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Fiscal Year 2027 Community Good Grants Update

Thu, 23 Apr 2026 22:08:33 GMT

As the Community Foundation celebrates 35 years of serving our region, we are taking an important step forward to strengthen how we invest in our communities for the future.

In FY27 (July 2026 through June 2027), the Foundation will conduct a comprehensive review of our unrestricted grantmaking approach, priorities, and processes to help ensure our community investments are deployed for the greatest possible impact.

As part of this FY27 review year, the Foundation will not hold an open competitive application cycle for the Community Good Grants program.

What to Expect in FY27

Even during this review year, the Foundation will continue making grants. Rather than offering an open Community Good Grants application process, we will use a more focused review process that considers historical grantmaking, community impact, and current community needs.

In many cases, this will mean continued investment in organizations with an established history of partnership and impact through the Community Foundation. Most FY27 Community Good Grant support will be awarded as unrestricted operating support, providing flexible dollars that strengthen organizations where they need it most.

Important Note

This change applies only to our competitive unrestricted grantmaking program (Community Good Grants). Grantmaking through our donor-advised, designated funds, agency funds, and scholarship funds will continue as usual.

Looking Ahead

This year of review will help guide our future grantmaking strategy and ensure we are responsive to evolving community needs. The Foundation expects to launch a redesigned grant process in FY28 (July 1, 2027 through June 30, 2028), and we will share details well in advance.

Learn More and Ask Questions

To help nonprofit partners understand the FY27 process and ask questions, our Program team will host virtual information sessions:

We encourage all nonprofit partners to attend a session.

April 2026 Spotlight Newsletter

Thu, 23 Apr 2026 16:22:47 GMT

Missed April's Spotlight Newsletter?

If you want to make sure you don't miss another, subscribe to our email list to receive a snapshot of real impact, timely updates, and important news from your local Community Foundation delivered straight to your inbox.

This month, we discuss a milestone year, a powerful match opportunity, and the impact your giving makes today and tomorrow.

Creating Spaces Where Kids Can Grow & Thrive

Fri, 17 Apr 2026 14:37:14 GMT

The Vincennes Parks and Recreation Department has been awarded a $15,000 grant to support the construction of a new Children’s Bike Park at Chicago Park—an exciting project championed by local advocate Jordan Daniels in partnership with the department.

His leadership and passion for inspiring, enabling, and encouraging healthy activities such as biking have been instrumental in bringing the project to life.

“The Community Foundation was the one single thing that got us there, and we wouldn't be where we are with this project without it,” Daniels shared.

The park will feature a pump track and a surrounding dirt riding loop designed especially for younger riders, creating a safe and accessible space for kids and families of all skill levels to ride and play outdoors. Daniels emphasized the importance of designing the space with today’s young riders in mind: “Kids don’t ride training wheel bikes; they ride balance bikes. They learn the balance before the pedals. Those bikes are perfect for this. If you're trying to learn to ride a balance bike in town, it’s not the safest—so to have a safe spot to go that will further their skills is huge.”

This grant was made possible by the Foundation’s unrestricted grantmaking, which allows us to respond quickly to promising opportunities. “The grant from the Community Foundation was the very key thing that got us over the hump,” Daniels said. “Without it, there was no meeting the deadline to have this finished in early July.”

Beyond the park itself, Daniels sees this project as a starting point for deeper community connection. “There are more opportunities to get involved in the community,” he added. “It’s not just about bikes for us, but implementing as many community outreach events as possible.”

And right now, unrestricted gifts have even greater impact. Every dollar given to unrestricted funds is eligible for a 2:1 match , helping stretch community support even further.

Projects like this are only possible because of your generosity. Your giving continues to strengthen communities across our region, one meaningful investment at a time.

March 2026 Spotlight Newsletter

Thu, 26 Mar 2026 19:02:17 GMT

Missed March's Spotlight Newsletter?

This month, build on what you've started and champion your causes with our Match Madness bracket.

February 2026 Spotlight Newsletter

Thu, 26 Feb 2026 16:01:40 GMT

Missed February's Spotlight Newsletter?

