Greene County Foundation has received a grant of $4,999,486 from Lilly Endowment Inc. through the Community Leadership Implementation Grants component of the eighth phase of its Giving Indiana Funds for Tomorrow (GIFT VIII) initiative. This is one of 30 implementation grants being awarded through GIFT VIII, a statewide Lilly Endowment initiative designed to support the efforts of community foundations and their partners to strengthen quality of life for the people in the towns, cities, counties and regions they serve.

With the grant, the Greene County Foundation will develop a school-based cooperative network model. This innovative approach aims to address one of our community’s greatest unmet needs: access to quality early care and education for all young children, particularly those ages 0-3. The launch of the Cooperative Network will bring together all five school districts to ensure quality and sustainability through collaboration. The network will focus on supporting families and communities by promoting education, fostering partnerships and amplifying a shared voice for early childhood development.

“We are grateful for this generous grant, which will enable us to collaborate with our community partners to create a quality early education and childcare system. Together, we will build a brighter future for the children of Greene County,” said Greene County Foundation Executive Director, Suzanne Jackson.

“The implementation of this project will begin with developing and launching a cooperative network coalition, construction and renovation of planned new classrooms and hiring and training of teaching staff. As we focus on the development and well-being of participating children, as well as supporting their families, the broader community stands to benefit in numerous ways.”

Established in 1997, Greene County Foundation exists for charitable individuals to leave a lasting legacy to the county they love. Through the establishment of endowments, donors can forever support the local causes important to them. The Greene County Foundation has had a charitable impact in every school, library, and community in Greene County. The Foundation annually awards almost half-million dollars in grants through fund payouts, competitive grants and student scholarships. For more information, visit www.greenecountyfoundation.org or call (812) 659-3142.