Awards

IU Indianapolis Spirit of Philanthropy Award - 2024

IU Indianapolis Spirit of Philanthropy Award - 2009

About Heritage Fund

In 1976, the Heritage Fund of Bartholomew County, Inc. was created as the final act of the Columbus/Bartholomew Centennial Corporation. Bicentennial commissions across the nation were charged by President Ford to establish projects which would have lasting impact. The Columbus/Bartholomew Bicentennial Corporation’s board of directors agreed with this objective and established the Heritage Fund as a community foundation to encourage “continued community giving, support and leadership as a memorial to those of the past and the present who have done so much.” The Fund provides responsible stewardship of gifts donated for broad charitable purposes and leadership to address community issues; serves as a catalyst for positive change in partnership with others; and promotes philanthropy broadly within the community. IUPUC is proud to be a partner of the Heritage Fund.

In 2009, IUPUC recognized the Heritage Fund and President and CEO Sherry Stark for their philanthropic support. They were instrumental in gaining a grant from the Lilly Endowment to fund Economic Opportunity 2015 (EcO15), which focuses on improving educational opportunities in the career fields that drive regional economies. Within EcO15 came additional support for development of the Bachelor of Science in Nursing program at IUPUC. The IUPUC Center for Teaching and Learning was funded by a Lilly Endowment CAPE grant that was also facilitated by the Heritage Fund. The center offers professional development opportunities and expanded programming for higher education.