Brazil – The Wabash Valley Community Foundation recently awarded a $5,000 grant from its Community Builders Institute to the Clay County Historical Society.
In 2022, the Community Foundation implemented the Clay County Community Builders Institute to address “Quality of Life Placemaking.” This Institute was designed to encourage interactions between Clay County residents by marketing the county’s assets. Community teams were formed, with six tours serving the communities of Poland/Bowling Green, Center Point, Staunton, Cory, Brazil and Clay City. At each tour, participants were able to interact in-depth with the people at the heart of their towns. Each community team participating in the Institute received a $5,000 grant from the Community Foundation to support the individuals, families and businesses in their towns. It was the decision of each team how they wished to use the grant for the betterment of their communities.
The Brazil community team consisted of Olivia Morgan, Natalie Korniak, Josh Alsip and Jim Tribble. This past Friday, the first Community Builders grant was awarded to the Clay County Historical Society to tint the large south windows and the west windows of the museum to prevent sun damage to the artifacts and woodwork.
“We very much appreciate receiving this grant to be able to tint these massive windows to reduce the amount of sunlight that filters in, to help preserve not only our artifacts but to prevent the beautiful original woodwork from fading and to help with cooling in the summer,” said Vickie Mace, Clay County Historical Society President. “This has been a much-needed improvement to help maintain our building and we [are very thankful].”
Supportive connections are formed when people are involved in their community, resulting in thriving and prosperous towns. The Wabash Valley Community Foundation and the participants in the Community Builders Institute are continuously working together for the betterment of not only the communities of Clay County, but for individuals, families and neighbors alike, helping to create a better tomorrow.
The Community Builders Institute is open to the public. Anyone interested in volunteerism, philanthropy, or even just in their community is encouraged to participate in 2023. If you are interested in participating in the Community Builders Institute, please contact Jonathan Eilbracht at jonathan@wvcf.org or 812-232-2234.
The Wabash Valley Community Foundation is a tax-exempt public charity created by
and for the people in Clay, Sullivan and Vigo counties. The Community Foundation
enables people with philanthropic interests to easily and effectively support the
organizations and issues they care about – immediately or through their estate plans.
Individuals, families, businesses and organizations may give to existing funds or
establish a charitable fund at the Community Foundation by contributing a variety of
assets. For more information on the Community Foundation, please contact
812.232.2234 or visit www.wvcf.org.