City of Evansville Endowment Fund (CEEF) Recognizes Outgoing Board President and Elects First Woman President

August 25, 2020

During the City of Evansville Endowment Fund’s (CEEF) June board meeting Jerome Stewart (4th Ward) was recognized for his service as the outgoing board president.  "It has been a great honor to serve as president of a board that is all about community and giving back," says Stewart. 


Amber Rascoe
was elected as the first woman CEEF Board President. Rascoe has served as a board member for the past three years.  Stewart says, "Amber has been impressive during her time as a board member. She has great leadership qualities which is why the board unanimously voted for her to become our next president.” 


Rascoe currently serves on the board at WNIN, and is the board president of Joshua Academy Preschool. Rascoe currently works at German American Bank as a Community Home Loan Specialist, and has been with the company for over 11 years. 


“It has been a pleasure to serve on the CEEF board. I feel lucky to follow an excellent example of board leadership by Jerome. Thank you to the current board members for their confidence.  I’m excited to continue helping local nonprofits assist our communities through grant opportunities,” says Rascoe.  She encourages local nonprofits to visit the website to stay current with grant details
https://www.ceefindiana.org


Additional board officers elected at the meeting, for the fiscal year beginning July 1, 2020, include Vice President Alan Groves, Treasurer Jerome Stewart, and Secretary Susan Harp.  New board members elected this year include Ron Beane, Justin Elpers, and Kaitlin Moore Morley.

By Eve Baughman February 26, 2026
The Evansville Endowment Fund (EEF) recently announced total grant awards of more than $560,000 to assist 21 nonprofits in Evansville. Grants are designated for capital improvement projects, with a requirement that at least 60% of grant funding will be directed toward activities that support or benefit the city’s 4th and 6th wards. 2025 Grant Recipients $45,827 awarded to Evansville Association for the Blind to replace the HVAC unit serving the accounting and classroom areas and the adaptive technology lab $35,000 awarded to Evansville Christian Life Center for the purchase and installation of a new loading dock, stairs, overhang, and basement door $25,000 awarded to Evansville African-American Museum Inc. to construct a paved parking area for museum visitors $35,000 awarded to Evansville Museum of Arts, History, & Science to purchase and install a new chiller $20,000 awarded to ECHO Housing Corporation to support the renovation of Meena's Place transitional housing residence for women to create four shared living units $19,210 awarded to Easterseals Rehabilitation Center to replace and expand concrete surfaces at Fuquay Group Home $20,000 awarded to Community Action Program of Evansville & Vanderburgh County, Inc. to assist with renovations of the CAPE Place playground $25,000 awarded to Community One to restore two vacant, dilapidated residential properties in Evansville’s 4th Ward $15,460 awarded to Dream Center Evansville to assist with preventative maintenance on the parking lot, including crack sealing, two-coat sealcoating, restriping/markings, and installing speed bumps at key conflict points $25,000 awarded to Jacob's Village to remove and repave the deteriorated nature trail, construct a 600-foot connector loop to improve accessibility to residents’ homes, install maintenance-free benches, add native landscaping, and install handmade, weather-resistant birdhouses $20,000 awarded to JD Sheth Foundation, Inc. to remove and replace the existing fence around Caldwell Park $25,000 awarded to Junior Achievement of Southwestern Indiana to purchase and install headend equipment for storefront control at the new JA Discovery Center $15,057 awarded to Lampion Center to purchase and install automatic door openers, lower the reception counter, and widen a therapy office door $17,476 awarded to The Gathering Church/Restore Outreach to purchase a mobile, heated holding and proofing cabinet and a gas convection oven $55,974 awarded to The Arc Evansville to replace the rooftop HVAC unit $40,800 awarded to The Potter's Wheel, Inc. to replace roof of the main building $17,697 awarded to Southwestern Healthcare, Inc. to replace two HVAC units $36,000 awarded to Vanderburgh County CASA for the inspection, preparation, and resealing of all exterior doors and windows, repair of damaged glass and drainage system, and the application of weather-resistant materials to prevent further damage $35,000 awarded to Vanderburgh Humane Society, Inc. to replace two boilers $8,195 awarded to WNIN Tri-State Public Media, Inc. to repaint exterior architectural features of the WNIN building and remove a large tree obstructing a parking lot security light $25,000 awarded to YWCA of Evansville to assist with the renovation of an outdated bathroom into an ADA-compliant facility
