**Press Release: Community Foundation of Noble County Announces Grants Awarded from Community Impact Fund and Celebrate Community Fund**

Noble County, January 2024 — The Community Foundation of Noble County is delighted to announce the recipients of grants awarded from the Community Impact Fund and the Celebrate Community Fund, totaling $34,911.80. These grants support innovative projects and programs that address critical community needs and enrich the lives of residents in Noble County.

The following organizations have been selected to receive grants:

1. Community Action of Northeast Indiana dba Brightpoint

– Project: Supporting the overall operations of the Covering Kids and Families program at Brightpoint, removing barriers to public health insurance enrollment and providing health literacy support.

– Grant Award: $5,000

2. Women’s Care Center Northeast Indiana

– Project: Offering professional pro-life services for vulnerable families in Noble County, providing counseling, education, and ongoing support for expecting mothers.

– Grant Award: $6,000

3. Fort Wayne Philharmonic Orchestra

– Project: Supporting the 2023-24 Fort Wayne Philharmonic’s Ensembles in Schools program, the Stories in Music series, and institutional ensembles in Noble County.

– Grant Award: $2,500

4. Cancer Services of Northeast Indiana

– Project: Supporting the Client Advocate Program for Noble County, increasing access to healthcare, improving financial stability, and providing mental health support for those impacted by cancer.

– Grant Award: $5,000

5. Junior Achievement of Northern Indiana

– Project: Supporting programming in 60 K-5 elementary schools across Noble County, providing students with essential life skills and a positive impact on the community.

– Grant Award: $3,500

6. SCAN, Inc.

– Project: Replacing technology for children’s forensic interviewing in Noble County, acquiring a new forensic interviewing system, and upgrading aging technology.

– Grant Award: $3,399.80

7. South Side Elementary

– Project: Supporting Scotland Culture Week at South Side Elementary.

– Grant Award: $912

8. Rome City Elementary School

– Project: Supporting the German Culture Study at Rome City Elementary School.

– Grant Award: $2,100

9. McMillen Health

– Project: Assisting with 2024 Preventive Health Education for Noble County Youth, teaching various topics like mental health, physical education, and more.

– Grant Award: $4,000

10. Community Harvest Food Bank of Northeast Indiana, Inc.

– Project: Assisting with offsetting costs associated with the Farm Wagon mobile pantry in Noble County, distributing food to families in need.

– Grant Award: $2,500

 

The grants were awarded through a competitive process, with full consideration given to each proposal. The Community Foundation of Noble County prioritizes projects addressing Childcare, Senior Issues, Economic Development, and Education. Grant applications for the Community Impact Fund are accepted on March 2, July 2, and November 2, with awards announced 60 days after each deadline.

The Celebrate Community Fund, established to promote cultural diversity, has been instrumental in supporting programs that educate and celebrate different ethnic races. Examples of past grants include school-wide studies of Italian, French, or Mexican cultures, translation of brochures, and cultural community programs.

The Community Foundation of Noble County extends its congratulations to the grant recipients and expresses gratitude to all applicants for their dedication to enhancing the well-being of Noble County residents. For more information on future grant opportunities and the foundation’s initiatives, please visit www.cfnoble.org/grant.

Contact Program Director, Jazmin Herrera at Jazmin@cfnoble.org or 260.894.3335

 

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Date January 8

Jazmin Herrera, MNA of the Community Foundation of Noble County, has been selected as a member of the 2024 class of the Mutz Philanthropic Leadership Institute. Launched by Indiana Philanthropy Alliance in 2021, the Mutz Institute provides a leadership training experience to skill-up professionals serving in board and executive roles at foundations, corporations, and social impact organizations across Indiana.

Herrera successfully completed a competitive application process to gain one of 22 spots in this year’s class.

She is making waves in the realm of philanthropy and community development. Currently, she adeptly manages grant requests, orchestrates impactful nonprofit workshops, and serves as the dynamic leader of the youth philanthropy group, P.U.L.S.E. of Noble County.

In her pivotal role, Herrera is responsible for overseeing grantmaking activities with an unwavering commitment to maintaining rigorous standards and evaluating proposals that align with the foundation’s mission. Her visionary approach catalyzes community development, fostering collaboration between nonprofit organizations and donors for sustainable impact.

Herrera holds a Bachelor’s degree in Sociology from Saint Mary’s College and a Master’s in Nonprofit Administration from the prestigious University of Notre Dame’s Mendoza College of Business. This unique blend of academic expertise and practical experience positions her as a driving force in the pursuit of community betterment.