This month, we're sharing a first look at our new campaign, highlighting how generosity is turning into real, measurable progress throughout Southwest Indiana, plus some important resources for our donors.

January 2026 Spotlight Newsletter

Fri, 23 Jan 2026 14:42:59 GMT

Missed January's Spotlight Newsletter?

If you want to make sure you don't miss another, subscribe to our email list to receive a snapshot of real impact, timely updates, and important news from your local community foundation delivered straight to your inbox.

This month, we welcome you to our new Monthly Spotlight Newsletter, introduce Aimee Stachura, Chief Development Officer, and share what donors should know when giving in 2026 and beyond.

What Donors Should Know About Giving in 2026 and Beyond

Tue, 20 Jan 2026 20:04:02 GMT

Recent changes to federal tax law bring more certainty to long-term planning. That is good news if you are thinking about charitable giving in the years ahead.

The One Big Beautiful Bill Act, signed into law in July 2025, made several tax provisions permanent and introduced new rules that may affect how and when you give. Some changes create new opportunities. Others may require a different approach, depending on your income and strategy.

Understanding the basics can help you plan with confidence and make the most of your generosity.

“What I’m telling clients is that the rules are clearer now, but strategy matters more. The One Big Beautiful Bill gives people the ability to plan ahead, coordinate their giving with their overall financial picture, and be more intentional about how and when they support the causes they care about,” said Jody Giles, Senior Vice President, Director of Wealth Advisory Group, CFP®, German American Bank, and member of the Community Foundation Alliance Board of Directors . “With new thresholds and caps, timing and gift type really count, and the Community Foundation can help donors understand how those details fit into their plans.”

More Stability for Long-Term Planning

Several provisions that were set to expire at the end of 2025 are now permanent. This creates clarity, especially for donors considering larger gifts or legacy plans.

Here is what that means for you:

The estate and gift tax exemption increases to $15 million per person, or $30 million for married couples, beginning in 2026.
The standard deduction rises to $15,750 for single filers and $31,500 for married couples filing jointly.
The top income tax rate remains at 37%.

This stability makes it easier to plan and align your giving with your long-term goals.

New Rules That May Affect How You Give

Starting in 2026, several new provisions take effect. Depending on your situation, these may influence your strategy.

If you do not itemize deductions

You may now deduct charitable gifts up to $1,000 (single filers) or $2,000 (married couples), if the gift goes directly to a public charity like the Community Foundation. This creates a new incentive for many donors who take the standard deduction.

If you are a high-income donor who itemizes

Charitable deductions will be capped at 35% of income for those in the top tax bracket. On larger gifts, this could reduce tax savings. Timing may matter more than ever.

A new minimum giving threshold for itemizers

To claim a deduction, itemizers must now give more than 0.5% of adjusted gross income. If your annual giving falls below that level, combining multiple years of gifts into one year may make sense.

Cash gift deduction limits remain high

The 60% of adjusted gross income (AGI) limit for cash gifts to public charities is now permanent. That is positive, but non-cash gifts may still offer additional tax or planning advantages depending on your goals.

Additional flexibility for donors age 65 and older

If you are 65 or older, you may qualify for a $6,000 deduction whether you itemize or not, subject to income limits. This may free up resources for charitable priorities.

What You Can Do Now

These changes do not affect why you give. They may affect when and how you give.

A few next steps to consider:

If your annual giving will not meet the new deduction threshold, consider combining multiple years of gifts.
If you take the standard deduction, be sure to take advantage of the new charitable deduction starting next year.
Talk with your financial and legal advisors. And talk with us.

We are here to help you think through options, model different scenarios, and work alongside your advisors. Our role is to make charitable giving simpler, more effective, and aligned with what matters most to you.

Apply Today: 2026 Community Scholarships Available for Southwest Indiana Students

Mon, 01 Dec 2025 13:16:29 GMT

The Community Foundation Alliance is proud to announce that applications are now open for its Community Scholarship Program, offering hundreds of opportunities for students across Southwest Indiana and in select areas of Illinois and Kentucky.

