[Congressional Record (Bound Edition), Volume 160 (2014), Part 11]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page 16236]
[From the U.S. Government Publishing Office, www.gpo.gov]




                     2014 COMMUNITY FOUNDATION WEEK

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                          HON. JACKIE WALORSKI

                               of indiana

                    in the house of representatives

                      Thursday, November 20, 2014

  Mrs. WALORSKI. Mr. Speaker, community foundations epitomize the 
philanthropic culture of the United States. Established in 1989, 
Community Foundation Week takes place from November 12-18th annually 
and honors the tremendous contributions of community foundations across 
our country. They hold a unique place in American society and provide 
hope and opportunity to millions of Americans. One hundred years ago, 
the world's first community foundation was established in Cleveland, 
Ohio. Since then more than 700 community foundations have been created 
in America inspiring millions of Americans to give back to this great 
country with their time, talent and treasure. Today, I would like to 
recognize the work of Indiana's community foundations that operate 
under the definitions supported by the National Standards for Community 
Foundations. Indiana is blessed to have a community foundation in every 
county, including 10 in my district: Unity Foundation of LaPorte 
County; Starke County Community Foundation; Community Foundation of St. 
Joseph County; Elkhart County Community Foundation; Kosciusko County 
Community Foundation; Marshall County Community Foundation; Pulaski 
County Community Foundation; Fulton County Community Foundation; Miami 
County Community Foundation; and Community Foundation of Wabash County.
  These foundations are a model for how philanthropy can inspire 
communities to come together in support of a common cause. In Marshall 
County, the Community Foundation, United Way, and economic development 
leaders are working together to address challenges and opportunities 
for economic growth such as the need for a more highly skilled 
workforce. Community conversations spearheaded by these organizations 
brought together local units of government, educators, private sector 
partners and nonprofit organizations and laid the groundwork for 
becoming a model region for Project Lead The Way. It was through this 
type of partnership that a $4.4 million matching grant pilot program 
was launched in 2014 that provides all K-12 schools, both public and 
private, in a five-county area with the opportunity to implement 
Project Lead The Way's rigorous, world-class STEM programs in science, 
technology, engineering, and math. In addition to providing every 
student with access to PLTW, the project will help develop a robust 
talent pipeline for businesses and industries.
  This is just one example of the extraordinary work of place-based 
philanthropy in local communities throughout the country. The spirit of 
generosity embodied by over 700 U.S.-based community foundations is a 
core American value. This week, I am honored to recognize these 
community foundations for their outstanding efforts.

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