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Mission
It is the mission of the Community Foundation of Whitley County to inspire philanthropy, enrich community, and serve donors by creating an enduring source of charitable assets.
History of the Foundation
Where we’ve been. Where we’re going.
In 1991, local community leaders shared a powerful vision. They understood the strength of endowed philanthropy and believed that through the creation of a local community foundation, endowment funds could be established and nurtured to meet the changing needs of our area.
Today we manage an endowed asset base of over $25 million. We use this asset base to award grants to local nonprofit organizations that provide a range of services throughout Whitley County. Watch the video to see how even a small donation from you can help make our community a better place to live.
2023 Board Members
Don Armstrong
Michelle Burch
Matt Dahms
Gary Dillon
Kathy Heuer
Todd Jones
Joe Kessie
Marcia McNagny
Sam St. Clair
Gloria Smith
Paula Worden
Jacie Worrick

September McConnell
Chief Executive Officer
Contact Areas: Donor Relations, Planned Giving, Community Development, Media Spokesperson, Grants

Vanessa Bills
Chief Operating Officer
Contact Areas: Anything Financial, Fund Statements, Accounts Payable, Donations

Brooks Walker
Program Officer
Contact Areas: Grants Administration and Youth Philanthropy
Forms and Statements
Top 10 Reasons to Give
Consider the reason why over 1,500 donors each year choose to make their charitable contributions through the Community Foundation.
New Endowment Fund to Support the Dennis & Judith Hudson Commitment of the Heart Award
The Dennis and Judith Hudson Commitment of the Heart Award Fund was created in memory of Dennis Hudson (who passed away in 2019) and in honor of his wife Judy, to recognize a direct support professional working with individuals with intellectual and developmental disabilities in Whitley County. It will be presented once a year at the annual meeting of Passages, Inc.
Nominations may be made by anyone who has witnessed a care provider/direct support professional who goes above and beyond for their clients showing love, compassion and patience. These characteristics mirror the qualities Denny Hudson demonstrated in his commitment to caring for his family.
Criteria for Award Selection:
The individual has been with Passages, Inc. or working with individuals with intellectual, developmental or physical disabilities in Whitley County for at least one year; an individual may only receive the award one time; the Community Foundation will keep an on-going list of winners.