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Community Foundation Awards Discretionary Grants to Support Innovation and Preservation in Southern Indiana
NEW ALBANY, Ind. – Building on a recent round of competitive grantmaking, the Community Foundation of Southern Indiana (CFSI) is continuing its investment in the region through two discretionary grants that support both long-term innovation and the preservation of a historic community landmark.
Earlier this month, CFSI awarded nearly $30,000 in Community Assist and Capacity Building Grants to six nonprofit organizations, supporting projects ranging from shelter improvements and childcare expansion to arts programming and environmental education. Together, those initiatives are expected to impact more than 43,000 individuals across Southern Indiana.
Now, through its Community Impact Fund, the Foundation is making two additional investments that reflect a different kind of opportunity – projects that require timely support and offer lasting community benefit.
“After a strong round of competitive grants, these discretionary awards gave us the opportunity to lean into two projects that really stood out,” said Linda Speed, CFSI President and CEO. “One is about preserving a piece of our community’s history that still carries meaning today. The other is about helping an organization think creatively about its future. Both are thoughtful, forward-looking investments that will have a lasting impact.”
Family Ark
Project: Wild Indigo Flower Farm
CFSI awarded a $40,000 grant to Family Ark to support the launch of the Wild Indigo Flower Farm, a mission-aligned social enterprise located on its 76-acre campus. The project will generate earned revenue through seasonal U-pick experiences, bouquet sales, and small community events, while also creating workforce opportunities for individuals connected to Family Ark’s programs.
Designed to serve both as a sustainable funding source and a welcoming community space, the flower farm will invite families onto the campus to experience nature while supporting the organization’s broader mission of helping children and families heal and grow.
“This investment in our new venture, Wild Indigo Flower Farm, is helping us bring something truly special to life,” said Jeanean Jacobs, President and CEO of Family Ark. “On select days, families and community members will be able to come to our campus, pick their own flowers, and spend time enjoying the beauty of nature together. Every visit will also help support the children and families we serve, and we are so grateful to see this idea begin to grow.”
Town Clock Church
Project: Repair of Clock and Bell System
In addition, CFSI awarded a $10,000 grant to Town Clock Church in New Albany to support urgent mechanical repairs to its historic clock and bell system. The repairs will restore full operation of the clock, preserving a highly visible landmark that has stood in the community for more than 170 years.
More than a timepiece, Town Clock Church has long served as a symbol of resilience and hope in Southern Indiana, including its connection to the Underground Railroad and its role as a guiding presence for those seeking freedom. Addressing these repairs now will help prevent further deterioration and ensure the structure continues to serve as a place of reflection, education, and community pride.
“On behalf of the board of directors and members of the Town Clock Church, we are sincerely thankful for the generous gift supporting our efforts to make Southern Indiana a better place to live for all,” said Rev. LeRoy V. Marshall. “The Community Foundation’s ongoing care for our region has not gone unnoticed by its residents. Because of partnerships like these, we see a bright future for our local nonprofits.”
These discretionary grants are awarded at the direction of CFSI’s Board of Directors and are made possible through the Community Impact Fund, which allows the Foundation to respond to timely opportunities that may fall outside traditional grant cycles.
By investing in both innovation and preservation, the Community Foundation of Southern Indiana continues to support projects that strengthen the fabric of the community – honoring its history while helping organizations build for the future.
For more information about the Community Foundation of Southern Indiana and its grantmaking programs, please visit www.CFSouthernIndiana.com.