By Eve Baughman May 9, 2025
The Evansville Endowment Fund is now accepting Letters of Inquiry for capital projects that benefit nonprofits serving within the city of Evansville. The Fund’s mission is to support nonprofit organizations serving the Evansville community. In 2024, the Fund awarded more than $505,000 in grants to 23 local nonprofits. Eligible applicants must be nonprofit organizations recognized as tax-exempt under Internal Revenue Code sections 501(c)(3) and 509(a). All proposed projects must take place within Evansville. At least 60% of grant funding will be directed toward activities that support or benefit the city’s 4th and 6th wards. Capital project proposals may include: Social and community-based organizations for the acquisition, construction, and renovation of permanent facilities used in the provision of services and activities Arts and cultural activities, the construction or renovation of facilities that promote the arts, culture, and/or tourism Recreation activities, the construction and renovation of parks, playgrounds, and other public recreational facilities that are designed for public participation Neighborhood revitalization, the acquisition of property that is blighted, appropriate for rehabilitation, or what is needed to be used for the development of housing for low to moderate-income persons Economic development projects, any project that will augment, supplement, or replenish existing municipally operated loan programs in pursuit of new economic development opportunities Qualified organizations are invited to submit a Letter of Inquiry by June 4, 2025, via the online Letter of Inquiry form.
By Eve Baughman November 26, 2024
The Evansville Endowment Fund recently announced total grant awards of more than $505,000 to assist 23 nonprofits in Evansville. Grants are designated for capital improvement projects, with a requirement that at least 60% of the annual funds be allocated to organizations serving Evansville’s Fourth and Sixth Wards. The annual grant cycle began in May. The EEF grants committee awards grants through a competitive application and review process. “Evansville Endowment Fund is excited to continue granting funds to nonprofit organizations directly serving our community,” said board president, Amber Rascoe. “This year we granted to a wide variety of exciting projects. Thank you to the grant committee and board for your time and service. Congratulations to this year’s recipients! I encourage all nonprofits to go to our website for information about how to apply next year.” 2024 Evansville Endowment Fund Grant Recipients Ark, Inc. to reroute downspout drainage underground, repair a broken water wall pipe, and construct a retention wall Carver Community Organization to remove the existing playground surface and install turf surfacing Community Action Program of Evansville & Vanderburgh County, Inc. to replace eight HVAC units at Paradise Estates Community One to secure licensed professional services for the restoration of a vacant, dilapidated residential property at 637 Jackson Avenue Dream Center Evansville to install black-galvanized steel fencing around the playground and improve the parking area fencing Evansville African-American Museum Inc. to develop and install seven new historical markers along the Baptisttown Heritage Trail Evansville Christian Life Center for the purchase and installation of new exterior doors Evansville Museum of Arts, History, & Science for the purchase and installation of twelve security cameras and software equipment Habitat for Humanity of Evansville to assist with the construction materials to build ten homes in Tepe Park and ten homes in Jacobsville neighborhoods Hydration Station to install a Hydration Station at Riverfront Park Impact Evansville to assist with the construction of Bedford Collab Lampion Center for drywall repair and painting in six bathrooms and painting in two offices Ozanam Family Shelter to purchase and install 50 windows Southwestern Healthcare, Inc. to add a drop-off parking area adjacent to the building and remove and install new landscaping St. Vincent Early Learning Center, Inc. for safety and security upgrades SWIRCA & More for the renovation of SWIRCA's current building and the construction of the new Sol and Arlene Bronstein Foundation Center The Arc Evansville to replace the mechanical component of the sliding entry door The Isaiah 1:17 Project to remodel a bathroom and kitchen to be accessible and child-friendly The Potter's Wheel, Inc. to repair, resurface, and reline the primary parking lot Tri-State Food Bank for the purchase of steel angles, angle paint, and drywall repairs Vanderburgh Humane Society, Inc. to assist with roof repair and replacement of the HVAC system condenser and coil WNIN Tri-State Public Media, Inc. to remove deteriorated caulking and install new sealant YWCA of Evansville for tuckpointing to the north elevation of the building
