HCCF Receives $100,000 GIFT VIII Board Engagement Grant

Hamilton County Community Foundation has received a $100,000 grant as part of the eighth phase of Lilly Endowment Inc.’s Giving Indiana Funds for Tomorrow (GIFT VIII) community foundation initiative. This unrestricted grant can be used for any charitable purposes the community foundation chooses.  

As part of this GIFT VIII grant opportunity, each community foundation that achieved 100 percent board member giving during the period from January 1, 2024, through June 30, 2025, was eligible to receive an unrestricted grant of $100,000 per county served. This grant is in recognition of the important role that the community foundation’s board of directors plays both in leading the foundation and serving communities across Hamilton County.  

“This grant is a testament to the deep commitment of our board members, who not only give of their time and expertise but also invest their own resources to ensure Hamilton County thrives,” said Danielle Stiles-Polk, president of Hamilton County Community Foundation. “We are grateful to Lilly Endowment Inc. for recognizing this leadership and for continuing to strengthen community foundations across Indiana.” 

About Hamilton County Community Foundation
Hamilton County Community Foundation (HCCF), established in 1991, is a $100 million public foundation working to mobilize people, ideas and investment to make this a community where every individual has an equitable opportunity to reach their full potential. The foundation aims to build a community where opportunity meets growth for everyone, and philanthropic efforts support nonprofit organizations doing vital work.

About Lilly Endowment Inc.
Lilly Endowment Inc. is an Indianapolis-based private philanthropic 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. The Endowment funds significant programs throughout the United States, especially in the field of religion. However, it maintains a special commitment to its founders’ hometown, Indianapolis, and home state, Indiana.