The Montgomery County Community Foundation awarded $286,841 to local nonprofits on Thursday for its spring grant cycle. The 13 grant recipients encompassed organizations serving community development, historical preservation, early childhood education, adult education, youth and human services.
Grant recipients were welcomed by MCCF chief executive officer Kelly Taylor, and fund owners thanked for their contributions. More than 40 funds managed by the MCCF contributed to this spring’s awards.
The Montgomery County Historical Society was the recipient of the largest grant, totaling $70,000, which it will use to repair the historic two-story porch of the Lane Place.
“We have thousands of people that use our grounds every year, come and do tours, or come for events,” said Historical Society executive director Jill Coates-Matthews. “If you see our columns, they’re getting crushed by water infiltration into the wooden beams, and with the deep freezes we’ve had the last few winters, it’s just expanded [and] contracted … so we’re just really grateful.”
The Boys & Girls Club of Montgomery County and Crawfordsville Main Street were the next largest grant recipients, receiving $47,500 and $40,710, respectively. The Boys & Girls Club will use its funds to support staff training and youth program implementation, while Main Street aims to enhance downtown beautification, economic development, quality-of-life initiatives and community events.
The remaining funds were awarded, by category, to Montgomery County Soil & Water District ($12,660), New Hope Christian Preschool ($12,685), Rainbows & Rhymes Preschool ($25,039), Crawfordsville Adult Resource Academy ($30,247), Firefly Children & Family Alliance ($5,000), Fish Food Pantry ($24,000), Food Finders ($5,000), Kids Closet ($2,500), Recovery Coalition ($3,500) and Through the Gate ($8,000).
“It’s very rewarding for us as a community foundation to be able to support our nonprofits,” Taylor said. “The incredible work that they do in our community helps the county to be a thriving community that’s attractive to people. The grant awards that we give help maintain our historic structures, serve young children in our community, help those in need … so we’re able to touch many lives in a variety of areas.”
She added that these grants are only made possible by donors, who support the more than 250 endowed funds managed by the MCCF.
In 2025, the foundation awarded $1.84 million in grants and scholarships to agencies and students within Montgomery County. The foundation has awarded over $33 million since 1991.
To review grant eligibility guidelines and learn about the application process, visit https://www.mccf-in.org/unrestricted-grant-cycle. Direct questions can be asked to Jenny Campbell, grants and community relations director, at 765-362-1267 or jenny@mccf-in.org.
