Officials with the Dubois County Community Foundation say local giving remained steady as the foundation ended 2015 with 2-million 580-thousand dollars in contributions and grants.
The foundation says that number brings the total Foundation assets to $30 million.
This past year the Foundation saw 33 new permanent endowments established by local individuals and businesses to support a range of charitable causes across the county.
Endowments, the primary purpose of community foundations, are forever funds designed to grant income to local charities and community projects.
Foundation CEO Brad Ward says over the past five years, they have raised over $9.3 million to grow endowments and help create a cash flow for local charities and exciting community projects seen across the county.
One of the past year’s highlights included a $500,000 matching grant from Lilly Endowment which launched a campaign to raise unrestricted assets.
The Foundation also witnessed its largest grant recipient to date as the Next Act, Inc. wrapped up its effort to purchase the Astra theatre and create a $300,000 endowment to support future revitalization, upkeep and enhancements to the facility.
While contributions were strong, investment returns dropped.
For the first time in several years, the Foundation’s investments were in the negative, showing a return of (1.3%.) This result was in line with a variety of market benchmarks and reflected the increased volatility of both U.S. and world markets.
County-wide collaboration has continued with a new $100,000 endowment created for the town of Schnellville as well as a grant made for its community playground project.
Also a $25,000 planning grant went to the Town of Ireland to establish the Ireland Vision in honor of Ireland’s bicentennial this year.
