Spencer County

Community Foundation


The Community Foundation is a charitable resource devoted to our local community. We help people make meaningful gifts that improve life in Spencer County, Indiana today and for generations to come.


The Community Foundation can help you...

Map Integration
/*DAVIESS*/ /*KNOX*/ /*PERRY*/ /*SPENCER*/ SPENCER /*VANDER*/ /*PIKE*/ /*GIBSON*/ /*POSEY*/ /*WARRICK*/

Greater Good Together

The Spencer County Community Foundation is an affiliate of the Community Foundation Alliance, a network of nine community foundations serving counties in southwestern Indiana. The Alliance provides management and administrative expertise to county-wide community foundations, empowering each to promote philanthropy, build endowment and improve wellbeing in our local communities. Learn more!

Make a Difference Where it Matters

The Community Foundation exists to help caring people like you give back to the causes and community you care about most. We make giving easy and effective. You can give cash, stocks, property, bequests and other assets. You may establish a charitable fund in your name or in the name of a loved one. You can focus your gift on the causes that move you: enrich education, safeguard health, improve neighborhoods, cultivate arts, protect environment, strengthen families.

Invest in the Future of the Community You Love

You can make a gift that lasts forever and establishes your legacy of giving. The Community Foundation offers the power of endowment, where a portion of your fund is invested so that it can grow over time. Earnings from this investment are used to make grants that benefit this community forever. Your gift creates a lasting stream of funding available for community good.

Create Greater Good Together

Powered by generous donors, local leaders, and steadfast partners, the Community Foundation builds on the collective strength of this county to make life better here. We multiply the impact of each individual gift by investing them together for maximum return and impact. We invite everyone to join us in building a strong community.

Make a Difference Where it Matters

The Community Foundation exists to help caring people like you give back to the causes and community you care about most. We make giving easy and effective. You can give cash, stocks, property, bequests and other assets. You may establish a charitable fund in your name or in the name of a loved one. You can focus your gift on the causes that move you: enrich education, safeguard health, improve neighborhoods, cultivate arts, protect environment, strengthen families.

Invest in the Future of the Community You Love

You can make a gift that lasts forever and establishes your legacy of giving. The Community Foundation offers the power of endowment, where a portion of your fund is invested so that it can grow over time. Earnings from this investment are used to make grants that benefit this community forever. Your gift creates a lasting stream of funding available for community good.

Create Greater Good Together

Powered by generous donors, local leaders, and steadfast partners, the Community Foundation builds on the collective strength of this county to make life better here. We multiply the impact of each individual gift by investing them together for maximum return and impact. We invite everyone to join us in building a strong community.

By the Numbers

Financially audited and compiled data from our most recent fiscal year.

For a full report, review our FY21 At A Glance.

Grants

$299K

Total grants awarded to nonprofits through our annual grant cycles and distribution

Scholarships

$110K

Total scholarships awarded to students through our annual scholarship programs

Gifts

$363K

Total gifts received from caring donors to support the causes and community they care about most

Assets

$12.3M

Total assets providing a sustainable charitable resource for our community

By the Numbers

Financially audited and compiled data from our most recent fiscal year.

For a full report, review our FY22 At A Glance.

Grants

$299K

Total grants awarded to nonprofits through our annual grant cycles and distribution

Scholarships

$110K

Total scholarships awarded to students through our annual scholarship programs

Gifts

$363K

Total gifts received from caring donors to support the causes and community they care about most

