LAWRENCEBURG, Ind., DECEMBER 19, 2025 – Dearborn Community Foundation Board member Gary Honchell “heard through the grapevine” that Tanner Valley United Methodist Church needed an Automated External Defibrillator but didn’t have all the funds to buy one. 

Honchell thought it would be an addition that might save someone’s life, so he recommended a $1,000 grant from the Foundation’s annual program, through which each of the organization’s 15 volunteer Board members recommends a $1,000 for a charitable organization. 

The grants, which serve Dearborn County residents, are funded through unrestricted endowment funds, established by donors to provide flexibility to address changing needs in the community over the years.

“A lot of people use the church for banquets, weddings and more. Sometimes, they have big crowds but did not have an AED,” said Honchell. “I know from my volunteer firefighting experience that firefighters or EMS can’t always get there in time. It’s nice to have an AED right there at the church.”

Tanner Valley United Methodist Church, Ind. 1, just north of Greendale, serves people from Guilford, Bright, Hidden Valley Lake, Lawrenceburg, and other areas. For more information about the church, visit tannervalleychurch.com.

Meanwhile, anyone can contribute to a DCF unrestricted endowment to help make impact grants like the 15 DCF Board members are recommending in 2025.

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.