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Community Foundation of Greater Lafayette

Annual Giving
$3.8M
Grant Range
Up to $0.1M

Community Foundation of Greater Lafayette

Quick Stats

  • Annual Giving: $3,763,829 (2024)
  • Number of Grants: 88 awards (2024)
  • Assets: Over $80 million
  • Founded: 1970
  • Geographic Focus: Tippecanoe County and surrounding counties in Indiana
  • EIN: 23-7147996

Contact Details

Address: 300 Main Street, Suite 100, Lafayette, IN 47901

Phone: (765) 742-9078

Fax: (765) 742-2428

Email: info@inspiringgreater.org

Website: www.inspiringgreater.org

Grant Inquiries: Karen McCullough, Director of Communications, Marketing, and Grants - karen@inspiringgreater.org

Overview

The Community Foundation of Greater Lafayette was established in 1970 as the Capital Funds Foundation with just $65,000 in assets. Founded by a group of community- and civic-minded citizens, the organization has grown dramatically over five decades, now managing over $80 million in assets. Initially overseen by the United Way, the foundation evolved to become an independent community foundation serving Tippecanoe and surrounding counties in Indiana.

Since 1970, the foundation has been helping area residents make their philanthropic giving as effective as possible, connecting donors with charitable causes to improve quality of life in Greater Lafayette. The foundation distributed an average of $30,000 annually in the 1970s, reached $1 million in assets under management by 1983, and now distributes nearly $4 million in grants annually. In 2024 alone, the foundation provided $3,763,829 in grants through 88 awards to local nonprofit organizations.

The foundation's mission is to inspire, nurture, and practice philanthropy, stewardship, and leadership in the communities they serve. Since 1999, through their Excellence Grants program alone, they have distributed hundreds of grants totaling over $1.3 million to organizations working in Human Services, Seniors, Youth Development & Education, and Arts & Culture. The foundation celebrated its 50th anniversary in 2020.

Funding Priorities

Grant Programs

Community Grants (Spring, Fall, and NOW Grants): For capital project requests or new program requests

  • Spring Grants: Specific deadline to be announced
  • Fall Grants: Specific deadline to be announced
  • NOW Grants: Available on a rolling, first-come, first-served basis through November 30, 2025

Field of Interest Grants: Awarded to various nonprofit organizations based on need

  • Deadline: Noon, May 22, 2026
  • Focus areas include specific fields designated by donors

Excellence Grants: Support ongoing programs and services throughout the community

  • Focus: Human Services, Seniors, Youth Development & Education, and Arts & Culture
  • Since 1999: Over $1.3 million distributed

Impact Grants: Special grant cycle for substantial support

  • Previously offered for capital projects of $50,000 or more
  • Designed for significant community impact initiatives

Priority Areas

The Board of Directors has established the following funding priorities (in order):

  1. Education: Supporting educational institutions and programs
  2. Children/Youth: Programs serving young people and their development
  3. Health: Health services and wellness initiatives
  4. Diversity: Promoting inclusion and equity
  5. Physical Environment: Community beautification and conservation
  6. Arts and Culture: Cultural programs and arts education

Specific Focus Areas Funded:

  • Arts and humanities
  • Health services
  • Education programs
  • Housing and homelessness initiatives
  • Child care
  • Substance abuse prevention and treatment
  • Mental health services
  • Community beautification
  • Conservation and environmental protection
  • Music education for disadvantaged children
  • Suicide prevention
  • Cancer-related programs
  • Public space enhancements (e.g., benches in public spaces)

What They Don't Fund

Organizations must have non-profit status under the 501(c)(3) Internal Revenue Code to be eligible for grants. Most grants are awarded to organizations located in and serving Tippecanoe County, though the foundation serves Tippecanoe and surrounding counties.

Governance and Leadership

President & CEO

William David Lasater, Ph.D. - James Kirby Risk President & CEO

  • With the Foundation since 2019
  • Previously served for six years at Purdue Research Foundation as Senior Associate Vice President for Advancement before transitioning to lead CFGL in January 2020
  • Responsible for the Foundation's overall management and operations
  • Contact: david@inspiringgreater.org

Staff Team

Karen McCullough - Director of Communications, Marketing, and Grants

  • Joined the Foundation in 2025
  • Handles marketing, grants, and scholarships
  • Contact: karen@inspiringgreater.org
  • Contact Karen for: grant applications, status of grant payments, scholarship questions

Angela Strader

  • With the Foundation since 1999
  • Responsible for finances and general office operations
  • Contact for: fund balances and billing questions

Candy Silver - Director of Philanthropy

  • With the Foundation since 2013
  • Works with donors, financial advisors, accountants, and attorneys
  • Helps establish endowments and legacy gifts

