News & Notes

July 2026

Over $286,500 Granted to Local Nonprofits in May

Congratulations to our first grantees of 2026! Thirteen awards totaling $286,841 were presented to local nonprofit organizations on May 28. This gathering was extra special, as it was the last grants celebration for our Grants and Community Relations Director Cheryl Keim, who retired in June.

Click below to read more about our grantees, their work, and the MCCF funds that made their awards possible.

2026 MCCF Scholarships Awarded

Thanks to the generosity of our donors, over $600,000 in new and renewable scholarships, including Lilly Endowment Community Scholarships, were awarded in May. Congratulations to all Montgomery County graduates—we’re cheering you on in your next chapter!

Many of these scholarships were established in memory of loved ones who believed in the power of education. Since 1991, MCCF has awarded over $10 million in scholarships since 1994, impacting thousands of students and shaping the future of our community.

2026 Scholarship Recipient List

Grants in Action:
Pollinator Garden at the Montgomery County Fairgrounds

If you visited the Montgomery County 4-H Fair last week, you may have noticed a new addition on the west side of the Extension office.

Last year, the Montgomery County Master Gardeners were awarded $5,000 to create the first public, curated garden educating residents about pollinator landscapes. The garden is currently "in progress" and has been planted with Indiana native plant seedlings, plugs, ornamental trees, and native shrubs, complemented by educational signage.

By this time next year, it should be in full bloom with additional design elements for fairgoers to enjoy.

New Tool Available for Donors

Am I making the most of my charitable giving?

It's a question a lot of donors ask themselves.

If you find yourself with similar thoughts, we have a great tool available for current and prospective MCCF donors. Our newly-updated Planned Giving website offers guidance on many different topics, including:

IRA Rollovers
Required Minimum Distributions
Estate Planning
Creating a Will
Connecting with Financial Planners and Attorneys
Maximizing Tax Benefits

...and so much more!

This is a great opportunity to learn about the advantages of giving now, or in the future. If you have questions or need assistance with gifts to MCCF, contact us at 765-362-1267 or visit our office at 119 E Main Street in Crawfordsville.

Learn More

In Case You Missed It:

2026 MCCF Scholarships Awarded﻿﻿