By Jesika Ellis December 13, 2023
The Evansville Endowment Fund recently announced total grant awards of $490,732 to 23 charitable organizations. The fund’s mission is to assist nonprofit charitable organizations in Evansville. The annual grant cycle began in June 2023. The Evansville Endowment Fund grants committee awards grants through a competitive application and review process. Grants are specifically awarded for capital improvement projects and 60% of annual grants are required to be distributed to organizations serving the 4th and 6th wards.  “Nonprofit organizations address needs within our community that might go unnoticed or unrecognized,” said board president, Amber Rascoe. “Evansville Endowment Fund awards local nonprofits funding for a variety of projects to help them serve our community better. Congratulations to this year’s recipients! I encourage all nonprofits to go to our website to get more information about how they can apply next year.” This year’s grant recipients are: · Albion Fellows Bacon Center to assist with the repair of the sidewalk on Judson and Mulberry Streets to provide safety and accessibility for clients, staff, visitors, and neighbors; · Boys and Girls Club of Evansville for installation of outdoor sensory playground equipment; · Buffalo Trace Council-Boy Scouts of America for capital improvements, including storefront door replacement, shelter house concrete work, interior painting, flooring replacement, and parking lot sealing and striping; · Carver Community Organization for the purchase of a range and dishwasher for the Neighborhood Center's central kitchen; · Catholic Charities Diocese of Evansville to purchase and install a video intercom, panic buttons, and additional security cameras; · Community One to assist with the renovation costs of the vacant residential property at 1212 S Kentucky Avenue; · Dream Center Evansville for the installation of an in-ground basketball goal, shaded seating areas, and playground equipment; · Easterseals Rehabilitation Center to resurface the parking lot, including asphalt, seal coating, and striping; · Evansville African-American Museum to assist with the construction of the Porter House storage garage for collections conservation and management; · Evansville Association for the Blind for a compressor, ice machine, thermostat, and repairs to the fork trucks; · Evansville Christian Life Center for the purchase and installation of three new HVAC systems for the 3rd-floor clothing resource area and the separate building that is utilized by the nonprofit, Disciples of Christ, which is a clean and sober living residential program; · Evansville Museum of Arts, History, & Science for the installation of filters on the 19 stormwater drains on the City of Evansville Parks Department property that is leased by the Museum; · Habitat for Humanity of Evansville for construction materials to build 16 homes in the Tepe Park Neighborhood; · Holly's House to assist with HVAC replacement; · JD Sheth Foundation for external façade repairs and upgrades for two homes located on Read and Oregon streets to assist low-income residents who have health issues and physical disabilities; · Koch Family Childrens Museum of Evansville to assist with energy efficiency projects, including boiler insulation, window tinting, and window glazing; · Lampion Center for the replacement of handicapped parking posts and for the purchase and installation of a backflow prevention valve for the fire prevention system; · Ozanam Family Shelter to remove and replace the flooring in 11 second-floor client rooms at the shelter; · Reitz Home Preservation Society to restore additional cast iron window enframements, wooden sashes, and exterior storm windows; · St. Vincent de Paul Society District of Evansville for the installation of an electronic outdoor sign at the food pantry; · The Gathering Church/Restore Outreach for the purchase and installation of kitchen appliances and fixtures, including an oven, dishwasher, refrigerator, ice machine, and sink to meet the needs of the community meal programs; · Tri-State Food Bank to prepare the area and lay rock to improve the northwest lot outside the receiving dock area; and · United Methodist Youth Home to re-pave the entrance to the campus and to expand the south side parking area. For more information, please visit www.evv-endowment.org .