Margarita White, Executive Director at the Community Foundation, underscores the foundation’s mission, stating, “Jazmin’s leadership has been instrumental in driving our mission forward as a catalyst for positive change. Her passion for community betterment and her ability to forge meaningful partnerships have significantly enhanced our impact in Noble County.”

“It is imperative that Indiana cultivates a generation of sharp leaders ready to forge significant advancements in critical sectors such as education and economic development,” said IPA President and CEO Claudia Cummings. “Through this program, we celebrate the visionary legacy of John Mutz and his foundational role in establishing IPA, all while fostering a dynamic and diverse cohort of philanthropic pioneers for the future.”

The Mutz Institute is named for former Indiana Lieutenant Governor, past Lilly Endowment Inc. president, IPA founder, corporate CEO and Indiana visionary John M. Mutz.

“We want to imbue the individuals who graduate from our program with a lot of knowledge and wisdom,” shared John Mutz. “But more importantly, what we want to do is build a fire under philanthropy, and under government, and under business in this state so we can be better than we are.”

Go here for a full listing of those accepted into the class of 2024 Mutz Philanthropic Leadership Institute: https://www.inphilanthropy.org/MutzInstitute

About John M. Mutz

Born in Indianapolis, John M. Mutz is a graduate of Northwestern University, where he earned both a bachelor’s degree and master’s degree in advertising and business management. He had a long career in business, including managing a chain of restaurants and serving as president of PSI Energy (now Duke Energy). Elected to the Indiana House of Representatives in 1967 and to the state Senate in 1970, he was instrumental in introducing the set of legislative reforms that came to be known as Unigov, the creation of IUPUI and the White River Park Commission, among others. From 1980-1988, he served as the 45th Lieutenant Governor, serving under Governor Robert D. Orr. Mutz later served as president of Lilly Endowment Inc. and chairman of the Lumina Foundation board of directors.

About Indiana Philanthropy Alliance

IPA is the largest association supporting effective philanthropy in Indiana and includes foundations, corporations and other social investors. Philanthropy in Indiana invests over $2 billion each year in support of causes that fuel success, like education, health, human services, arts and culture. Learn more at www.inphilanthropy.org.

The Mutz Institute is a program of the IPA. Classes begin in January and meet once a month until October. For more information, visit www.inphilanthropy.org/MutzInstitute

P.U.L.S.E of Noble County, a dynamic youth philanthropic initiative under the umbrella of the Community Foundation of Noble County, is thrilled to announce the Hubie Ashcraft Concert, scheduled to take place at Sylvan Cellars on March 2, 2024, starting at 6:30 pm.

Join us for an unforgettable night filled with live music, delectable food, an exciting auction, a cash bar, and dancing, all aimed at raising funds for our endowment. This event is a unique opportunity to support P.U.L.S.E.’s mission of broadening Noble County’s horizons of education and service through philanthropy.

Event Details:
Date: March 2, 2024
Time: 6:30 pm
Location: Sylvan Cellars

Tickets for this exclusive event are available at https://www.eventbrite.com/e/pulse-of-noble-county-fundraiser-hubie-ashcraft-live-tickets-769016116907?aff=ebdsoporgprofile

P.U.L.S.E. envisions a thriving Noble County where youth-driven philanthropy serves as the catalyst for positive change. Guided by compassion and continuous learning, our mission is to create a lasting legacy that shapes a brighter, more compassionate future for all of Noble County.

About P.U.L.S.E. of Noble County:
P.U.L.S.E. of Noble County comprises 22 students from diverse educational backgrounds spanning grades 8 through 12. Actively engaged in awarding grants to nonprofit organizations and schools in the county, P.U.L.S.E. also organizes year-round service projects, all led and coordinated by the dedicated teens involved.
The primary goal of this fundraiser is to generate funds for our endowment. By attending, you contribute to the long-term sustainability of our initiatives, ensuring a lasting impact on the community.
Don’t miss this opportunity to enjoy great music, bid on fantastic items at our silent auction curated by P.U.L.S.E. students, and be a part of building a brighter future for Noble County.

For more information, please contact:
Jazmin Herrera, MNA
Program Director & PULSE Navigator
260-894-3335 or Jazmin@cfnoble.org

The Community Foundation of Noble County is pleased to announce the recipient of the 2024 Lilly Endowment Community Scholarship for Noble County – Elizabeth Dreibelbis of Churubusco Jr/Sr High School. Lilly Endowment Community Scholars are known for their community involvement, academic achievement, character, and leadership.

