“We are pleased to support the organizations that serve Pulaski County, Kaye Beall, board president of CFoPC said. “These grants are making a difference in the quality of life for all residents.”
Leeann Wright, CFoPC executive director, noted, “through our listening sessions the Community Foundation learned that community members want to see more collaboration among nonprofits to address gaps and capitalize on opportunities in our community. The Community Grants program is an excellent way to support our hardworking nonprofits and encourage collaboration through a shared vision of enhancing the quality of life in Pulaski County for all.”
Community Grants are comprised of discretionary 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. The grants xommittee is responsible for thoroughly reviewing each application and determining funding from the Foundation’s discretionary and field of interest funds.
In 2025, the following CFoPC board members served on the grants xommittee: John Sass (Chair), Joey Schlatter and Megan Wegner; non-board volunteer members include: Abby Dickey, Kim Marlatt, Don Street and Jennifer Mellon. The grant xommittee’s work was reviewed and supported by CFoPC’s 2025 board members: Kaye Beall, Christi Beavers, Pam Burger, Kurt Dickey, Brandy Goble, Karen Jones, Jill Kasten, Bill Peppers, Shane Pilarski, Christian Smith, Vicki Overmyer and Peter Zahrt.
Funding for discretionary grants is through the unrestricted Community Funds and 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 supporting the community grants program are:
- Community Grants Endowment Fund
- 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
- Richard W. Thompson Family Fund (Field of Interest)
- Sherald and Verla Bonnell Family Educational Fund (Field of Interest)
- The Birdie Fund (Field of Interest)
- Wildlife Conservation & Education Endowment (Field of Interest)
Grants are reviewed and awarded three times per year. The remaining deadlines for 2025 applications are April 1 and Oct. 1. First-time applicants are strongly encouraged to discuss grant applications with CFoPC staff prior to applying. 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.
The Community Foundation of Pulaski County (CFoPC) is the philanthropic leader serving Pulaski County. Recognizing over two decades of experience, CFoPC builds resources, engages people, and inspires generosity to enrich lives in Pulaski County. CFoPC is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization that serves donors, awards grants, and provides leadership for community engagement. For more information, visit www.cfopc.org.
