Heritage Fund : The Community Foundation of Bartholomew County

Community Impact – Bridge Grant Program

The Bridge Grant program was an overwhelming success and provided a life-line for the thirteen not-for-profit organizations that received grant support. The program positively impacted the financial stability of all recipients.

Heritage Fund generally does not provide funding for operational support but created the special program to provide temporary support for organizations to help them through the economic recession.

The Bridge Grant program enabled grantees to combat an increased demand for service while dealing with a decrease in revenue. By proactively addressing the effects of the economy, the community foundation helped nonprofits to retain staff, maintain programs, and serve new and existing clients. Now these organizations which serve families, seniors and youth within Bartholomew County are back on solid ground. Eleven of the grantees reported that they were able to complete the 2010 financial year with balanced operational budgets.

Bridge Grants ranging from $3,000 - $25,000 were awarded to the following organizations:
• Columbus Area Arts Council (CAAC)
• Columbus Indiana Philharmonic
• Community Center of Hope
• Eastside Community Center
• First Call for Help
• Foundation For Youth
• Human Services/Horizon House
• Kidscommons
• Lincoln Central Neighborhood Family Center
• Mill Race Center Inc. (Senior Center)
• Su Casa
• Turning Point Domestic Violence Shelter
• Volunteers in Medicine (VIM)

During Heritage Fund’s Annual Meeting Keith Weedman, Executive Director of Volunteers in Medicine, spoke about the impact of the Bridge Grant on VIM. Prior to receiving the award the VIM had made cuts in its operating budget, including personnel and had tapped into operational reserves.

The need for further reductions including the possibility of a reduction in services was very real in 2010 when VIM was awarded a Bridge Grant. The Bridge grant enabled VIM to continue providing critical healthcare services without further reductions. VIM was able to maintain clinic hours and maintain the same level of accessibility to the public.
The Bridge Grant enabled VIM to reduce further depletion of cash reserves to balance the budget and avoid further reduction in staffing.

The following quote from Rebekah Walsh, Interim Executive Director- Columbus Area Arts Council also highlights the impact of the Bridge Program:

The Columbus Area Arts Council is so thankful that we have had the opportunity to receive a Bridge Grant from Heritage Fund. The grant was used to replace funds lost by State funding and local funding, helping to replace current payroll expenses and performance expenses. Due to our receiving this grant we were not forced to lay off any personnel or cancel any of the First Fridays for Family’s performances. The Bridge Grant allowed time for the Arts Council to find new sources for the programming funds and we continue to apply for operating grants and reduce operational expenses.