The following projects and organizations have received funding in 2024:

Mobile Food Pantry
Food Finders - $3,375

Fire Department Radio
Star City Fire Department - $4,513

West Central BizTown Field Trip
Junior Achievement Serving Pulaski County - $2,800

Accessibility Ramps
Servants at Work, Inc. (SAWs) - $3,361

After-Prom Programming
West Central School Corporation - $1,500

Windows of Opportunities
Uptown Project - $10,000

Lucas CPR Devices
Pulaski County Fire Departments - $52,435

Roof Repair
American Legion - $8,310

Playground Rubber Resurfacing Repairs
KIRP-C - $10,000

Kaye Beall, board president of CFoPC said, “We are pleased to support the organizations that serve Pulaski County. These grants are making a difference in the quality of life for all residents.”

In 2023, CFoPC announced changes to the grant program, switching its grants management platform to a comprehensive “all-in-one” software. The Community Foundation made these changes to make the application process easier for local nonprofits. Restrictions on request amounts were removed, as well as some limitations on operating support.

Leeann Wright, CFoPC executive director, noted, “Since the Foundation’s beginning in 1997, over $2.7 million has been awarded in Community Grants to Pulaski County nonprofits and charitable organizations that serve our county.”

The foundation’s grants committee is responsible for thoroughly reviewing each application and determining funding from the foundation’s discretionary and field of interest funds. In 2024, the following CFoPC board members served on the grants committee: John Sass (chair), Joey Schlatter and Megan Wegner; non-board members include: Abby Dickey, Kim Marlatt, Don Street and Jennifer Mellon. The grant committee’s work was reviewed and supported by CFoPC 2024 board members: Kaye Beall, Pam Burger, Katie DeGroot, Kurt Dickey, Brandy Goble, Karen Jones, Jill Kasten, Bob Klitzman, Bill Peppers, Christian Smith, Vicki Overmyer and Peter Zahrt.

Funding for discretionary grants is through the Community Grants Fund and several Field of Interest Funds held at the foundation. These funds were made possible by the many individuals and businesses that care deeply about Pulaski County. The foundation staff wish to express deepest thanks and gratitude for these forward-thinking donors and to the grants committee members and board for their time and thoughtful efforts in this important program for the community of Pulaski County.

Funds that support the Community Grants program are:

  • Community Grants Endowment Fund
  • Board of Directors Fund
  • Bess A. Russell Endowment
  • Elden and Mary Lee Gutwein Family Fund
  • James A. Ehlers Unrestricted Fund
  • Mary Melvin Frank Community Fund
  • Mellon Patch Community Fund
  • Michael J. Rausch Community Fund
  • Ruff Unrestricted Family Fund
  • #LoveWhereYouLive Fund (CFoPC’s newest endowed fund)

For community members wishing to support the Community Grants program, gifts to any of the above-named funds will be matched $2-to-$1 through December 2025, thanks to a generous grant from the Lilly Endowment Inc.’s GIFT VIII initiative.

For 2025, grants will be reviewed and awarded in the spring and fall. Grant applications are accepted year-round, but deadlines for review in 2025 will be April 1 and Oct. 1. For more information, visit the Community Foundation website at www.cfopc.org/grants, email This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it., or call 574-946-0906.

 

About the Community Foundation of Pulaski County: CFoPC is the philanthropic leader serving Pulaski County, Indiana. Recognizing over two decades of experience, CFoPC builds resources, engages people, and inspires generosity to enrich lives in Pulaski County, IN. CFoPC is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization. For more information, visit www.cfopc.org.

  
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Local News Briefs

Northern Indiana expected to escape worst of downstate winter storm

Updated

(Jan. 5) – Northern Indiana (including Pulaski County) is expected to escape the worst of a winter storm predicted to affect central Indiana Sunday morning into Monday afternoon, reports the National Weather Service, Northern Indiana office.

However, the winter storm may clip areas mainly along and south of US 24 where there is a chance for light snow Sunday night.

Yakym district staff to hold mobile office hours locally Jan. 14

WASHINGTON, D.C. – Congressman Rudy Yakym (IN-02) has announced that his staff will hold mobile office hours in Pulaski County Jan. 14, in Winamac.

Yakym’s mobile office will visit throughout Indiana's Second District in January to assist constituents with casework questions.

Holcomb directs flags to be lowered in tribute to President Carter

INDIANAPOLIS - Gov. Eric Holcomb is directing flags to be flown at half-staff across Indiana in honor and tribute to the memory of President James Earl Carter, Jr.

Carter, the 39th president of the U.S. passed away Sunday (Dec. 29), at age 100, in his hometown of Plains, Ga. He served in the White House from 1977 to 1981.

PCPL announces January programs

The Pulaski County Public Library has listed its programs and activities for January. Events include Kids’ Winter Bingo, a Polar Bear story time, a Dragonfly Diamond Art Plant Stick craft, and a Winter Foods from the Wild children’s program.

For more information on any program, call the library at 574-946-3432 or visit the library’s website at www.pulaskicounty.lib.in.us.

