Evansville Endowment Fund

Investing in Our City's Nonprofits

The Evansville Endowment Fund originated in 1994 when former Mayor Frank McDonald II proposed that $5 million of revenue from the gaming boat be invested in a way that would serve the City of Evansville forever.


The Community Foundation Alliance, Inc. administers the Evansville Endowment Fund as a supporting organization, with annual earnings used for grantmaking.  Funding is focused on capital projects for nonprofits serving within the City of Evansville. The Evansville Endowment Fund has a separate board of directors responsible for governance and grantmaking decisions.


Greater Good Forever

What started with a $5M gift has grown to over $11M while granting $5.4M since the fund's inception, making the total philanthropic impact of the Evansville Endowment Fund over $16M.


Evansville Endowment Fund grants are specifically designated for capital projects. When the  Evansville Endowment Fund was established, it allocated sixty percent (60%) of grantmaking to benefit the 4th and 6th wards of the City of Evansville.  These wards also have representation on the Evansville Endowment Fund's board.


Make a Difference Where it Matters

The Community Foundation exists to help caring people like you give back to the causes and community you care about most. We make giving easy and effective. You can give cash, stocks, property, bequests and other assets. You may establish a charitable fund in your name or in the name of a loved one. You can focus your gift on the causes that move you: enrich education, safeguard health, improve neighborhoods, cultivate arts, protect environment, strengthen families.

Invest in the Future of the Community You Love

You can make a gift that lasts forever and establishes your legacy of giving. The Community Foundation offers the power of endowment, where a portion of your fund is invested so that it can grow over time. Earnings from this investment are used to make grants that benefit this community forever. Your gift creates a lasting stream of funding available for community good.

Create Greater Good Together

Powered by generous donors, local leaders, and steadfast partners, the Community Foundation builds on the collective strength of this county to make life better here. We multiply the impact of each individual gift by investing them together for maximum return and impact. We invite everyone to join us in building a strong community.

By the Numbers

Financially audited and compiled data from our most recent fiscal year.

For a full report, review our FY21 At A Glance.

Grants

$512K

Total grants awarded to nonprofits through our annual grant cycles and distribution

Assets

$9.5M

Total assets providing a sustainable charitable resource for our community

By the Numbers

Financially audited and compiled data from our most recent fiscal year.

For a full report, review our Community Foundation Alliance FY22 Annual Report.

