Cass County Community Foundation

05/21/2026

CASS COUNTY COMMUNITY FOUNDATION
ANNOUNCES $240,000 AVAILABLE FOR COMPETITIVE GRANTS FOR LOCAL NON-PROFITS

The Cass County Community Foundation Board of Directors is excited to announce that the funds available for community grants to Cass County non-profits during the 2026 grant cycle is a record high. CCCF President Deanna Crispen announced that the Foundation has made up to $240,000 available for this year’s grant cycle. When making the announcement, Crispen stated, “As we look back, the impact of our grantmaking can be witnessed throughout the county and the lives we have changed and improved make us a better community for all. We have continued to enjoy substantial growth over the last thirty plus years, increasing our grant money from approximately $19,000 just 22 years ago to $240,000 this year. Our board has continued to work diligently to grow our funds so that every year we can offer more money back to the community for important projects. This year’s pool of $240,000 is an increase over 2025 and the twenty-first consecutive year that the Foundation has increased the amount available.”

Thanks to generous donations from Cass County citizens, as well as effective stewardship and fiscal management of unrestricted funds, CCCF has continued to consistently meet the community’s needs through awarding grants. Non-profit, 501(c) (3) organizations serving Cass County are encouraged to apply for funding for projects which benefit the community and improve the quality of life in Cass County.

A free grant-writing workshop was held Wednesday May 20, 2026, at the Cass County Community Foundation building. Workshop attendance is not a requirement to apply for a grant.

Guidelines and instructions may be picked up at the CCCF office, 729 E. Market Street, downtown Logansport, or downloaded from the Foundation website (www.casscountycf.org). The documents are located under the publications tab. The deadline to return the completed letter of intent materials for competitive grants or opportunity grant requests is June 19, 2026.

For information about the application process, contact the CCCF office at 574-722-2200

05/19/2026

We are happy to once again host lunch immediately following the Memorial Day Parade in Logansport on Monday May 25th for all veterans participating in the parade as well as law enforcement and firemen. The luncheon will be held in the new Pavilion at 401 E. Market Street. This event is free for veterans and their families who have served our country and those serving to keep our community safe. Please call 574-722-2200 for details. See less

05/15/2026

CCCF AWARDS ELIZABETH A. BILLMAN
EXCELLENCE IN TEACHING AWARD
TO CARLEE BLACKBURN

The Cass County Community Foundation today announced Carlee Blackburn as the 2026 recipient of the “Elizabeth A. Billman Excellence in Teaching Award” during a program at Columbia Elementary School.

Deanna Crispen, CCCF President & CEO made the announcement and commended Blackburn for her dedication to her students and their families, ability to create an equitable learning environment, passion for teaching and community. Crispen said, “Elizabeth Billman was an educator, administrator, mentor and role model for young women and teachers. When we thought about ways to honor her legacy, this award, to encourage teachers early in their careers, was the result and we know Liz would be proud we are continuing her legacy through the award.

Blackburn, who teaches second grade at Columbia was nominated by her Principal, Kellie Pearson who said of her, “Carlee’s greatest strength is her ability to build meaningful, transformative connections. She excels at forming genuine connections with her students, taking the time to understand their backgrounds, their families, and what inspires them to learn. She creates a warm and welcoming classroom environment where all students feel valued and supported. Her thoughtful approach to bilingual education fosters fluency, confidence, and pride in her students' bilingual abilities, helping them thrive academically and personally. Her ability to nurture a love for reading and writing in both languages is nothing short of remarkable.”

Carlee has just completed her third year as an educator at Columbia. She is highly respected by her colleagues, parents, and students for excellence in the classroom and servant’s heart. Her colleagues note she consistently goes above and beyond to support both students and fellow educators.

The Excellence in Teaching Award was established in 2021to honor the long legacy of Billman. Elizabeth had served faithfully on the Board of Directors of the Cass County Community Foundation for a period of 16 years, serving two terms as Chairman of the Board of Directors and was on the Board of Directors at the time of her passing.

Mrs. Billman retired as principal at Thompson Elementary School, now known as Lewis Cass Elementary. She also taught in the Southeastern School Corporation, beginning her teaching career at Washington Township School. She was a member of the Lewis Cass Alumni Association where she received the Distinguished Service Award. Liz served in the Southeastern School Corporation for 38 years.

Blackburn was selected for the award from a pool of nominees submitted by elementary building principals of grades K-6 from all county schools, who most exemplify Elizabeth’s commitment to the students under her care, as well as embodies her thirst for knowledge, learning, and commitment to community service. She is the fifth recipient of the annual award.

The award consists of a $500 stipend for the teacher for their classroom and a commemorative plaque. A permanent plaque is on display at the CCCF Office to honor each year’s recipient.

