"The Johnson County Community Foundation is committed to making a difference in the community, and our most recent financial numbers demonstrate how much progress we've made in fulfilling that promise. We're grateful to our generous donors, community partners and supporters for helping us drive change and empower those who need it most," says Kim Kasting, JCCF president and CEO.
Under her direction, the Foundation manages more than 370 funds and $47 million in assets.
Previously, Kim served the Foundation as vice president of development and director of grants and scholarships. She directed asset development strategies, donor services activities and managed the Color the County mural program.
She says 2024 was an exceptional year of growth and community impact for the Foundation.
Evidence points toward JCCF ending the year with total assets of $50 million, reflecting the organization's stability and capacity to support important causes. Key highlights of 2024 achievements include:
- Contributions and Gifts: JCCF received 808 gifts, with 574 unduplicated donors, totaling an impressive $4,669,639 in contributions.
- Community Support: The organization is proud to partner with 20 community organizations, providing $67,500 in support through community partnerships.
- Circle of Friends Program: The program has made a significant impact, with 169 gifts totaling $60,345, further supporting our mission to create lasting change.
- Grants: In total, 406 grants were awarded, amounting to $2,232,375, all aimed at improving lives in the community.
- Scholarships: JCCF supporters continue to empower students through scholarship programs. 178 scholarships were awarded in 2024, totaling $810,976, providing invaluable opportunities for education and personal development.
- Grants and Scholarships Combined: The total amount of grants and scholarships awarded this year was $3,134,351, further solidifying JCCF's commitment to positive community impact.
- Active Funds: The organization now manages 387 active funds, with 17 new funds opened last year, underscoring continued growth and engagement from donors and supporters.
Kim is a lifelong Johnson County resident who earned a bachelor's degree from Purdue University. She's active in community organizations, including Leadership Johnson County (2008 graduate), Franklin Development Corporation (president), Franklin Education Connection and Franklin Rotary (past president).
JCCF Receives National Accreditation With Rigorous Philanthropic Standards
This year, JCCF received accreditation from Community Foundations National Standards, the nation’s highest standard for philanthropic excellence. This accreditation program establishes legal, ethical, effective practices for community foundations throughout the United States.
“Meeting the National Standards benchmarks is a rigorous, comprehensive process,” says Susie Nelson, board chair of National Standards. “This accreditation is a significant accomplishment that indicates the Johnson County Community Foundation demonstrates a commitment to transparency, quality, integrity and accountability as it carries out its mission.”
Designed to provide quality assurance to donors, as well as to legal and financial advisers, the Washington, D.C.-headquartered Community Foundations National Standards program requires community foundations to document their policies for donor services, investments, grantmaking and administration.
“This (accreditation designation) is critically important to our donors,” says Kim. “When people make a charitable bequest or establish a fund, they are putting their trust in us. They are counting on us to manage the investment wisely, honor their charitable wishes and, in some cases, provide lifetime income to a loved one. The National Standards accreditation says our house is in order.”
In addition to affirming the organization’s philanthropic services, the accreditation validates JCCF’s grantmaking practices for the nonprofit community.
Community Foundations National Standards is the first program of its kind for American charitable foundations. Susie says through philanthropic services, strategic investments and community leadership, the Foundation connects people who care with causes that matter, now and for generations to come. She, and the other Community Foundations National Standards Board members, are responsible for the quality, value and integrity of compliance with National Standards.
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"JCCF meets critical community needs and supports local causes, including education, agriculture, arts and culture, health services, community development and scholarships. The Foundation offers charitable funds, allowing donors to advance a range of causes."