The record-setting gift will change lives throughout the county.
For seniors, the hungry and local veterans, the newly established James R. Kocher and Evelyn J. Kocher Fund at the Johnson County Community Foundation is transformative.
And it wouldn’t be possible without the compassion and care of the Kocher family.
“We are incredibly grateful for this extraordinary act of generosity,” said Kim Kasting, president and CEO of the Johnson County Community Foundation. “The James R. Kocher and Evelyn J. Kocher Fund will create lasting change by strengthening resources for aging residents, combating food insecurity, and supporting those who have served our country.”
The Johnson County Community Foundation has been given a $1 million gift by James “Jim” Kocher — the largest living donor contribution in the foundation’s history. Named in honor of Kocher and his wife, Evelyn, who died in 2017, the donation allows for an established fund and corresponding endowment fund dedicated to supporting seniors, addressing food insecurity and assisting veterans’ organizations.
“It’s not often that I am without words, being verbose, but this gift is going to have a tremendous and long-lasting impact on the folks here in Johnson County,” said Tom Sprague, chair of the Johnson County Community Foundation board. “Personally, food insecurity is a cause that is near and dear to my heart, as a result, seeing folks take true action to solve this issue in our community fills my heart with joy.
“My thanks go to the Kocher family for creating a long-lasting gift and entrusting the Johnson County Community Foundation with this critical cause.”
The Johnson County Community Foundation is a public charity created by and for the people of the county. Their mission is to enhance the quality of life for all citizens in the present and in the future through building community endowment, addressing needs through grantmaking and providing leadership.
Through a variety of funds and initiatives, the organization connects people who care with causes that matter. The foundation has created an employer resource network, a mural program to beautify towns and cities throughout Johnson County and distributed grants to address mental health concerns.
Jim and Evelyn Kocher have been longtime supporters of different causes within the county. Several years ago, they worked with the community foundation to do some charitable giving.
“Jim decided more recently they wanted to make a gift that made a lasting impact that we can utilize in the future, particularly with their priority areas of giving: food insecurity, senior citizens and veterans,” Kasting said.
Bob Heuchan, a former member of the Johnson County Community Foundation board and friend of Jim Kocher’s, has long been impressed by his dedication to improving the community.
“I first met Jim in 1990 at the former Indiana League of Savings Institutions (which later merged with the Indiana Bankers Association). Jim has always been a strong advocate for what’s right,” Heuchan said. “He has a deep passion for seniors and played a key role in the development of the new Johnson County Senior Services property. Jim is truly dedicated to ensuring that seniors, especially those who are less fortunate, receive the support they need.”
The James R. Kocher and Evelyn J. Kocher Fund will provide essential support to local nonprofits that work to improve the quality of life for seniors, ensure access to food for those in need, and aid organizations that serve veterans.
This meaningful contribution reflects the donor’s deep commitment to the well-being of the Johnson County community and will make a lasting impact for generations to come, Kasting said.
“The thing that’s so important is the trust and value he’s placed in the community foundation, and that relationship — that speaks volumes to the work we do here,” she said. “It’s so significant for the Kochers to trust us with their gift and their charitable goals, but for the community to see that we really do care about their donations and will really do our best to make sure their charitable goals continue now and forever.”