Assets

$12.3M

Total assets providing a sustainable charitable resource for our community

09 Feb, 2024
The Community Foundation Alliance would like to congratulate staff member, Emily Alvey, on her recent employment anniversary. Alvey recently celebrated her fifth work anniversary as the Regional Director of Community Engagement and Impact for Perry and Spencer counties, part of the nine-county regional footprint of the Alliance. In her role, Alvey identifies and helps address the needs of the community by working with community leaders and with grants and scholarships committees. Alvey also serves on various nonprofit boards to further her passion for helping her community. The recently introduced Generosity at Work Grant Program enables Alliance staff members to contribute to the communities they serve by recommending a $500 grant to the 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization of their preference through the Ronald L. Bauer Regional Fund on their work anniversary. Alvey selected Isaiah 117 House Spencer/Perry to receive a $500 general support grant through the Generosity at Work Grant Program. “I am passionate about the work of this organization,” explains Alvey. “I've been fortunate to observe the emergence of this organization within our community—starting with raising community awareness, progressing to breaking ground, and now gearing up to open its doors.” The Isaiah 117 House for Spencer and Perry counties is currently under construction in Chrisney, Indiana. The purpose of Isaiah 117 is to provide a space that allows children who have been removed from their homes to receive the comfort and care they need while child welfare staff do the necessary work to identify a safe placement for the child. Learn more at https://isaiah117house.com/ . “This holds significant meaning for our community. Every child deserves a secure space with kind and caring people, fresh clothes, smiles, toys, and comforting blankets. It brings me joy to know that this will occur right within our community!” The Generosity At Work Program grants are made possible by the Ronald L. Bauer Regional Fund, a Community Good fund established through a charitable remainder trust to benefit the Community Foundation Alliance’s regional grantmaking.
By Emily Alvey 08 Jan, 2024
The Susan Grundhoefer Memorial Fund, held by the Spencer County Community Foundation, recently awarded a $700 grant to Nancy Hanks Elementary School to update literature and posters in the school building to reflect student diversity. The fund was established in memory of Susan Grundhoefer by husband, Bernie Grundhoefer, and children: Amber Wetzel, Tara Thacker, Denise Scott, and Seth Grundhoefer. “We are extremely grateful for the Susan Grundhoefer Memorial Fund. This year, this memorial will be helping Nancy Hanks create a more inclusive environment for all students. Our goal is to add more visuals and reading materials that represent students with different races, ethnicities, and disabilities. We believe that creating an environment for all students to feel welcome and included is important. We look forward to growing in this area for our students and community.” said Mrs. Jody Schmitt, Nancy Hanks Elementary Principal.  Since 2015, the Susan Grundhoefer Memorial Fund has granted over $18,000 to organizations serving Spencer County.
19 Dec, 2023
The Spencer County Community Foundation recently announced Community Good Grants totaling $220,717.86 to twenty-seven organizations serving Spencer County. This year’s grant recipients are as follows: · American Red Cross Southwest Indiana Chapter was awarded $10,000 to support the collection of life-saving blood that will supply medical facilities serving Spencer County residents. · Association for a Better Rockport was awarded $5,060 to host the 2024 Summer Concert Series and the Solar Eclipse event and for the purchase of supplies for the events. · Big Brothers Big Sisters of Southwestern Indiana was awarded $5,000 to grow the number of youth served in Spencer County by recruiting more mentors and expanding to new site-based locations. · Boys and Girls Club of Evansville was awarded $9,500 to offer the Triple Play program at Rockport Elementary School. · Bread of Life Ministry Inc. was awarded $2,100 to cover the cost of freight for donated food and to purchase