Grants

$512K

Total grants awarded to nonprofits through our annual grant cycle

Assets

$9.5M

Total assets providing a sustainable charitable resource for our city

Recent News

By Jesika Ellis 13 Dec, 2023
The Evansville Endowment Fund recently announced total grant awards of $490,732 to 23 charitable organizations. The fund’s mission is to assist nonprofit charitable organizations in Evansville. The annual grant cycle began in June 2023. The Evansville Endowment Fund grants committee awards grants through a competitive application and review process. Grants are specifically awarded for capital improvement projects and 60% of annual grants are required to be distributed to organizations serving the 4th and 6th wards.  “Nonprofit organizations address needs within our community that might go unnoticed or unrecognized,” said board president, Amber Rascoe. “Evansville Endowment Fund awards local nonprofits funding for a variety of projects to help them serve our community better. Congratulations to this year’s recipients! I encourage all nonprofits to go to our website to get more information about how they can apply next year.” This year’s grant recipients are: · Albion Fellows Bacon Center to assist with the repair of the sidewalk on Judson and Mulberry Streets to provide safety and accessibility for clients, staff, visitors, and neighbors; · Boys and Girls Club of Evansville for installation of outdoor sensory playground equipment; · Buffalo Trace Council-Boy Scouts of America for capital improvements, including storefront door replacement, shelter house concrete work, interior painting, flooring replacement, and parking lot sealing and striping; · Carver Community Organization for the purchase of a range and dishwasher for the Neighborhood Center's central kitchen; · Catholic Charities Diocese of Evansville to purchase and install a video intercom, panic buttons, and additional security cameras; · Community One to assist with the renovation costs of the vacant residential property at 1212 S Kentucky Avenue; · Dream Center Evansville for the installation of an in-ground basketball goal, shaded seating areas, and playground equipment; · Easterseals Rehabilitation Center to resurface the parking lot, including asphalt, seal coating, and striping; · Evansville African-American Museum to assist with the construction of the Porter House storage garage for collections conservation and management; · Evansville Association for the Blind for a compressor, ice machine, thermostat, and repairs to the fork trucks; · Evansville Christian Life Center for the purchase and installation of three new HVAC systems for the 3rd-floor clothing resource area and the separate building that is utilized by the nonprofit, Disciples of Christ, which is a clean and sober living residential program; · Evansville Museum of Arts, History, & Science for the installation of filters on the 19 stormwater drains on the City of Evansville Parks Department property that is leased by the Museum; · Habitat for Humanity of Evansville for construction materials to build 16 homes in the Tepe Park Neighborhood; · Holly's House to assist with HVAC replacement; · JD Sheth Foundation for external façade repairs and upgrades for two homes located on Read and Oregon streets to assist low-income residents who have health issues and physical disabilities; · Koch Family Childrens Museum of Evansville to assist with energy efficiency projects, including boiler insulation, window tinting, and window glazing; · Lampion Center for the replacement of handicapped parking posts and for the purchase and installation of a backflow prevention valve for the fire prevention system; · Ozanam Family Shelter to remove and replace the flooring in 11 second-floor client rooms at the shelter; · Reitz Home Preservation Society to restore additional cast iron window enframements, wooden sashes, and exterior storm windows; · St. Vincent de Paul Society District of Evansville for the installation of an electronic outdoor sign at the food pantry; · The Gathering Church/Restore Outreach for the purchase and installation of kitchen appliances and fixtures, including an oven, dishwasher, refrigerator, ice machine, and sink to meet the needs of the community meal programs; · Tri-State Food Bank to prepare the area and lay rock to improve the northwest lot outside the receiving dock area; and · United Methodist Youth Home to re-pave the entrance to the campus and to expand the south side parking area. For more information, please visit www.evv-endowment.org .
25 May, 2023
(Evansville, Indiana) The City of Evansville Endowment Fund is excited to announce its rebranding and name change to the Evansville Endowment Fund. This strategic decision reflects the organization's commitment to accurately representing its mission and purpose within the Evansville community. For more information about this change, visit our website at www.evv-endowment.org . The Evansville Endowment Fund is now accepting Letters of Inquiry for capital projects that serve the City of Evansville. The Evansville Endowment Fund’s mission is to assist nonprofit organizations in Evansville. In 2022, the Evansville Endowment Fund awarded grants totaling over $457,000 to 16 nonprofit organizations in Evansville. Only nonprofit organizations that are recognized as tax-exempt under Internal Revenue Code sections 501(c)(3) and 509(a) will be considered for funding. Applicant organizations must serve within the city limits of Evansville, Indiana. At least 60% of grant funding will be distributed for activities to support or benefit the 4th and 6th wards of the City of Evansville. Proposals will be considered to enable nonprofit organizations to: · Acquire, construct, or renovate permanent facilities used to provide social and community-based services and activities; · Construct or renovate facilities that promote the arts, culture, and/or tourism; · Construct or renovate parks, playgrounds, and other recreational facilities that are designed for the public; · Acquire, for neighborhood revitalization, property that is blighted, appropriate for rehabilitation, or needed for the development of housing for low- to moderate-income persons; or · Supplement or replenish existing municipally operated loan programs in pursuit of new economic development opportunities. Qualified organizations are invited to submit a Letter of Inquiry by June 22, 2023, by completing the online Letter of Inquiry form. Funding guidelines, application instructions, and the link to the online grant management system can be found on the Evansville Endowment Fund’s new website at https://www.evv-endowment.org .
25 May, 2023
The City of Evansville Endowment Fund is excited to announce its rebranding and name change to the Evansville Endowment Fund. This strategic decision reflects the organization's commitment to accurately representing its mission and purpose within the Evansville community. Established in 1994 with funds generated from the proceeds of Casino Aztar, the Evansville Endowment Fund has played a vital role in supporting various initiatives in the region. However, the previous name often led to confusion, as it implied a direct affiliation with the municipal government. The new name, Evansville Endowment Fund, distinguishes the organization from the city administration, eliminating any misconceptions about its funding sources and affiliations. "We are thrilled to unveil our new name, Evansville Endowment Fund, which better reflects the essence of our organization," said Amber Rascoe, board of directors president. "While we are grateful for the initial support provided by the city of Evansville, it is important to emphasize that we are an independent endowment fund dedicated to serving the needs of our community." The name change is accompanied by a refreshed brand identity, including a new logo and visual elements that symbolize the organization's commitment to making a positive impact in Evansville. The rebranding efforts will invigorate the Evansville Endowment Fund's presence, strengthening its connection with stakeholders and attracting renewed attention from potential partners and community members. To ensure a seamless transition, the Evansville Endowment Fund will be updating its website, and other marketing materials to reflect the new name and brand identity. The Evansville Endowment Fund remains committed to its core objective of providing vital funding focused on capital projects for nonprofits serving within the city of Evansville. The rebranding serves as an opportunity to reaffirm this commitment and engage with stakeholders in a fresh and compelling manner. For more information about the Evansville Endowment Fund and its ongoing initiatives, please visit www.evv-endowment.org .
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