Hamilton County Community Foundation board of directors has approved grants for Hamilton County nonprofits totaling $157,000. The grants provide unrestricted operating support to organizations aligned with the mission of the Foundation — to mobilize people, ideas and investment to make Hamilton County a community where every individual has an equitable opportunity to reach their full potential—no matter their place, race or identity.
“Our foundation is thrilled to stand alongside these 11 remarkable community partners who are driving meaningful change and transforming lives,” said Danielle Stiles-Polk, Interim President of Hamilton County Community Foundation. “Supporting their initiatives fills us with pride and excitement as we look forward to the measurable impact this funding will bring to Hamilton County.”
Some of the organizations receiving support from Hamilton County Community Foundation include:
BeeFree Bakes addresses the significant barriers to employment faced by adults with autism and other disabilities. This population experiences high unemployment due to a lack of vocational training and societal misconceptions about their capabilities. They are focused on “baking up jobs” by offering specialized training in culinary arts, hotel services, and food fulfillment warehouse e-commerce, equipping participants with practical skills to enter and succeed in competitive job markets.
Grace Care Center is comprised of four main services: the Choice Food Pantry, Mobile Pantry, Referral Services’ Co-op Program (offering practical, face-to-face support, direction and accountability to those seeking financial and emotional support), and English Classes. In addition, a number of programs run alongside the four services: Vehicle Services (repairing and providing cars to those who would otherwise be held back from living a healthy and sustainable life), Job Board, Buddy Bags, Microfinance Savings & Loan Program, and a Thrift Store. Grace Care Center’s unique and dignifying model of choice and interconnected services ensure individuals are not merely recipients of aid, but active participants in a community that supports their journey toward sustainable life change.
The Ivy Tech Foundation, Inc. grant will support Career Link services at the Ivy Tech Hamilton County campus. Career Link directly addresses the career development needs of Ivy Tech Hamilton County students and aligns their skills with the demands of the local workforce. By providing personalized career coaching, the team helps students identify their interests, strengths, and career goals, guiding them through the process of selecting a program of study that fits their aspirations. This individualized approach ensures that students are well-prepared for their chosen careers, enhancing their employability and confidence.
Funding for this grant round was provided by the Hamilton County Community Foundation Endowment Fund as well as the City of Noblesville Fund, Dale Snelling Blue Ribbon Foundation, Jack Arnold Russell Charitable Fund, Northern Hamilton County Fund, Carmel Endowment Fund and Westfield Endowment Fund.
The grants awarded to Front Porch Music Festival and Indiana Peony Festival, Inc. were fully funded through the City of Noblesville Fund.
A full list of grants funded is below.
| Organization | |
| BeeFree Bakes Company | $15,000 |
| Fishers Youth Assistance Program | $15,000 |
| Front Porch Music Festival | $15,000 |
| Gleaners Food Bank of Indiana, Inc. | $15,000 |
| Grace Care Center Foundation | $15,000 |
| Harmony IN Horses, Inc. | $15,000 |
| Heart And Soul Clinic, Inc. | $15,000 |
| Hoosier Home Repairs | $7,489 |
| Indiana Peony Festival, Inc. | $15,000 |
| Ivy Tech Foundation, Inc. | $15,000 |
| Nickel Plate Heritage Railroad Inc. | $15,000 |
| TOTAL | $157,489 |
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