However, in retrospect there’s nothing really dirty about it.  A community foundation is, simply put, a vehicle for the community, making county funding possible.  

Dorsa, vice president of Indiana Philanthropy Alliance, told the crowd that she knows “they see the trees, but it’s hard to see the forest.”  

For this reason, Lilly Endowment is conducting this statewide effort to better inform board members about what goes on behind the scenes.Dorsa expressed that she feels board members know the details of the foundation, but have trouble explaining the operations to donors.  

Velo, who admittedly “love[s] community foundations,” helped the attending board members to understand their job within the foundation. From approving practices for staff to carry out, to being a community figure and promoting the foundation, she agrees with Dorsa’s point that board members are earning their role as community leaders.  

After a catered lunch and a lot of coffee, the six-hour day concluded, leaving the board members with a better understanding of their role in the community. 

For more information contact the Community Foundation of Pulaski County at 574-946-0906, visit 127 E. Pearl St. Winamac, or cfopc.org.