May 25, 2023
(Evansville, Indiana) The City of Evansville Endowment Fund is excited to announce its rebranding and name change to the Evansville Endowment Fund. This strategic decision reflects the organization's commitment to accurately representing its mission and purpose within the Evansville community. For more information about this change, visit our website at www.evv-endowment.org . The Evansville Endowment Fund is now accepting Letters of Inquiry for capital projects that serve the City of Evansville. The Evansville Endowment Fund’s mission is to assist nonprofit organizations in Evansville. In 2022, the Evansville Endowment Fund awarded grants totaling over $457,000 to 16 nonprofit organizations in Evansville. Only nonprofit organizations that are recognized as tax-exempt under Internal Revenue Code sections 501(c)(3) and 509(a) will be considered for funding. Applicant organizations must serve within the city limits of Evansville, Indiana. At least 60% of grant funding will be distributed for activities to support or benefit the 4th and 6th wards of the City of Evansville. Proposals will be considered to enable nonprofit organizations to: · Acquire, construct, or renovate permanent facilities used to provide social and community-based services and activities; · Construct or renovate facilities that promote the arts, culture, and/or tourism; · Construct or renovate parks, playgrounds, and other recreational facilities that are designed for the public; · Acquire, for neighborhood revitalization, property that is blighted, appropriate for rehabilitation, or needed for the development of housing for low- to moderate-income persons; or · Supplement or replenish existing municipally operated loan programs in pursuit of new economic development opportunities. Qualified organizations are invited to submit a Letter of Inquiry by June 22, 2023, by completing the online Letter of Inquiry form. Funding guidelines, application instructions, and the link to the online grant management system can be found on the Evansville Endowment Fund’s new website at https://www.evv-endowment.org .
May 25, 2023
The City of Evansville Endowment Fund is excited to announce its rebranding and name change to the Evansville Endowment Fund. This strategic decision reflects the organization's commitment to accurately representing its mission and purpose within the Evansville community. Established in 1994 with funds generated from the proceeds of Casino Aztar, the Evansville Endowment Fund has played a vital role in supporting various initiatives in the region. However, the previous name often led to confusion, as it implied a direct affiliation with the municipal government. The new name, Evansville Endowment Fund, distinguishes the organization from the city administration, eliminating any misconceptions about its funding sources and affiliations. "We are thrilled to unveil our new name, Evansville Endowment Fund, which better reflects the essence of our organization," said Amber Rascoe, board of directors president. "While we are grateful for the initial support provided by the city of Evansville, it is important to emphasize that we are an independent endowment fund dedicated to serving the needs of our community." The name change is accompanied by a refreshed brand identity, including a new logo and visual elements that symbolize the organization's commitment to making a positive impact in Evansville. The rebranding efforts will invigorate the Evansville Endowment Fund's presence, strengthening its connection with stakeholders and attracting renewed attention from potential partners and community members. To ensure a seamless transition, the Evansville Endowment Fund will be updating its website, and other marketing materials to reflect the new name and brand identity. The Evansville Endowment Fund remains committed to its core objective of providing vital funding focused on capital projects for nonprofits serving within the city of Evansville. The rebranding serves as an opportunity to reaffirm this commitment and engage with stakeholders in a fresh and compelling manner. For more information about the Evansville Endowment Fund and its ongoing initiatives, please visit www.evv-endowment.org .