These scholarships, made possible by generous local donors, provide financial support for students pursuing college, university, technical programs, or other post-secondary education paths.

“Our scholarships reflect the belief that investing in students is investing in the future of our communities,” said Melinda Waldroup, Chief Program Officer of the Community Foundation Alliance. “We want every eligible student in Southwest Indiana and select areas of Illinois and Kentucky to have access to these opportunities and feel confident applying.”

Scholarship Program Highlights

Wide Range of Awards: Hundreds of scholarships for graduating seniors and high school graduates across Southwest Indiana and select areas of Illinois and Kentucky.
Simple Application Process: Scholarships can be completed through our online Community Scholarships Common Application.
Select special scholarship opportunities can be found on each community’s website.
Deadline: Applications are open today and close on January 19, 2026, at 11:59 p.m.

How to Apply

Visit communityfoundationalliance.org/scholarships.
Review the 2026 Scholarship Guidebook.
Find your community and click through to its website.
Review all available scholarship opportunities and their eligibility criteria for your community.
Complete the 2025–2026 Community Scholarships Common Application.
Receive your automatic matches to scholarships you qualify for.
Submit all required materials, including essays and recommendation letters, by January 19, 2026, at 11:59 p.m.

Start your application early!

All supplemental materials must be submitted by the deadline, so build in plenty of time for each step. Give your references time to complete their recommendations, allow yourself enough time to write thoughtful essays, and request your transcripts early so your Guidance Counselor has time to process them.

If you have any questions or need additional resources, please contact the staff member in your community.

Kentucky & Illinois

Michele Gates, Program Assistant

mgates@communityfoundationalliance.org | 812.429.1191

Daviess County

Laura Hazelman, Regional Director of Community Engagement & Impact

lhazelman@communityfoundationalliance.org | 812.254.9354

Gibson County

Amy Smith, Regional Director of Community Engagement & Impact

asmith@communityfoundationalliance.org | 812.386.8082

Knox County

Laura Hazelman, Regional Director of Community Engagement & Impact

lhazelman@communityfoundationalliance.org | 812.886.0093

Perry County

Emily Alvey, Regional Director of Community Engagement & Impact

ealvey@communityfoundationalliance.org | 812.547.3176

Pike County

Laura Hazelman, Regional Director of Community Engagement & Impact

lhazelman@communityfoundationalliance.org | 812.890.4469

Posey County

Amy Smith, Regional Director of Community Engagement & Impact

asmith@communityfoundationalliance.org | 812.838.0288

Spencer County

Emily Alvey, Regional Director of Community Engagement & Impact

ealvey@communityfoundationalliance.org | 812.649.5724

Vanderburgh County

Alysia Rhinefort, Regional Director of Community Engagement & Impact

arhinefort@communityfoundationalliance.org | 812.422.1245

Warrick County

Alysia Rhinefort, Regional Director of Community Engagement & Impact

arhinefort@communityfoundationalliance.org | 812.897.2030

Where will your generosity lead you?

Tue, 11 Nov 2025 19:00:09 GMT

5 Myths About Estate Planning

Mon, 20 Oct 2025 12:49:10 GMT

Estate planning isn’t just for the wealthy or elderly; it’s for anyone who wants to make sure their wishes are honored, and their loved ones are protected.

Myth 1: Estate planning is only for the wealthy.

Truth: Everyone has assets, your home, retirement, and personal possessions. Estate planning ensures that your wishes for your assets are carried out, providing security and peace of mind for you and your loved ones.

Myth 2: It’s just about money.

Truth: Estate planning also covers healthcare decisions, guardianship, and leaving a legacy for causes that are important to you.

Myth 3: I can do it later.

Truth: Life changes fast. A plan today protects your family and allows you to make decisions while you’re fully in control.

Myth 4: It’s complicated and expensive.

Truth: It can be simple. A modest plan or a gift through a community foundation can make a huge difference.

Myth 5: My will is enough.

Truth: Wills are just one tool. Trusts, beneficiary designations, and charitable plans help you leave a lasting and uncomplicated impact.

