LAWRENCEBURG, Ind., December 13, 2019 – The Dearborn Community Foundation (DCF), Inc. recently awarded a $1,000 proactive grant to Beecher Presbyterian Church in Lawrenceburg in support of its “Lunch in the Garden” program (formerly known as “Lunch and Learn”).

In a continuing effort to make an impact in the Dearborn County community, DCF is awarding 15 proactive grants of $1,000 each to charitable organizations in Dearborn County throughout 2019. Each of the Foundation’s 15 volunteer Board members is recommending a grant. The source of the total of $15,000 in grants is the Foundation’s Community Funds (also known as Unrestricted Endowment Funds), established by donors to provide flexibility to DCF’s Board and staff to address changing needs in the community over the years.  

The $1,000 grant to Beecher Presbyterian Church was recommended by DCF Board Member Bill Lakes of Aurora. “Lunch in the Garden” is a program that teaches K-12 students about gardening and healthy eating. The next session is scheduled for March 16-27, 2020 during Spring Break. Lakes, a retired educator, says he recommended this grant due, in part, to his previous experience with Beecher Pastor Robert Northcutt.

“Robert and his wife Margo were former students of mine when I taught at Aurora Junior High School in the mid-1970s. As pastor of the Beecher Church, Robert has been a community leader by supporting the Dearborn County Clearinghouse, the Salvation Army, the establishment of the community garden in the lot next to his church and CASA,” said Lakes. “As a teacher you always take pride when you see former students be as successful as Robert has been in contributing to the community.”

Anyone can make a contribution to a Community Fund at DCF and help make impact grants like the 15 DCF Board members are recommending in 2019. Thanks to Lilly Endowment Inc.’s GIFT VII initiative, DCF is able to provide a $2-for-$1 match ($2 match for $1 donation) for contributions to any new or existing Community Funds at the Foundation. For a list of the Community Funds (unrestricted endowments) and to learn more about the Foundation, call 812-539-4115, stop by the office at 322 Walnut Street in Lawrenceburg, or visit the Foundation website at www.dearborncf.org. If you are interested in making a contribution to DCF, visit our website’s “Give Now” page to donate on line and to learn about other giving options.