December 21, 2022
The City of Evansville Endowment Fund (CEEF) recently announced total grant awards of $457,188 to 16 charitable organizations. The CEEF’s mission is to assist nonprofit charitable organizations in Evansville. The annual grant cycle began in June 2022. The CEEF grants committee awards grants through a competitive application and review process. Grants are specifically awarded for capital improvement projects and 60% of annual grants are required to be distributed to organizations serving the 4th and 6th wards. “Nonprofit organizations fill needs in our community that you may never know were needed,” said CEEF Board President, Amber Rascoe. “City of Evansville Endowment Fund awards local nonprofits funding for a variety of projects to help them serve our community better. Congratulations to this year’s recipients! I encourage all nonprofits to go to our website to get more information about how they can apply next year.” This year’s grant recipients are: Community One for the housing restoration project at 1210 South Kentucky Avenue; Holly’s House, Inc. for installation of video monitoring equipment; Easterseals Rehabilitation Center for installation of air conditioning/heating systems for the Easterseals Early Learning Center, Oak Hill Group Home, and Fuquay Group Home; YWCA of Evansville for exterior façade tuckpointing; The Ark Inc. for the kitchen renovation project, including the purchase and installation of new equipment and cabinetry, and for plumbing and electric upgrades; Parenting Time Center to purchase and install a new security camera system; EVSC Foundation to support dressing room renovations for the Hangers Clothing Program; Wesselman Nature Society for the construction of a new 15’x22’ Sugar Shack building and to repurpose the current Sugar Shack building into a storage space; United Methodist Youth Home to renovate the old girls’ group home into an independent living classroom space and eventually a new semi-independent living program group home, including interior and exterior renovations; Carver Community Organization for the purchase and installation of commercial kitchen appliances and Promethean board technology for preschool classrooms; Habitat for Humanity of Evansville for the purchase of construction materials needed for the renovation of 15 homes in the Tepe Park area; Ozanam Family Shelter for the repair and construction of a new wheelchair ramp and front entryway; American Red Cross to repair the damaged brick and mortar of the Stockwell Road building; St. Vincent Early Learning Center for the purchase and installation of exterior security cameras and to upgrade the fencing surrounding the preschool playgrounds; United Caring Center for the first-phase renovation of the former Zion Evangelical UCC parsonage into shared housing for men ready to leave the shelter for a more independent living situation, including interior and exterior renovations; and Albion Fellows Bacon Center, Inc. for the purchase and installation of a fire sprinkler system in the emergency shelter.
May 26, 2022
The City of Evansville Endowment Fund (CEEF) is now accepting Letters of Inquiry for capital projects that serve the City of Evansville. The CEEF mission is to assist nonprofit charitable organizations in Evansville. In 2021, the CEEF awarded grants totaling over $500,000 to 25 charitable organizations in Evansville. Only nonprofit organizations that are recognized as tax-exempt under Internal Revenue Code sections 501(c)(3) and 509(a) will be considered for funding. Applicant organizations must serve within the city limits of Evansville, Indiana. At least 60% of grant funding will be distributed for activities to support or benefit the 4th and 6th wards of the City of Evansville. Proposals will be considered to enable nonprofit organizations to: - Acquire, construct, or renovate permanent facilities used to provide social and community-based services and activities. - Construct or renovate facilities that promote the arts, culture, and/or tourism. Construct or renovate parks, playgrounds, and other recreational facilities that are designed for the public. - Acquire, for neighborhood revitalization, property that is blighted, appropriate for rehabilitation, or needed for the development of housing for low- to moderate-income persons. - Supplement or replenish existing municipally operated loan programs in pursuit of new economic development opportunities.  Qualified organizations are invited to submit a Letter of Inquiry by June 23, 2022, by completing the online Letter of Inquiry form. Funding guidelines, application instructions, and the link to the online grant management system can be found on the CEEF’s new website at https://www.ceefindiana.org .