Liz Wetli

  • Rejoined the Foundation team in 2023
  • Contact for general Foundation questions

Board of Directors (2023 data, most recent available)

Leadership:

  • Steve Schultz - Chair
  • Brenda Clapper - Vice Chair
  • Jennifer Russell - Secretary
  • Linda Rohrman - Treasurer

Board Members:

  • Sheila Cochran
  • Jeanne Gernhardt
  • Jim Gothard
  • Shawn Greiner
  • James Keene
  • Rick Olson
  • Umesh Patel
  • Greg Smith
  • Art Vasquez

Note: Rick Olson, Linda Rohrman, Connie Standiford, and Jennifer Russell completed their terms in late 2023/early 2024. For current board composition, contact the foundation directly.

Application Process & Timeline

How to Apply

Applications are accepted through the Community Foundation's grant programs. An application guide is available for download on their website at inspiringgreater.org.

Application Methods:

Eligibility Requirements:

  • Must have 501(c)(3) non-profit status under Internal Revenue Code
  • Most grants awarded to organizations located in and serving Tippecanoe County
  • Organizations serving Tippecanoe and surrounding counties in Indiana are eligible

For Specialized Grants:

  • Some Field of Interest funds require specific application processes
  • Contact Karen McCullough at karen@inspiringgreater.org for specialized fund applications

Decision Timeline

Specific decision timelines vary by grant program. Contact the foundation at (765) 742-9078 or karen@inspiringgreater.org for information about current review timelines for specific grant cycles.

Success Rates

In 2024, the foundation awarded 88 grants totaling $3,763,829. Specific success rate percentages are not publicly available. However, the foundation has a history of supporting a wide range of community organizations across multiple sectors, demonstrating broad accessibility for qualified nonprofits in their service area.

Reapplication Policy

Specific reapplication policies for unsuccessful applicants are not publicly detailed. Contact Karen McCullough at karen@inspiringgreater.org or call (765) 742-9078 for information about reapplication guidelines and waiting periods.

Application Success Factors

Alignment with Funding Priorities

The Board of Directors has established clear funding priorities, and successful applications demonstrate alignment with one or more priority areas: education, children/youth, health, diversity, physical environment, and arts and culture. Applications should clearly articulate how the proposed project addresses community needs in these areas.

Geographic Focus

The foundation has deep roots in Tippecanoe County and surrounding areas. Organizations that demonstrate local impact and serve the Greater Lafayette community are prioritized. While the foundation serves surrounding counties, most grants go to organizations located in and serving Tippecanoe County.

Excellence Grants Track Record

Since 1999, the foundation has shown consistent support for organizations in Human Services, Seniors, Youth Development & Education, and Arts & Culture through their Excellence Grants program. Organizations working in these areas may find particular receptiveness to well-crafted proposals.

Capital Projects and New Programs

Community Grants (spring, fall, and NOW grants) specifically target capital project requests or new program requests. The foundation has demonstrated willingness to support substantial projects, including a special Impact Grant Cycle for capital projects of $50,000 or more, indicating openness to larger-scale community initiatives.

Community Engagement History

Founded in 1970 by community-minded citizens and celebrating over 50 years of service, the foundation values organizations with strong community connections and demonstrated track records. The foundation's own evolution from $65,000 to over $80 million in assets reflects their understanding of organizational growth and community investment.

Key Takeaways for Grant Writers

  • Contact early: Karen McCullough, Director of Communications, Marketing, and Grants, is available to answer questions about applications, eligibility, and grant processes. Reaching out before applying can clarify fit and requirements.

  • Know your grant type: The foundation offers multiple grant streams with different purposes—NOW Grants for immediate needs on a rolling basis, Field of Interest for specific donor-designated areas, and Community Grants (spring/fall) for capital or new programs. Choose the right vehicle for your project.

  • Demonstrate local impact: With over 50 years serving Greater Lafayette and most grants awarded to Tippecanoe County organizations, showing deep local roots and measurable community impact is essential.

  • Align with board priorities: The board's ranked priorities (education, children/youth, health, diversity, physical environment, arts/culture) provide a clear roadmap. Explicitly connect your proposal to one or more of these areas.

  • Consider timing: NOW Grants operate first-come, first-served through November 30, while Field of Interest grants have a specific May deadline. Plan accordingly based on your organization's needs and timeline.

  • Build relationships: With a small, accessible staff team who have been with the foundation for years (Angela Strader since 1999, Candy Silver since 2013), this is a relationship-oriented funder. Attend foundation events, engage with their mission, and become part of the Greater Lafayette philanthropic community.

  • Think long-term: The foundation's growth from $65,000 in 1970 to over $80 million today demonstrates their commitment to sustained community investment. They value partners who share this long-term vision for community betterment.

References

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