DCCF Awards More Than $515,000

In the past month the Decatur County Community Foundation has awarded $178,214.41 in grants and $336,964.66 in scholarships.

The Fund for Women and Children kicked things off at the end of April with an award to an organization that improves the lives of women and children in Decatur County. Project Linus was named this year’s recipient. Project Linus volunteers make blankets to give to children who are in the emergency room, having surgeries, going through the court system and more. Project Linus received $3,500 toward supplies to make blankets for Decatur County youth.  

Small grants awarded at the end of April totaled $4,852.11. Those grants went to Champions of Youth for Hygiene Bundles; Dec. Co. 4-H Council for Static Project Displays; Decatur Co. Schools for Enhancing Early Learning Environment; and Lifeline Wesleyan Church for two lift tables.

The DCCF Board of Directors approved 16 large grant applications at the end of May. Those include Mainstreet Westport for a gazebo; Greensburg Schools for a healthcare simulation lab, work-based learning program, and JAG programming; Decatur County Kids Closet for PE shoes; Decatur County’s library for glass plate negatives; Westport Wesleyan Church for playground equipment; Lifeline Wesleyan Church for bulk food purchases; Greensburg Bread of Life for a generator for a food bus overhaul; Clarity for Connectivity of Care programing; Speranza House for capital improvements; South Decatur Youth Football for new safety equipment; Town of St. Paul for gym renovations; Brianna’s Hope for programming; Kids Discovery Factory for STEAM features; and Girls Inc. for 6^th grade programming. Large grant awards totaled $168,362.30. Just over $70,000 remains for grant applicants in round 2.

The Community Foundation also just awarded its first Ag Field of Interest Grant for the year. $1,500 was presented to Greensburg Youth Empowerment for a flower and herb garden to benefit Bread of Life clients.

More than $330,000 in scholarships were recently presented to graduating seniors at Greensburg High School, North Decatur High School, Oldenburg Academy and South Decatur High School. 99 awards were presented to the class of 2026.

Upcoming opportunities include small grant applications which are open through June 5, and volunteer fire departments grants which are open through the month of June. Scholarship opportunities will open again in August for the Lilly process.

For more information about the Foundation’s giving, how to start a fund or scholarship at the Foundation, or to volunteer with the organization, visit dccfound.org, or contact 812.662.6364.