Celebrate Community Fund

In 2000, the Celebrate Diversity Project (CDP) began as part of a Lilly Endowment initiative. Lilly invited community foundations across Indiana to submit proposals aimed at promoting education within their counties. The Community Foundation of Noble County (CFNC) partnered with 40 community leaders to develop strategies for advancing education in Noble County. They identified cultural awareness as a critical area of focus. Recognizing the need to learn from and celebrate the differences between ethnic groups rather than fearing them, the leaders also sought to address the language barriers faced by many area organizations.

With this vision, CFNC formulated a comprehensive plan, which secured an initial $2.7 million CAPE (Community Alliance to Promote Education) grant from Lilly. At the end of the initiative’s fifth year, CDP received an additional $800,000 from Lilly to continue the CAPE initiative in Noble County.

To ensure the longevity of the project, CFNC established a $500,000 endowment to sustain its efforts beyond the initial Lilly funding. The remaining funds were distributed as grants to nonprofits and educators, facilitating various educational and cultural initiatives. These grants enabled organizations to translate pamphlets, documents, applications, and brochures into multiple languages, thereby improving accessibility and inclusivity.

The grants also benefited schools in Noble County. Teachers utilized the funds to purchase culturally enriching materials, such as books and artifacts, and to invite performers who could teach students about diverse cultures. An internship program was established, allowing high school students to work as bilingual interns for local organizations, assisting with language barriers. Additionally, three schools implemented early intervention programs for preschool and pre-kindergarten students.

In 2015, the endowment was renamed the Celebrate Community Fund, reflecting its broader mission. Through these initiatives, the Celebrate Diversity Project has significantly contributed to building a more inclusive and culturally aware community, bringing people together and promoting education in Noble County.