05/11/2026

CASS COUNTY COMMUNITY FOUNDATION
ANNOUNCES GRANTS WORKSHOP MAY 20th
FOR LOCAL NON-PROFITS

A FREE workshop for local nonprofits seeking CCCF Grants will be held at 5:00 p.m. on Wednesday, May 20th at the Cass County Community Foundation building, 729 E. Market Street and will last less than one hour. The workshop is free and will discuss changes for organizations wishing to apply for the 2026 Grants. The Opportunity Grants Program designed to accommodate grant requests of less than $5,000 will also be discussed with program guidelines and deadlines for submission.

Deanna Crispen. CCCF president & CEO stressed that, “we are urging all non-profit organizations who intend to apply for either program to have a representative at the workshop. While attendance is not mandatory, those attending will learn about the application process which we hope will result in a more complete application and better results for our nonprofits. We will also announce the amount of funding available at this workshop.”

Space is limited so those planning to attend must call CCCF at 574-722-2200 for reservations.

Grant applications and instructions may be picked up at the CCCF office, 729 E. Market Street, downtown Logansport, or downloaded from the Foundation website (www.casscountycf.org) after the workshop.

For information about the application process, contact the CCCF office at 574-722-2200.

05/07/2026

VOLUNTEERS ARE NEEDED!!!
THIS SATURDAY, MAY 9, 2026--- 9-NOON
To walk the cemetery and place flags on veteran's graves in Mount Hope Cemetery. This is a great community service project for students and adults! You will leave feeling humbled and grateful for the veterans of our community who served our great nation!

04/25/2026

Today, we say goodbye to our Beloved Boilermaker and former CCCF Board Member, Dan Layman. We cherish the time he gave to us to make our community a better place for all.

Celebrate the life of Daniel James "Dan" Layman and join others in sharing memories, stories, and condolences.

04/20/2026

What is an incubator kitchen?

In short, it’s a shared commercial kitchen designed to help food and beverage entrepreneurs take their business ideas from recipe to reality!

To learn more about updates, tours, events, rentals, and ways to get involved, follow The Kitchen and Pavilion Logansport on social media!

Facebook: The Kitchen & Pavilion Logansport
Instagram:

04/17/2026

The incubator and demonstration kitchens will be known as "The Kitchen"

04/17/2026

We are so excited to share the new logos and information about our downtown Logansport project.

This space is a place where everyone belongs and will be used for cultural festivals, celebrations, concerts, and of course it will provide a home for the Logansport Farmers Market.

The space is equipped with plenty of water, electricity, shelter from the weather, restrooms and radiant heat for cooler months.

It is also next door to the new Kitchen where entrepreneurs and home cooks can grow their food businesses.

PRESS RELEASE

Cass County Community Foundation Unveils Names and Logos for Exciting New Downtown Logansport Project

LOGANSPORT, Ind. — The Cass County Community Foundation (CCCF) is proud to share an exciting milestone in its downtown Logansport initiative: the unveiling of the project’s official names and logos. Designed to bring people together, increase access to healthy food, and support local entrepreneurs, this transformational effort is quickly coming to life.

The project’s open-air gathering space will be known as “The Pavilion,” while the shared commercial kitchen and business incubator will be called “The Kitchen.” Together, these spaces reflect a vision centered on connection, creativity, and community growth.

“This branding truly brings our vision to life,” said Deanna Crispen, president and CEO of CCCF. “These are spaces where neighbors connect, ideas take shape, and our community comes together around food, culture, and opportunity.”

Supported by the Lilly GIFT VIII program, the initiative is part of a broader effort to create a vibrant and welcoming destination in the heart of Logansport. The project includes three interconnected elements:

• A welcoming, open-air pavilion that will serve as home for the Logansport Farmers Market
• A shared commercial kitchen and business incubator to nurture food-based entrepreneurs
• Urban land dedicated to growing fresh, local food within the city

Together, these efforts aim to address important community needs like access to healthy food, economic opportunity, and overall well-being while also celebrating the rich cultural diversity that makes Logansport unique.

The new branding was developed with input from community members and in partnership with Second Street Creative, ensuring the identity reflects both the heart of the community and the project’s long-term vision.

“This is about so much more than a market or a kitchen,” said Ryan Bolhuis, executive director of culinary education and entrepreneurship. “It is about creating a place where relationships grow, partnerships form, and new ideas are welcomed and supported. This project belongs to the community, and we are building it together.”

Since early 2025, the project has taken shape through collaboration with partners including Steinberger Construction, KJG Architecture, and a dedicated local planning committee. Culinary programming will be led by Chef Ryan Bolhuis, further establishing the site as a hub for food, education, innovation, and entrepreneurship.

CCCF is also working closely with the City of Logansport, the Logansport Redevelopment Commission, and other local partners to bring this shared vision to life.

Construction is expected to be completed by April 2026, with programming to follow soon after. CCCF warmly invites community members to follow the project’s progress and be part of this exciting new chapter for downtown Logansport.

For more information and updates, visit www.casscountycf.org
or contact Ryan Bolhuis at [email protected].

04/14/2026

Governor Braun toured our new Pavilion and Incubator kitchens this afternoon and was impressed with all the changes and activity in our community.