Laying the Foundation: The Founding of Community Foundation DeKalb County
In 1996, a group of dedicated community members came together to build what would become the Community Foundation DeKalb County. What started as a steering committee and interim board is now a $37 million organization supported by generous donors, staff, a Board of Directors, and volunteers who work to strengthen DeKalb County.
Lilly Endowment, Inc. launched the Giving Indiana Funds for Tomorrow (GIFT) initiative to help establish and strengthen community foundations across Indiana. Through GIFT II, Community Foundation DeKalb County could receive $650,000 in matching funds by raising $1,000,000 locally.
Within a month, a steering committee was formed. From there, things moved quickly. Articles of Incorporation were drafted. Grant applications were submitted. By August 1996, the first Board of Directors was in place, laying the groundwork for what would become a lasting community resource.
At the end of 1996, the Community Foundation was beginning to take shape as an organization rather than just an idea. By March 1997, a fuller board of directors was confirmed and individuals were officially elected as officers:
President Robert Kiefer, Vice-President Richard Dircksen, Secretary Fred Brown, Treasurer Donn Starkey, Don Allison, Fran Sechler, Ronald Feller, Jeffrey Turner, J. Daniel Brinkerhoff, Donald Farrington, Richard Mappin, Robert Menzie, Kenneth Arnt, Chatman Christian, and two unfilled seats.
The groundwork was complete, and the next challenge was raising $1 million to receive $650,000 from Lilly Endowment, Inc. To help lead that effort, the Foundation hired its first part-time Executive Director, Wendy Oberlin. She helped guide the Foundation’s early work, including offering a full-ride Lilly Endowment Community Scholarship to a DeKalb County student. As the role grew into a full-time position, two additional scholarships were established: the Warren G. Sunday Memorial Scholarship and the Mary Lois Murphy Grimm Scholarship, both of which are still offered today.
In 1998, the Foundation’s work began to take shape. DeKalb County’s first Lilly Endowment Community Scholar was selected, and the Community Foundation awarded grants to local nonprofits for the first time. By the end of 1998, 49 grants and 4 scholarships had been awarded, with $400,000 raised toward GIFT III. The work to secure GIFT funding continued, as the Foundation focused on expanding its grantmaking, growing awareness, and establishing its presence in DeKalb County.
Thanks to the early efforts of community members who wanted to build something lasting, the Community Foundation DeKalb County is still here today, 30 years later. With a strong level of community support and growing assets, it will continue supporting the community for generations to come.
This story is part of our 30 Years, 30 Stories series, highlighting moments that have shaped the Community Foundation DeKalb County over the past 30 years.
Questions or have a story to share?
To learn more about the Community Foundation DeKalb County, share a memory from these early years, or help us fill in any gaps, please contact Tanya Young at director@cfdekalb.org or (260) 925-0311.
