In 1990, Lilly Endowment launched an initiative to strengthen the state�s existing community foundations and encourage the founding of new ones. The goal of the initiative, called GIFT (Giving Indiana Funds for Tomorrow) was to help Indiana communities establish a lasting legacy of self-reliance for addressing local problems. To date, the results of GIFT are impressive and appear on track with this goal. During the next decade, the number of community foundations and affiliates in Indiana grew from approximately a dozen to more than 90, and their assets from approximately $100 million to over $1 billion. Indiana has become a recognized leader in the field and home to one of the country�s largest concentrations of community foundations � a true testament to the energy and dedication of Indiana�s citizens.

The Community Foundations that participate in the GIFT program vary in size and shape. The oldest foundation was begun in 1951 with most being 3 � 10 years old and the newest was founded in 2000. The Huntingburg Foundation incorporated in 1977 and in 2002 will celebrate its 25^th anniversary at its June Gala.

The Huntingburg Foundation�s intended mission when begun was the preservation of the city of Huntingburg�s first municipal building, the Old Town Hall on Geiger Street. For more than a decade concerned citizens worked at restoring the historic structure and listing it on the National Register of Historic Places.

At approximately the same time as the building was being rededicated, Lilly announced its GIFT program. The Board of Directors of the Huntingburg Foundation realized that the Foundation could expand on its mission and do much towards the enhancement of the quality of life for the residents of Dubois County. Therefore, in 1991 it participated in Lilly�s GIFT Phase I, becoming one of the first community foundations to join a network of organizations committed to building their communities, assessing and prioritizing local needs, and mobilizing community support to address those needs.