Recent Accomplishments

In mid-2005, The Foundation embarked on a mission to become self-sufficient by January 2011. The creation of a Strategic Resource Development Plan to reach the goal of self-sufficiency was also a grant proposal for the Lilly Endowment initiative “Sustaining Resource Development”(SRD) Grant Program. The Foundation’s plan/grant proposal was successful and DCF received a $250,000 Lilly grant in late 2005. The SRD grant monies are to be used specifically for a three-year Resource Development budget outlined in the Foundation’s successful plan/grant proposal submitted to Lilly Endowment.

Also in 2005, the Foundation successfully garnered a $750,000 CAPE III grant form Lilly Endowment to establish school-based programs targeting at-risk students and their families.

The Community Alliances to Promote Education (CAPE) grant will allow Dearborn County schools to implement a two-part program called “Project Connect.” The first component is aimed at increasing attendance rates by hiring one “Connect Counselor” for each school corporation.

In January 2006, the counselors began working with students that have multiple absences and develop action plans to address the relevant issues. Through the program, educators can identify other resources and services available to families and students. The second component of Project Connect is an after-school tutoring program called “Homework Connection” established at 11 schools in the county in August 2006. The tutoring program assists at-risk students in completing their homework and succeeding in school. The tutoring program is an extension of an existing program at Lawrenceburg High School.