December 7, 2021
The City of Evansville Endowment Fund (CEEF) recently announced total grant awards of $512,271 to 25 charitable organizations. The CEEF’s mission is to assist nonprofit charitable organizations in Evansville. The annual grant cycle began in June 2021. The CEEF grants committee awards the grants through a competitive application and review process. Grants are specifically awarded for capital improvement projects and 60% of annual grants are required to be distributed to organizations serving the 4th and 6th wards. “Nonprofit organizations are the backbone for any community, especially during tough times,” said CEEF Board President, Amber Rascoe. “To date, the City of Evansville Endowment Fund has been able to award more than $5.4 million to local nonprofits to help them better serve our community. Congratulations to this year’s recipients! I encourage all nonprofits to go to our website to get more information about how they can apply next year.” This year’s grant recipients are: $20,000 to District of Evansville Society of St. Vincent de Paul to assist with the replacement of the food pantry roof; $35,000 to United Methodist Youth Home for a fire suppression sprinkler system; $25,000 to Evansville Association for the Blind to repair and restore the interior of the facility that has been damaged due to roof leaks; $55,000 to Louis J Koch Family Children’s Museum of Evansville for the tuck point waterproofing project; $15,000 to YMCA of Southwestern Indiana for parking lot updates; $15,000 to Community One to restore the residential property at 1206 S Kentucky Avenue; $40,000 to Habitat for Humanity of Evansville for construction materials for 15 homes in St. Theresa Place and Jacobsville Neighborhood; $2,500 to Growth Alliance for Greater Evansville for the creation of two new murals in Self.e Alley; $30,000 to SWIRCA & More to assist with the renovation of the men's and women's restrooms to make them more accessible for physically challenged individuals; $13,109 to WNIN Tri-State Public Media to widen the sidewalk at the employee/volunteer entrance to make it ADA accessible and for the installation of an awning; $8,660 to United Caring Services to replace an exterior wood door with a more secure commercial-grade metal door; $7,120 to Lampion Center to paint seven offices and lobby and to repair the signboard circuit wiring; $14,345 to The Arc of Evansville to create a safe, side entrance for staff and clients by constructing a wall that includes two entry doors and a roll-up door; $20,000 to Uncharted International to assist with building renovation; $21,204.50 to Easterseals Rehabilitation Center to replace the deteriorated concrete at the Rotherwood Group Home drive, parking area, and patio to prevent accidents and improve access for adults with disabilities; $20,000 to Friends of Woodmere Dog Park to build a shelter at the new dog park; $7,624 to Memorial Community Development Corporation for the purchase and installation of cameras, monitors, and recorders to expand security in the childcare facility; $32,200 to The Potter's Wheel for multiple structural repairs to the facility; $6,833 to Embrace Church to purchase and install a security camera system in the daycare; $10,596 to Tri-State Food Bank for the purchase and installation of a new security gate for the dock area; $20,000 to Reitz Home Preservation Society for restoration of cast iron window enframements; $21,633 to Carver Community Organization for multipurpose field updates, including the purchase and installation of commercial fencing and a yard barn; $25,910 to Evansville Museum of Arts, History, and Science to renovate the third floor men’s and women’s restrooms to allow for an ADA compliant family restroom and storage room; $5,537.08 to Patchwork Central for multiple repairs to the facility; and $40,000 to Franklin Street Events Association for the purchase and installation of inclusive playground equipment at the Stoplight City playground.
May 25, 2021
The City of Evansville Endowment Fund (CEEF) is now accepting Letters of Inquiry for capital projects that serve the City of Evansville. The CEEF mission is to assist nonprofit charitable organizations in Evansville. In 2020, the CEEF awarded grants totaling $442,172 to 20 nonprofit organizations in Evansville.  Only nonprofit organizations that are recognized as tax-exempt under Internal Revenue Code sections 501(c)(3) and 509(a) will be considered for funding. Applicant organizations must serve within the city limits of Evansville, Indiana. At least 60% of grant funding will be distributed for activities to support or benefit the 4th and 6th wards of the City of Evansville. Proposals will be considered to enable nonprofit organizations to: Acquire, construct, or renovate permanent facilities used to provide social and community-based services and activities. Construct or renovate facilities that promote the arts, culture, and/or tourism. Construct or renovate parks, playgrounds, and other recreational facilities that are designed for the public. Acquire, for neighborhood revitalization, property that is blighted, appropriate for rehabilitation, or needed for the development of housing for low- to moderate-income persons. Supplement or replenish existing municipally operated loan programs in pursuit of new economic development opportunities. Qualified organizations are invited to submit a Letter of Inquiry by June 25, 2021, by completing the online Letter of Inquiry form. Funding guidelines, application instructions, and the link to the online grant management system can be found at https://www.communityfoundationalliance.org/grant/city-evansville-endowment-fund/ .