LAWRENCEBURG, Ind., December 6, 2021 – The Dearborn Community Foundation (DCF), Inc. recently awarded a $1,000 Proactive Grant to Southeast Indiana Youth Orchestra (SEIYO) to help provide an orchestral experience for Dearborn County youth.

In a continuing effort to make an impact in the Dearborn County community, DCF is awarding 15 proactive grants of $1,000 each throughout 2021 to charitable organizations that serve Dearborn County residents. Each of the Foundation’s 15 volunteer board members is recommending a grant. The money comes from the Foundation’s Unrestricted Endowment Funds, established by donors to provide flexibility to address changing needs in the community over the years. 

DCF Board Vice President Ed Gordon of Greendale recommended the grant to SEIYO because he’s experienced the impact the orchestral experience has had on his granddaughters, who live in Nashville, TN. “Both of my granddaughters thoroughly enjoyed playing in orchestra in high school,” he said. “I thought supporting the youth orchestra was a good way to go because I know it’s a great experience for youth.”

None of the school schools in Dearborn County have an orchestra, so Southeast Indiana Youth Orchestra provides that opportunity for youth. The organization’s mission is to provide musical training through an orchestral setting in which the student has an opportunity to join with others and play as a group. The non-profit organization also strives to increase interest in different genres of music and give students opportunities to develop their musicianship.

SEIYO’s Board president Sara Barkdoll says the $1,000 DCF grant will make a significant difference for the organization that currently has nearly 25 students in its orchestra. “We’ll buy strings, shoulder straps and get a few instrument repairs,” she said. “Any donations we receive allow us to provide instruments at a low cost to students, so they can afford to participate in orchestra.”

To learn more about Southeast Indiana Youth Orchestra and to donate, please check out the organization’s website: seiyouthorchestra.org.

Anyone can make a contribution to an unrestricted endowment at DCF and help make impact grants like the 15 DCF Board members are recommending in 2021. For a list of the unrestricted endowments and to learn more about the Foundation, call 812-539-4115 or visit the Foundation website at dearborncf.org. If you are interested in contributing to DCF, visit our website’s “Give Now” page to donate online and to learn about other giving options.