NIPFP Farm Toy Show Jan. 19

The annual Farm Toy Show will run from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m., Sunday, Jan. 19, at Eastern Pulaski Elementary School (Entrance 6), in Winamac.

The event, sponsored by the Northern Indiana Power From the Past, Inc., usually attracts over 2,000 visitors from near and far. Admission is $1; children ages 12 and under will be admitted free. Lunch (including homemade pie for dessert) and concessions will be available.

Tax planning for farm families program Jan. 29

Looking for strategies to reduce your tax burden? Thinking about what you can deduct, capitalize or depreciate? What about all that land, equipment, equity - even your own retirement?

Tax planning for farmers is important, but it’s also complicated. That’s why the Keller Advisory Group, Inc. and the Community Foundation of Pulaski County have partnered for an event to offer professional advice.

  

Indiana News

2025 Indiana State Fair Queen from Marion County

INDIANAPOLIS - Miss Indiana State Fair 2025 is Pilar Bravo of Marion County. She was crowned Sunday (Jan. 5) afternoon at the state pageant at the state fairgrounds in Indianapolis.

First runner-up is Miss Kosciusko County Jordyn Leininger. Second runner-up is Sophia Sullivan of Ripley County. Third runner-up is  Rebecca Brewer of Elkhart County. Fourth runner-up is Kelby Roberts of Rush County. Miss Congeniality is Maggie Taylor of Cass County.

NWS: 2024 warmest year ever, 7th least snow amount on record for northern Indiana

(Jan. 1) - In its annual climate report, the National Weather Service, northern Indiana office, reports that 2024 was the warmest year ever for the South Bend area of the state, with the least amount of snow on record.

Nearly the same was true for the Fort Wayne region of northern Indiana, also the warmest year recorded with the sixth least amount of snow.

Pulaski County unemployment rate up at 3.9% in November

Pulaski County's unemployment rate rose to 3.9 percent in November, up from 3.5 percent in October, the Indiana Department of Workforce Development reported Monday, (Dec. 23). The rate was 2.7 percent a year ago.

The state's November unemployment rate was 4.4 percent (seasonally adjusted), the same as October. The November 2023 rate was 3.5 percent. The U.S. unemployment rate was 4.2 percent in November (seasonally adjusted), the same as September. A year ago, the national rate was 3.7 percent. 

OCRA announces 20 communities to receive more than $3.6 million in federal grants

INDIANAPOLIS (Dec. 19) – Pulaski County and Kewanna are among 20 Indiana communities which will receive a portion of more than $3.6 million in Owner-Occupied Rehabilitation Grants and Planning Grants through the Community Development Block Grant program.

The announcement was made Thursday by  Lt. Gov. Suzanne Crouch and the Indiana Office of Community and Rural Affairs (OCRA).

Indiana COVID-19 News

Respiratory illness activity levels rise in Indiana, nationwide

INDIANAPOLIS - The Indiana Department of Health reported Jan. 2 that COVID-like illness emergency department visits numbered 529 statewide from Dec. 20-26, up 46 from its previous weekly report.

There were no state COVID-19 hospital admissions (Dec. 24-30) unchanged from the week before. The state reported two COVID deaths in the seven-day period (reflects confirmed COVID deaths reported to IDH).

  

Post News

CFoPC awards $96,300 to community organizations in 2024

The Community Foundation of Pulaski County (CFoPC) has announced just under $96,300 was awarded in grants to local nonprofits and community organizations in 2024.

Community Grants are composed of unrestricted dollars – funds that are awarded at the discretion of the CFoPC Board, via the grants committee, to ensure that Pulaski County continues to be a place to thrive and grow today and tomorrow.

Life-saving Narcan now available in Francesville

FRANCESVILLE - In a proactive effort to address the opioid crisis, the Pulaski County Drug-Free Council has partnered with the Town of Francesville and the Pulaski County Health Department to offer free Narcan (naloxone) kits to community members.

The outdoor Narcan box is located on the west side of the Francesville Fire Department, in the alley between the fire department and Rod’s Pizzeria.

The Gift of Public Transportation

By: Ashley Bice, AVP/Marketing Director

Most people don’t have to think twice about jumping in their vehicles and driving to the places they need to go - work, school, shopping and appointments.

Imagine what it would be like having that taken away from you. Your eyesight starts failing. You are laid off and cannot afford gas. Your car breaks down and it’s a few weeks before you can get it repaired.

West Central School Board receives updates on swimming pool renovation

FRANCESVILLE – The West Central School Board heard an update on the school’s swimming pool renovation at its Dec. 5 meeting.

Superintendent Dr. Cathy Rowe outlined the various aspects of the project and reported the total cost when completed will approach nearly $350,000.

NIPSCO announces Public Safety Education and Training Action grant recipients

Pulaski County EMS receives grant

MERRILLVILLE - Northern Indiana Public Service Company LLC (NIPSCO) has announced that 16 organizations across northern Indiana will be able to further their public safety initiatives as a result of support from the 2024 NIPSCO Public Safety Education and Training Action Grant program.

Among the grant recipients is Pulaski County EMS which will receive funds for emergency medical responder education.