Heritage Fund
The Community Foundation of Bartholomew County
Areas of Initiative
It is the intent of the Heritage Fund Board of Directors to use the Foundation’s resources, in the broadest sense, to enhance the quality of life in our community by focusing on the areas of initiative, as adopted at the November 2012 Board of Directors meeting.
Heritage Fund Area of Initiative
Learning Systems
Working with all educational partners, support efforts to create seamless learning system pathways in Bartholomew County and across the region that ensure access for all residents, offer programs aligned with workforce requirements and promote degree attainment.
• Support collaborative efforts among post-secondary institutions led by the Community Education Coalition
• Promote efforts to provide pre-K access and options for all 4 year olds
• Support work of EcO15 in the region by working with other community foundations and community groups
• Encourage educational innovation at all levels and within both public and private institutions
• Align Heritage Fund scholarship program with community learning objectives
Heritage Fund Area of Initiative
Welcoming Community
Provide the leadership focus to promote, educate and nurture efforts to engage all people in the community and an appreciation of the richness that diversity brings to the community.
• Encourage initiatives in the community that seek to include all members of the community
• Promote understanding of and respect for differences
• Build social capital by bringing people together of different cultures, abilities, socio-economic levels, ages and lifestyles for a common purpose.
Heritage Fund Area of Initiative
Economic Growth
Facilitate efforts to advance economic growth in Bartholomew County, with special efforts focused on downtown vitality, community pride and continuing the unique quality of life enjoyed by residents.
• Working with partners such as the Economic Development Board, Columbus and Hope Area chambers of commerce, Columbus Area Economic Growth Council, City and County Governments and other groups where appropriate
• Support arts and cultural efforts that add vibrancy to the community
• Encourage efforts to enliven downtown areas (Columbus and Hope)
Heritage Fund Area of Initiative
Bridging the Economic Gap
Build bridges to ensure that all people, regardless of economic backgrounds, can participate in community life. Promote access to programs that encourage self-sufficiency, strong and proud neighborhoods and other efforts to help those in our community who need a hand up.
• Working with not for profit organizations to encourage outreach efforts that enable people to attain independence and self sufficiency
• Support not for profit sustainability and capacity building
• Encourage programs and initiatives that bring together people of various socio-economic status to build strong and proud neighborhoods