Your legacy can make a difference in your community. A small portion of your estate can create a lasting impact through the Community Foundation Alliance.

Opportunities for Entrepreneurs: Comprehensive Report Outlines Strategic Demand, New Market Openings in Southern Indiana Region

Fri, 28 Feb 2025 15:46:32 GMT

A broad spectrum of diverse demand for a wide variety of professionals and professional services exists in southern Indiana, representing an array of actionable growth opportunities and potential market development. These opportunities were recently strategically documented in a comprehensive report funded by the Community Foundation Alliance and the Harrison County Community Foundation.

The planning report, conducted in partnership with the Indiana First READI region, profiles and pinpoints specific growth opportunities for entrepreneurs in several categories, according to Jill Carpenter, President and CEO of the Community Foundation Alliance here.

“Based on direct primary research conducted across multiple counties, the Indiana First Quality of Life Economic Impact Analysis report reveals market potential and entrepreneurial gaps on a county-by-county basis, demonstrating areas of real demand,” said Carpenter. “A careful review of key areas can yield some significant potential market growth for the right companies, professionals, and entrepreneurs.”

The economic development executives in the First Indiana region noted that they intend to mine the report to determine opportunities for scalable market growth and talent attraction. The report offers an analysis of the potential economic impact for addressing and improving defined issues throughout the region.

“This report can be a workbook for professionals looking to expand, relocate, or start up a business in multiple categories,” said Chris Pfaff, CEO of Knox County Indiana Economic Development. “It provides actionable data on what services and capacity presently exist within our counties and region, and what services residents travel outside of the county or region to buy or obtain.”

“Those gaps represent a definable opportunity to be evaluated and captured,” he added. “It can serve as a talent attractor and entrepreneurial opportunity of the first order for our region.”

The information is expected to help the region enhance its state and local investments from the READI program and other private investment opportunities.

“In order to get feedback from each county, key stakeholders were invited to participate in community conversations regarding essential services in their county in addition to a public survey facilitated by consultants,” said Julie Moorman, President and CEO of the Harrison County Community Foundation. “We are appreciative of the input from community stakeholders in helping identify gaps in essential services and sharing their input of quality-of-life amenities in their communities.”

The 191-page report, assembled by TPMA (Thomas P. Miller and Associates), includes significant data analysis and identified specific opportunities to enhance the quality of life in five southern Indiana counties, sketching out gaps that can be filled through initiative planning and growth, infrastructure investments, and elevation of talent opportunities.

Actionable potential engagement highlights for growth range from healthcare and essential services to entertainment and dining, as well as professional and technical services.

"The report confirms what we’ve heard anecdotally for years—many Perry County residents travel outside the county for veterinary services," said Erin Emerson, President and CEO of the Perry County Development Corporation. "Now, by pairing local insight with concrete data, we can make an even stronger case that additional veterinary services could thrive here - this is just one of many opportunities highlighted in the analysis that align with the needs of our community."

The full report, which analyzes needs, assets, and potential advantages of Harrison, Knox, Perry, Pike, and Spencer counties, is available on the Southwest Indiana Development Council website in the Indiana First section: https://swidc.org/indiana-first/

The full report profiles current inventory of essential services and quality of life amenities for each county and includes recommendations for addressing growth needs.

The research and planning report and related activities were funded by the Community Foundation Alliance and the Harrison County Community Foundation. Community Foundations in Pike, Perry, Knox, Spencer and Harrison counties served as partners for the planning and development of the comprehensive report.

About the Community Foundation Alliance

Community Foundation Alliance is comprised of affiliate Community Foundations serving nine counties throughout southwestern Indiana in Daviess, Gibson, Knox, Perry, Pike, Posey, Spencer, Vanderburgh, and Warrick counties. Through the establishment of endowed funds created by caring donors to benefit community causes, the Alliance works to improve the quality of life in affiliate counties by providing annual grants to nonprofit organizations and scholarships to local students. For more information, please visit https://www.communityfoundationalliance.org/

