Heritage Fund : The Community Foundation of Bartholomew County

James A. Henderson
Award for Fund-Raising

2008 Nomination Form

Background

James A. (Jim) Henderson played a key role in the formation of the Heritage Fund – the Community Foundation of Bartholomew County. Jim has been an active community leader for years as well as serving as President and later CEO and Chairman of Cummins Inc.

Jim served on the original Heritage Fund Board and co-chaired the first major capital campaign in the 1980s that raised over three million dollars for the foundation. He rejoined the Heritage Fund Board in 2000 and served as Development Committee Chair until 2004. Under his leadership, the foundation's endowment doubled in size. Most recently, Jim led the effort to raise two million dollars in local gifts to leverage a two million dollar grant from Lilly Endowment. Heritage Fund was one of only 12 foundations in the state to be successful in this effort known as GIFT V.

In recognition of Jim's leadership, vision and energy in building the assets of the Heritage Fund and in appreciation for his efforts which have enabled our community foundation to respond more fully to the community's changing needs, the Heritage Fund Board has created the James A. Henderson Award for Fund-Raising.

This award recognizes the invaluable role volunteer fund-raisers play in advancing the quality of life within Bartholomew County.

Past Recipients

2004 Dr. Daly Walker – Hospice
Nominated by Hospice of South Central Indiana

Doug Leonard, President and CEO of Columbus Regional Hospital wrote, “Daly stepped out of retirement to provide leadership to this campaign because of his commitment to hospice services for people in south central Indiana. Daly was tireless in his efforts and very creative in his approach.” Daly’s leadership helped raise nearly $4.9 million for the construction of the new Hospice Center.

2005 John McCauley – Columbus Park Foundation People Trail
Nominated by Columbus Park Foundation

John was nominated for his work for the Tour de Trails annual fundraiser. In his nomination form Chuck Wilt wrote, “John raises this money by soliciting individual contributions. He does this on his own time and under his own power (his motorized wheelchair). To my knowledge, I have yet to meet someone who has NOT been asked to donate to our cause by John personally.” Columbus lost one of it’s great champions when John passed away on October 20, 2007.

2006 Student organizers for the Turning Point Dance Marathon
Nominated by Turning Point Domestic Violence Services

This group achieved a 200% increase in fundraising and more importantly a 450% increase in the number of students attending between 2004 and 2006. Their personal dedication and involvement in striving to break the cycle of violence for families in Bartholomew County is unprecedented. This group raised over $61,000 in donations.

2007 Laurie Booher and Amy Leinhoop for Freedom Field
Nominated by Columbus Service League

Special needs children had no place to play and these two women set out to fill the need. They were able to raise over $500,000 to make this dream and reality. According to CSL President Tamara Kiel, “As a result of Laurie and Amy’s efforts, …people are coming from near and far to experience it. And it’s uniqueness in size, quality and design has won several national awards.” Thanks to these two community volunteers everyone has a place to play in Columbus.

Specifics

Not-for-profit organizations in Bartholomew County are invited to nominate volunteers who have performed outstanding fund-raising for their organizations.

A committee will review the nominations and select the person to be honored. The committee will consider such criteria as innovation, sustainability, creativity, effectiveness, effort, ability to engage others, outreach to new donors, etc. Generally the amount raised will not be a major factor in the scoring. Efforts will be made to recognize "unsung heroes" in fund-raising.

The successful nominee will be recognized at the Heritage Fund's Annual Report to the Community. He/she will receive a small gift and the nominating organization will receive a $2,500 grant in honor of the winner.

 

Top of page