This Bicentennial year, the Indiana Historical Society (IHS) is recognizing a Marshall County organization for its role in upholding the state’s heritage. This week, IHS named its first-ever Heritage Support Grant recipients. The Marshall County Historical Society received a grant of $30,000 to renovate its current Sports Room.
The organization says the funding will be used to turn its current exhibit space into a bright new space that celebrates Marshall County high school sports (boys and girls) through the ages. Some of the improvements will include better lighting, a hardwood gym-style floor and the electronic capability to support greater use of digital media.
“Our goal is to become the hub for sports artifacts from all over the county. The new Marshall County Museum Sports Room exhibition, County of Champions, will be the only destination in Marshall County with a space that will uniquely connect multiple generations with a complete collection of memorabilia and images celebrating the spirit of its high school sports, past and present,” said Mindy Langdon, Mashall County Historical Society communications director.
The organization is one of 25 recognized with the first round of Heritage Support Grants, made possible by a grant from Lilly Endowment Inc. Grant funds from the Endowment are allowing IHS to award a total of $2.5 million to organizations across Indiana, in at least five cycles through 2019.
In addition to funding, organizations that apply for grants will receive unique access to coaching on grant writing and individual projects. IHS is also organizing fundraising workshops led by its experienced Local History Services (LHS) staff.
“The role of our local history heroes cannot be overstated,” said John A. Herbst, IHS president and CEO. “IHS estimates more than 900 Indiana organizations hold collections that total more than 20 million historical objects and 424,000 feet of historical documents. We are proud to support their work in communities across Indiana.”
There is still time for organizations to apply for the next cycle of Heritage Support Grants, but the deadline is fast approaching. Proposals for smaller awards of $500 to $999 are due July 1, 2016. Summary of Proposals for larger grants, $1,000 to $50,000, are also due July 1.
Eligible organizations must be incorporated as nonprofits in the state of Indiana. Organizations should be history related or propose a project that is clearly history focused. Annual budgets must be less than $300,000.
Guidelines and applications are available at www.indianahistory.org/grants. Organizations looking for more information can also call IHS at (317) 232-1882.
About Lilly Endowment Inc.
Lilly Endowment is an Indianapolis-based private philanthropic foundation created in 1937 by three members of the Lilly family through gifts of stock in their pharmaceutical business, Eli Lilly and Company. Gifts of stock in the company remain the financial bedrock of the Endowment, which is, however, a separate entity from the company, with a distinct governing board, staff and location. In keeping with the wishes of the founders, the Endowment exists to support the causes of community development, education and religion.
About the Indiana Historical Society
Since 1830, the Indiana Historical Society has been Indiana’s Storyteller™, connecting people to the past by collecting, preserving and sharing the state’s history. A private, nonprofit membership organization, IHS maintains the nation’s premier research library and archives on the history of Indiana and the Old Northwest and presents a unique set of visitor experiences called the Indiana Experience. IHS also provides support and assistance to local museums and historical groups; publishes books and periodicals; sponsors teacher workshops; produces and hosts art exhibitions, museum theater and outside performance groups; and provides youth, adult and family programs. IHS is a Smithsonian Affiliate and a member of the International Coalition of Sites of Conscience.
