Community Foundation of Southern Indiana Awards $61,500 to Address Critical Community Needs

Five local nonprofits receive funding to support affordable housing, youth services, recovery programs, and stronger access to resources

NEW ALBANY, Ind. – From helping families achieve affordable homeownership to providing meals for vulnerable youth and supporting women in recovery, five nonprofit organizations are working to address some of Southern Indiana’s most pressing needs – and a new round of funding will help strengthen their efforts.

The Community Foundation of Southern Indiana (CFSI) has awarded $61,500 in grants to five nonprofit organizations serving the region. Funded through the Foundation’s unrestricted Community Impact Fund, the awards support a combination of direct services and organizational improvements designed to help nonprofits better serve individuals and families throughout Southern Indiana.

The grants reflect the wide range of challenges facing local communities, as well as the importance of supporting the organizations working every day to address them.

“Every community has its own challenges, and there’s no single solution that can address them all,” said Linda Speed, CFSI president and CEO. “These grants reflect the many different ways our nonprofit partners are making a difference. We’re fortunate to have organizations that understand these needs firsthand, and we’re proud to support their efforts to build a stronger Southern Indiana.”

This quarter’s Capacity Building and Community Assist Grant recipients include:

LifeSpan Resources, Inc. ($25,000): LifeSpan Resources will use its Capacity Building Grant to modernize its website, improving how residents access information, connect with staff, and register for essential services. The upgraded technology will also help the organization introduce new programs, streamline operations, and better respond to evolving community needs.

Down Syndrome of Louisville ($21,500): As demand for services continues to grow across Southern Indiana, Down Syndrome of Louisville will develop a comprehensive three-year strategic plan to guide its future. The planning process will focus on strengthening programs, expanding equitable access to services, and identifying opportunities to better serve individuals with Down syndrome and their families.

Habitat for Humanity Clark & Floyd Indiana ($5,000): Habitat for Humanity will use its grant to support its Building Affordable Homes program, which helps qualified individuals and families achieve long-term housing stability. Through a partnership model that combines education, community service, and hands-on construction, Habitat helps families work toward affordable homeownership while building a stronger financial foundation.

Friends of Open Door Youth Services ($5,000): For young people experiencing housing instability or other difficult circumstances, consistent access to nutritious food is an essential part of a safe and supportive environment. This grant will help provide meals and snacks for approximately 125 youth participating in Open Door’s residential, emergency shelter, and runaway and homeless youth programs.

Center for Lay Ministries ($5,000): The Center for Lay Ministries will use its grant to support Bliss House, a long-term residential recovery program serving women overcoming substance use disorder. The program provides safe housing, structured recovery support, life-skills development, and employment assistance to help women work toward lasting recovery and self-sufficiency.

Funding for these grants comes from the Community Impact Fund, CFSI’s unrestricted endowed fund that allows the Foundation to respond to emerging needs, support local nonprofits, and invest in opportunities that improve quality of life in Clark and Floyd counties.

For more information about the Community Foundation of Southern Indiana and its grantmaking programs, visit www.CFSouthernIndiana.com.