food items at discounted prices to distribute to low-income families in the Tri-State area. · Buffalo Trace Council-Boy Scouts of America was awarded $9,000 to Institute Scoutreach in the South Spencer School Corporation serving kindergarten - 5th grade students. · Chemo Buddies was awarded $4,528 to provide comfort kits to Spencer County cancer patients. · Chrisney Baptist Church was awarded $8,000 to provide food for students in need at Chrisney Elementary School every weekend for the school year. · Christian Resource Center was awarded $10,000 to purchase food for the Food Pantry. · Crisis Connection, Inc. was awarded $4,430 to provide advocacy support to victims of domestic and sexual violence in Spencer County. · Dale Presbyterian Church was awarded $9,803.86 to replace two convection ovens used for weekly Community Table meals. · Epsilon Psi Chapter of Kappa Kappa Kappa was awarded $2,000 to support the Anabel Wood Plein Air Paint Out event. · For Evansville was awarded $9,500 to provide a platform that enables agencies to work together towards a comprehensive pathway to success for those navigating crises. · Friends of Lincoln State Park, Inc. was awarded $7,500 to provide entertainment for those expected to converge in Spencer County for the solar eclipse. · Heritage Hills PATS was awarded $13,000 to provide a Heritage Hills shirt to each student in grades 7 th – 12 th to foster a sense of community and belonging. · Lincoln Hills Development Corporation was awarded $2,500 to provide free health insurance enrollment assistance to prevent coverage loss and increase access to healthcare in Spencer County. · Luce Elementary School was awarded $6,065 to expand the Farm to School Program by purchasing raised beds, hydroponics, and greenhouse supplies. · Maria Hill Foundation was awarded $9,805 to build a 20-space, ADA-compliant parking lot at the Mariah Hill Community Building. · North Spencer Archery Club was awarded $10,187 to purchase additional archery equipment. · North Spencer County School Corporation was awarded $14,000 to support Spencer County Tobacco Prevention/Cessation Program and VOICE Youth Leadership Team in providing prevention, cessation, and educational activities and programs for youth, adults, organizations, health care providers, and employers within Spencer County. · Santa’s Elves and Santa Claus Museum was awarded $500 to purchase letters with a Christmas message to be sent in response to children's letters to Santa and letters on which children may write to Santa. · Spencer County 4-H Association Inc. was awarded $29,500 to install the plumbing and HVAC for the new restroom facility at the 4-H Center. · Stir-N-Up Hope was awarded $7,000 to purchase two new program horses that support ability-inclusive horsemanship. · The Way of Rockport Indiana, Inc. was awarded $3,340 to purchase items for The Way Home, such as cleaning and laundry supplies, food, and educational materials for the 12-Step Celebrate Recovery Support Group. · Town of Grandview was awarded $3,899 to replace flagpoles at the Spencer County Veterans Memorial. · Town of Richland was awarded $19,500 for a pickleball court that will provide a recreational opportunity to meet the needs of residents and visitors. · Young Women LEAD was awarded $5,000 to provide a leadership event for area high school girls focused on leadership, education, and personal development. These grants were made possible by generous donors who created community good or field of interest funds with the Spencer County Community Foundation. · Cevin and Debra Collins Family Fund · Cleveland-Cliffs Fund · Friends of Spencer County Fund · German American Bancorp Community Fund-Spencer · Goldman Family Fund · John Paul and Mary Catherine Luecke Fund · Kathleen Mary (Kathy) Kohm Memorial Fund · Leibering Family Fund · Mark and Susan Waterman Community Fund · Mike and Mabel Mason Ryan Unrestricted Fund · Mulzer Family Fund · Randall L. Haaff Unrestricted Fund for the Benefit of Spencer County · Ruby L Winkler Family Fund · TCB Bank/ Fifth Third Bank Spencer County Fund · Thermwood Fund · Todd and Angie Ruxer Family Fund · Trustee Community Fund For more information about establishing a fund, please contact Rachael Goldsberry, Regional Director of Development at 812.649.5724 or rgoldsberry@communityfoundationalliance.org.