Dreibelbis intends to study English Education at Ball State University in the fall 2024. Some of her activities in high school include Noble County 4-H Fair Grounds Clean up, Park Clean-up with multiple school groups, Animal Shelter and Supply Drive with Student Council, Food Pantry Volunteer at Community Harvest, 4-H Food Stands at Noble and Whitley County Fairs, Musical Tutoring, altering costumes for Churubusco Show Choir and West Noble Theater 33, child watching at Sugar Grove Church of God, Landscaping at Sugar Grove Church of God, sewing projects donated to organizations, New Era Orchestra (co-captain, captain and section leader), golf, Thespian Troupe #971, Student Council (secretary), National Honor Society, Spanish Club (president), Pep Band, Jefferson Township 4-H (secretary), and Noble Couty Junior Leaders. Dreibelbis is the daughter of Amy and Brent Dreibelbis.

“The Community Foundation is honored to be a part of the Lilly Endowment Community Scholarship Program. The excitement within our community is felt as we wish the best to Libby and those interviewed for the scholarship. This scholarship not only opens doors to higher education but also symbolizes the unwavering commitment to nurturing future leaders and change-makers. May the recipient embrace this opportunity with zeal, knowing that their potential is boundless, and the community stands united in celebrating her remarkable journey ahead.”

Each Lilly Endowment Community Scholarship provides for full tuition, required fees and a special allocation of up to $900 per year for required books and required equipment for four years. The scholarship is for full-time undergraduate students leading to a baccalaureate degree at any eligible Indiana public or private nonprofit college or university. Lilly Endowment Community Scholars may also participate in the Lilly Scholars Network (LSN), which connects both current scholars and alumni with resources and opportunities to be active leaders on their campuses and in their communities. Both the scholarship program and LSN are supported by grants from Lilly Endowment to Independent Colleges of Indiana (ICI) and Indiana Humanities.

In determining Noble County’s Lilly Endowment Community Scholar, consideration was given to well-rounded seniors through their academics, community service, volunteerism, extracurricular activities, work experience, and leadership roles. This year’s 43 applicants provided recommendation letters from two references and submitted three essays, which were evaluated by the community foundation scholarship committee of six Noble County citizens, who interviewed the top 10 finalists.

After the field of applicants was narrowed down, nominees were submitted to the statewide administrator of the Lilly Endowment Community Scholarship Program, ICI, for the selection of scholarship recipients.

Those finalists will receive a $1,000 scholarship from the Community Foundation of Noble County. Those students are:
Benjamin Barker – East Noble High School
Keith Knafel – Central Noble Jr./Sr. High School
Madison Lehman – Churubusco High School
Lauren Munson – East Noble High School
Warner Ott – Churubusco High School
Erin Pippenger – East Noble High School
Sadie Potts – East Noble High School
Sydnee Przemielewski – Churubusco High School
Alyssa Speicher – East Noble High School

Lilly Endowment created the Lilly Endowment Community Scholarship Program for the 1998-99 school year and has supported the program every year since with grants totaling in excess of $505 million. More than 5,200 Indiana students have received the Lilly Endowment Community Scholarship since the program’s inception.

The primary purposes of the Lilly Endowment Community Scholarship Program are: 1) to help raise the level of educational attainment in Indiana; 2) to increase awareness of the beneficial roles Indiana community foundations can play in their communities; and 3) to encourage and support the efforts of current and past Lilly Endowment Community Scholars to engage with each other and with Indiana business, governmental, educational, nonprofit and civic leaders to improve the quality of life in Indiana generally and in local communities throughout the state.

Lilly Endowment Inc. is an Indianapolis-based private foundation created in 1937 by J.K. Lilly Sr. and his sons Eli and J.K. Jr. through gifts of stock in their pharmaceutical business, Eli Lilly and Company. Although the gifts of stock remain a financial bedrock of the Endowment, it is a separate entity from the company, with a distinct governing board, staff and location. In keeping with the founders’ wishes, the Endowment supports the causes of community development, education and religion. Although the Endowment funds programs throughout the United States, especially in the field of religion, it maintains a special commitment to its founders’ hometown, Indianapolis, and home state, Indiana.
Since 1997, Independent Colleges of Indiana has administered the Lilly Endowment Community Scholarship Program statewide with funding provided by Lilly Endowment. Founded in 1948, ICI serves as the collective voice for the state’s 29 private, nonprofit colleges and universities. ICI institutions employ over 22,000 Hoosiers and generate a total local economic impact of over $5 billion annually. Students at ICI colleges have Indiana’s highest four-year, on-time graduation rates, and ICI institutions produce 30 percent of Indiana’s bachelor’s degrees while enrolling 20 percent of its undergraduates.

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