The Hendricks County Community Foundation (HCCF) is excited to announce that its Board of Directors has approved $777,775 in grants to organizations working to strengthen childcare services, child advocacy, transportation services for seniors, cultural programs and civic engagement in our community.
The grants are in response to HCCF’s 2025 Community Needs Assessment, which highlighted transportation, childcare, adverse childhood experiences, and community unity as critical priorities for Hendricks County residents.
The funding was made possible with support from Lilly Endowment Inc. through its Giving Indiana Funds for Tomorrow (GIFT IX) initiative. In December, HCCF received a $3 million Community Support Grant from Lilly Endowment and the Community Foundation earmarked $2.55 million to fund local projects and non-profit agencies across Hendricks County through 2028.
“This funding is enabling HCCF to move beyond traditional grantmaking and take a proactive stance on the issues our residents care about most,” said William Rhodehamel, President & CEO of HCCF. “By partnering with proven local organizations, we are addressing long-standing needs like public transportation and emerging crises like the childcare shortage.”
GIFT IX Community Support Grant recipients include:
- Child Care Answers ($150,000): A tri-county partnership with Boone and Hamilton counties to provide technical assistance and advocacy around childcare.
- Hendricks County Senior Services ($375,000): Expanding the LINK transportation system by adding a new vehicle and staff.
- Hendricks Live! ($60,000): Supporting the “Opening Doors” series, a continuation of HCCF’s commitment to diversity and cultural programming.
- Susie’s Place Child Advocacy Center ($52,775): Funding the organization’s first Director of Development to ensure long-term sustainability.
- The Republican Newspaper ($90,000): Production and distribution of comprehensive voter guides for primary and general elections over the next three years.
Looking ahead, HCCF anticipates using $50,000 in GIFT IX Community Support funds to redevelop the Community Needs Assessment in 2027. By investing in a collaborative approach with key organizations—including Leadership Hendricks County, Visit Hendricks County, Hendricks College Network, and local hospitals—HCCF ensures that community resources are guided by a shared, data-driven vision rather than isolated efforts. This unified resource will be essential for understanding and addressing the county’s evolving needs.
Beyond these proactive grants, HCCF will utilize the remaining GIFT IX funds to expand its competitive Stronger Together grantmaking programs as well as explore a “moon shot” grant program designed for large-scale, high-impact community projects.
For more information on the GIFT IX initiative or to learn how to support these efforts, please visit the HCCF website at www.hendrickscountycf.org or contact the foundation office at 317-268-6240.
The Mission of the Hendricks County Community Foundation: To be a trusted community partner in understanding needs, aligning resources, and empowering people to address today’s priorities and create lasting impact. Our vision is Hendricks County as a place where everyone has the opportunity to have a fulfilling life and the tools they need to build a stronger future together. The Community Foundation manages assets of over $40 million in a collection of funds created by individuals, families, businesses and organizations for charitable purposes. In 2025 the Community Foundation gave over $2.35M in grants to charitable organizations and scholarships to local students. For more information, call 317-268-6240 or visit www.hendrickscountycf.org.