Recent News

09 Feb, 2024
The Community Foundation Alliance would like to congratulate staff member, Emily Alvey, on her recent employment anniversary. Alvey recently celebrated her fifth work anniversary as the Regional Director of Community Engagement and Impact for Perry and Spencer counties, part of the nine-county regional footprint of the Alliance. In her role, Alvey identifies and helps address the needs of the community by working with community leaders and with grants and scholarships committees. Alvey also serves on various nonprofit boards to further her passion for helping her community. The recently introduced Generosity at Work Grant Program enables Alliance staff members to contribute to the communities they serve by recommending a $500 grant to the 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization of their preference through the Ronald L. Bauer Regional Fund on their work anniversary. Alvey selected Isaiah 117 House Spencer/Perry to receive a $500 general support grant through the Generosity at Work Grant Program. “I am passionate about the work of this organization,” explains Alvey. “I've been fortunate to observe the emergence of this organization within our community—starting with raising community awareness, progressing to breaking ground, and now gearing up to open its doors.” The Isaiah 117 House for Spencer and Perry counties is currently under construction in Chrisney, Indiana. The purpose of Isaiah 117 is to provide a space that allows children who have been removed from their homes to receive the comfort and care they need while child welfare staff do the necessary work to identify a safe placement for the child. Learn more at https://isaiah117house.com/ . “This holds significant meaning for our community. Every child deserves a secure space with kind and caring people, fresh clothes, smiles, toys, and comforting blankets. It brings me joy to know that this will occur right within our community!” The Generosity At Work Program grants are made possible by the Ronald L. Bauer Regional Fund, a Community Good fund established through a charitable remainder trust to benefit the Community Foundation Alliance’s regional grantmaking.
By Emily Alvey 08 Jan, 2024
The Susan Grundhoefer Memorial Fund, held by the Spencer County Community Foundation, recently awarded a $700 grant to Nancy Hanks Elementary School to update literature and posters in the school building to reflect student diversity. The fund was established in memory of Susan Grundhoefer by husband, Bernie Grundhoefer, and children: Amber Wetzel, Tara Thacker, Denise Scott, and Seth Grundhoefer. “We are extremely grateful for the Susan Grundhoefer Memorial Fund. This year, this memorial will be helping Nancy Hanks create a more inclusive environment for all students. Our goal is to add more visuals and reading materials that represent students with different races, ethnicities, and disabilities. We believe that creating an environment for all students to feel welcome and included is important. We look forward to growing in this area for our students and community.” said Mrs. Jody Schmitt, Nancy Hanks Elementary Principal.  Since 2015, the Susan Grundhoefer Memorial Fund has granted over $18,000 to organizations serving Spencer County.
19 Dec, 2023
The Spencer County Community Foundation recently announced Community Good Grants totaling $220,717.86 to twenty-seven organizations serving Spencer County. This year’s grant recipients are as follows: · American Red Cross Southwest Indiana Chapter was awarded $10,000 to support the collection of life-saving blood that will supply medical facilities serving Spencer County residents. · Association for a Better Rockport was awarded $5,060 to host the 2024 Summer Concert Series and the Solar Eclipse event and for the purchase of supplies for the events. · Big Brothers Big Sisters of Southwestern Indiana was awarded $5,000 to grow the number of youth served in Spencer County by recruiting more mentors and expanding to new site-based locations. · Boys and Girls Club of Evansville was awarded $9,500 to offer the Triple Play program at Rockport Elementary School. · Bread of Life Ministry Inc. was awarded $2,100 to cover the cost of freight for donated food and to purchase food items at discounted prices to distribute to low-income families in the Tri-State area. · Buffalo Trace Council-Boy Scouts of America was awarded $9,000 to Institute Scoutreach in the South Spencer School Corporation serving kindergarten - 5th grade students. · Chemo Buddies was awarded $4,528 to provide comfort kits to Spencer County cancer patients. · Chrisney Baptist Church was awarded $8,000 to provide food for students in need at Chrisney Elementary School every weekend for the school year. · Christian Resource Center was awarded $10,000 to purchase food for the Food Pantry. · Crisis Connection, Inc. was awarded $4,430 to provide advocacy support to victims of domestic and sexual violence in Spencer County. · Dale Presbyterian Church was awarded $9,803.86 to replace two convection ovens used for weekly Community Table meals. · Epsilon Psi Chapter of Kappa Kappa Kappa was awarded $2,000 to support the Anabel Wood Plein Air Paint Out event. · For Evansville was awarded $9,500 to provide a platform that enables agencies to work together towards a comprehensive pathway to success for those navigating crises. · Friends of Lincoln State Park, Inc. was awarded $7,500 to provide entertainment for those expected to converge in Spencer County for the solar eclipse. · Heritage Hills PATS was awarded $13,000 to provide a Heritage Hills shirt to each student in grades 7 th – 12 th to foster a sense of community and belonging. · Lincoln Hills Development Corporation was awarded $2,500 to provide free health insurance enrollment assistance to prevent coverage loss and increase access to healthcare in Spencer County. · Luce Elementary School was awarded $6,065 to expand the Farm to School Program by purchasing raised beds, hydroponics, and greenhouse supplies. · Maria Hill Foundation was awarded $9,805 to build a 20-space, ADA-compliant parking lot at the Mariah Hill Community Building. · North Spencer Archery Club was awarded $10,187 to purchase additional archery equipment. · North Spencer County School Corporation was awarded $14,000 to support Spencer County Tobacco Prevention/Cessation Program and VOICE Youth Leadership Team in providing prevention, cessation, and educational activities and programs for youth, adults, organizations, health care providers, and employers within Spencer County. · Santa’s Elves and Santa Claus Museum was awarded $500 to purchase letters with a Christmas message to be sent in response to children's letters to Santa and letters on which children may write to Santa. · Spencer County 4-H Association Inc. was awarded $29,500 to install the plumbing and HVAC for the new restroom facility at the 4-H Center. · Stir-N-Up Hope was awarded $7,000 to purchase two new program horses that support ability-inclusive horsemanship. · The Way of Rockport Indiana, Inc. was awarded $3,340 to purchase items for The Way Home, such as cleaning and laundry supplies, food, and educational materials for the 12-Step Celebrate Recovery Support Group. · Town of Grandview was awarded $3,899 to replace flagpoles at the Spencer County Veterans Memorial. · Town of Richland was awarded $19,500 for a pickleball court that will provide a recreational opportunity to meet the needs of residents and visitors. · Young Women LEAD was awarded $5,000 to provide a leadership event for area high school girls focused on leadership, education, and personal development. These grants were made possible by generous donors who created community good or field of interest funds with the Spencer County Community Foundation. · Cevin and Debra Collins Family Fund · Cleveland-Cliffs Fund · Friends of Spencer County Fund · German American Bancorp Community Fund-Spencer · Goldman Family Fund · John Paul and Mary Catherine Luecke Fund · Kathleen Mary (Kathy) Kohm Memorial Fund · Leibering Family Fund · Mark and Susan Waterman Community Fund · Mike and Mabel Mason Ryan Unrestricted Fund · Mulzer Family Fund · Randall L. Haaff Unrestricted Fund for the Benefit of Spencer County · Ruby L Winkler Family Fund · TCB Bank/ Fifth Third Bank Spencer County Fund · Thermwood Fund · Todd and Angie Ruxer Family Fund · Trustee Community Fund For more information about establishing a fund, please contact Rachael Goldsberry, Regional Director of Development at 812.649.5724 or rgoldsberry@communityfoundationalliance.org.
Read More News
Share by: