GREENFIELD — The White Family Foundation, a fund of the Community Foundation of Hancock County, recently awarded grants totaling $50,000 to 10 non-profit organizations in the local community.
For the past 12 years two generations of the White family have been doling out grants throughout Hancock and Henry counties, where the family calls home.
This year’s $50,000 grant giveaway was made possible through a match program through Pride Investment Partners, the White family’s primary business interest located in Greenfield.
Pride is owned by siblings Keith White and Stephanie White-Longworth, and holds investments in a variety of areas throughout the Midwest including hotels, strip centers, and retail stores; as well as residential and commercial real estate. Their latest ventures include McCord Square and Leo’s Market & Eatery, the latter of which has locations in Greenfield, Noblesville, McCordsville and Indianapolis, and will soon expand to Lafayette.
White-Longworth said her family remains steadfast in their commitment to philanthropy, ensuring a positive influence on the communities in which they reside and where their businesses operate.
“We believe in giving back to the communities that support us. It’s not just something we promise to do; it’s at the heart of what we stand for,” she said.
The recipients of this year’s grants serve the community in a wide variety of ways.
The biggest chunk of grant funding went to the Cary Center in Knightstown, a community center which received $10,000 in funding. The center serves as a welcoming space for people of all ages and backgrounds, and distributes food, winter coats, school supplies and other items to those in need.
and its volunteers are dedicated to serving the community by providing a safe and welcoming space for people of all ages and background.
The second biggest grant went to the Sexual Assault Nurse Examiner (SANE) program offered through Hancock Health, which received an $8,200 grant.
The White Foundation also granted $7,500 to the Knightstown Public Library.
Other recipients include Meals on Wheels of Hancock County, Nameless Creek Camp, the Shirley Police Department and Servants at Work (SAWs), a faith-based nonprofit which constructs residential ramps for low-income, permanently disabled individuals./
through the construction of wheelchair ramps to the exterior of the homes
The Shirley Police Department and Center Township also received grants, in addition to two animal-based nonprofits – Bentley’s Buddies & Friends and Agape Therapeutic Riding Resources.
Nickie Scott, director of Bentley’s Buddies, said the literacy-based nonprofit will use the grant to fund a children’s camp over fall break this year.
“I think it’s amazing how they support the community,” Scott said of the White family.
“We didn’t get to hold our summer camp this year (due to an office relocation), so this funding will help us be able to offer a four-day camp over fall break,” she said. Children will focus on four different books throughout the week and read them alongside canine companions.
