community Foundation of Southern Indiana will use the funding to support its unrestricted Community Impact Fund, which supports the greatest needs and highest priorities of Clark and Floyd counties – both now and for future generators. Qualifying matching funds raised to support CFSI’s unrestricted endowment will be eligible for a $2(grantor)-to-$1(grantee) match from the Endowment.

“The GIFT VIII Planning Grant is an exciting opportunity to bring significant funding into our community to support our community’s greatest needs and highest priorities, now and forever,” said Linda Speed, CFSI President and CEO. “While our region’s future needs and objectives may differ from those in place today, funding to the unrestricted Community Impact Fund will provide our Foundation with important grant flexibility down the road, helping organizations address the ever-evolving needs of our communities.”

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.

In 2023, Lilly Endowment launched GIFT VIII to help community foundation strengthen the town, cities, and counites they serve. Matching fund grants are one of several funding opportunities designed to help community foundations promote long-term viability; furth strengthen their abilities to lead; encourage board engagement; and support and develop strategic efforts to enhance quality of life in their communities.

For more information on the GIFT VIII grant initiative, please visit CFSI’s website: www.CFSouthernIndiana.com/Gift8