Builder's Funds Fueling Meaningful Change Across Harrison County

Builder's Funds Fueling Meaningful Change Across Harrison County
Sean Sullivan
May 15, 2025 / 6 mins read

Corydon, Ind. (May 16, 2025) – In every corner of Harrison County, there are needs to be met and lives to be changed. Every day, these challenges are tackled head-on with the help of a powerful tool: Builder’s Funds. These flexible, unrestricted funds are making a significant impact by supporting local projects that improve the quality of life in our community.

Most recently, the Harrison County Community Foundation (HCCF) announced $48,550 in grant awards to four impactful local nonprofits, nearly half of which is funded through Builder’s Funds. This latest round of support highlights how Builder’s Funds’ adaptability empowers the HCCF Board of Directors to respond effectively to community needs as they arise, alongside other grant funding.

  • Battle of Corydon Memorial Park Committee, Inc. was awarded $2,550 to support the Living History Annual Event. This funding will cover travel and material costs for Civil War interpreters and reenactors who bring the 1863 Battle of Corydon to life, creating a hands-on learning experience especially meaningful for young minds. Of the total amount awarded, $1,550 will be utilized from Builder’s Funds and the remaining $1,000 from the Historical Preservation Fund.

The Historical Preservation Fund is a Field of Interest (FOI) fund. FOI funds are established for a specific purpose, not for one particular entity. HCCF currently holds 16 FOI funds, covering animals, arts, environmental needs, health and safety, recreation, and more.

To learn more about Field of Interest funds, contact Kimberly Carter, Endowment Manager, at kimberlyc@hccfindiana.org or (812) 738-6668.

  • Dare to Care, Inc. was awarded $15,000 from Builder’s Funds to support its ongoing efforts to address hunger in our community. This funding will allow Dare to Care, Inc. to provide food for 12 local partners throughout Harrison County, ensuring that nutritious meals reach those in need.
  • Repair Affair of Harrison County was awarded $5,000 from Builder’s Funds to help with construction expenses for its annual Repair Affair event. This daylong event will help low-income, elderly, and disabled residents with essential home repairs such as ramp installations for those in wheelchairs, roof and floor repairs, and weatherized efforts, enabling them to remain safely in their homes.
  • Society of St. Joseph Conference of St. Vincent dePaul was awarded $26,000 to support efforts to provide furnishings, food, and financial assistance to Harrison County residents in need. This grant aids the organization’s mission to relieve poverty and support self-sufficiency. In the fiscal year 2023-24, over 1,147 persons received assistance with the aid of a Foundation grant.

We are seeing firsthand how establishing or donating to a Builder’s Fund can make an extraordinary difference in our community.

Now is a pivotal time to invest in the future of Harrison County through Builder’s Funds. With the help of Lilly Endowment Inc.’s GIFT (Giving Indiana Funds for Tomorrow) VIII Initiative, Builder’s Funds currently have a 3:1 match with Lilly Endowment Inc.’s 2:1 match and HCCF’s 1:1 match. This special matching opportunity is available until December 31, 2025, or until matching funds are exhausted.

To learn more about Builder’s Funds and the process for establishing one, contact Michelle Dayvault, Director of Development, at michelled@hccfindiana.org or (812) 738-6668.

“The power of Builder’s Funds continues to make a difference in Harrison County, as evidenced by these grant awards. Thanks to everyone who has started or donated to a Builder’s Fund.” – HCCF President & CEO Julie Moorman.

Nonprofits serving Harrison County can learn more about eligibility requirements and apply for grants at hccfindiana.org/grants. Applications are accepted on an ongoing basis. For questions on the grant application process, contact Anna Curts, Grants Manager, at annac@hccfindiana.org or (812) 738-6668.