Environmental Impact
Environmental Impact
The Environmental Impact Fund supports projects with positive environmental impact in Muncie and Delaware County beginning in 2025. This new fund, established by The Community Foundation’s Board of Directors, focuses on protecting local natural resources. By supporting the conservation and preservation of land, water, and wildlife, the Environmental Impact Fund is ensuring the quality of life in the community today, tomorrow, and always.
“By conserving and enhancing our land, waterways, and ecosystems, we’re ensuring that future generations will enjoy the beauty and resources that make our community special. The Environmental Impact Fund is an investment in the natural heritage of Muncie and Delaware County,” said Sara Shade Hamilton, Community Foundation board member, current grants committee chair, and former member of the Land Conservation Fund.
Nonprofits in and serving Delaware County residents can apply for funding through the Community Grants program, which will be paired with projects that fit its purpose. These might include soil and water conservation, trail development, land conservation and preservation, recreation opportunities development, natural resource use and reuse, safe and clear water, and more. Funds from the Environmental Impact Fund will also be available to serve as matching funds for land acquisition related to preservation or conservation when state and federal funding is available.
“By conserving and enhancing our land, waterways, and ecosystems, we’re ensuring that future generations will enjoy the beauty and resources that make our community special.”
The Environmental Impact Fund is an evolution of the Land Conservation Fund and its associated grant program. It was established in 2013 to complement the State of Indiana’s Bicentennial Nature Trust and support land purchase for conservation in and around Delaware County. Over 11 years, more than $800,000 was awarded from the Land Conservation Fund to support 12 projects protecting land in and around Delaware County.
To ensure grantmaking from the Environmental Impact Fund in its first year, The Community Foundation was awarded a $75,000 grant from Ball Brothers Foundation. Additionally, the first $10,000 in gifts from individual donors will be matched $1 for $1.
Make a Difference
Caring, giving donors are key to developing an enduring source of charitable assets to benefit our community today, tomorrow, and always.