About the Harrison County Community Foundation

Harrison County Community Foundation was founded in 1996 by the Harrison County Commissioners, with an initial donation from Caesars Southern Indiana. HCCF’s mission is to inspire and assist everyone in experiencing philanthropy, producing positive and sustainable growth in Harrison County. To date, HCCF has awarded over $133 million in grants, scholarships, and other support to Harrison County nonprofits, entities, and award recipients. The Foundation serves in a community leadership role to help grow Harrison County into the best place to live, work, and raise a family. For more information, please visit https://hccfindiana.org/

About Indiana First

Representing the Indiana counties of: Harrison, Knox, Pike, Perry, and Spencer, the region was awarded $15 million from the state’s READI program, intended to accelerate projects that will enhance the area’s quality of life, and increase competitiveness for economic growth. For more information, please visit https://swidc.org/indiana-first/

Community Foundation Alliance Recognizes Staff Member Melissa Rudolph Through New Grant Program

Tue, 12 Sep 2023 18:51:04 GMT

The Community Foundation Alliance would like to congratulate staff member Melissa Rudolph on her recent anniversary of employment. Rudolph selected Friends of Woodmere Dog Park to receive a $500 grant through the Generosity at Work Grant Program to recognize her work anniversary with the Alliance.

The recently introduced Generosity at Work Grant Program enables Alliance staff members to contribute to the communities they serve by recommending a $500 grant to the 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization of their preference through the Ronald L. Bauer Regional Fund on their work anniversary.

Rudolph recently celebrated her fourth work anniversary as the Executive Assistant with the Community Foundation Alliance, supporting all nine county affiliates in southwest Indiana. She works closely with the President and CEO ensuring efficiency in all aspects of operations. Rudolph diligently focuses on our mission, which allows for a greater impact within our communities. She is vital to the effectiveness and sustainability of our organization.

As both a dog owner and an advocate for creating pet-friendly spaces in Vanderburgh County, she acknowledges the potential this initiative holds. She believes that this upcoming dog park will serve as a venue for pet owners to foster social connections among their furry companions while ensuring they receive the necessary exercise.

Rudolph's generous contribution to the dog park project will have a significant impact, as it will be matched dollar for dollar through a special matching grant provided by the Indiana Housing and Community Development Authority Campaign. This matching grant opportunity is available until October 27, 2023, online at https://www.patronicity.com/project/friends_of_woodmere_dog_park#!/ .

Woodmere Dog Park is a privately funded and nonprofit organization. The dog park will be centrally located on Evansville’s beautiful State Hospital grounds. The dog park will provide and sustain a premier off-leash dog park in the Southwest Indiana region, to enhance the quality of life and the quality of place in this area. Learn more at woodmeredogpark.org .

These grants are made possible by the Ronald L. Bauer Regional Fund, a community good fund established through his charitable remainder trust to benefit the Community Foundation Alliance’s regional grantmaking.

Community Foundation Alliance Now Accepting Applications for New Gray Farms Presidents Scholarship

Thu, 01 Dec 2022 21:21:48 GMT

The Community Foundation Alliance is excited to announce the opening of a new scholarship opportunity, the Gray Farms Presidents Scholarship. $1,000 scholarships will be awarded to two graduating high school seniors who attend a high school located in one of the following counties in Illinois, Indiana, or Kentucky, have a minimum 3.0 cumulative GPA (4.0 scale), and plan to attend an accredited college or university.

Illinois: Crawford, Edwards, Gallatin, Hamilton, Hardin, Lawrence, Saline, Wabash, White
Indiana: Daviess, Gibson, Knox, Pike, Posey, Spencer, Vanderburgh, Warrick
Kentucky: Butler, Ohio, McLean

Applications for the Gray Farms Presidents Scholarship are now being accepted through the Foundation’s website at communityfoundationalliance.org/scholarships . Additional details regarding eligibility criteria and the scholarship application are also available. The application deadline is February 3, 2022, at 12:00 noon CST.

The Gray Farms Presidents Scholarship is an annual scholarship established to honor the past presidents of the Gray Family business interests. This scholarship was created to encourage and provide financial assistance to high school graduates of schools located in counties where the Gray Family has historically had business.