(Ripley County, IN) – The Ripley County Community Foundation announces the establishment of the Dale and Marian Koester Community Fund, a permanent endowment created by Dale Koester in honor of his late wife, Marian, and as a way to give back to the community that has meant so much to their family throughout the years.
The Dale and Marian Koester Community Fund was established to support the quality of life for residents of Adams Township outside the corporate limits of the City of Batesville. Earnings from the endowed fund will provide a permanent source of charitable support for projects, programs, and opportunities that strengthen the community and address local needs for generations to come.
For nearly three decades, the Ripley County Community Foundation has helped individuals, families, businesses, and organizations turn their charitable goals into lasting legacies.
The establishment of the Dale and Marian Koester Community Fund is a perfect example of why the Community Foundation was created 29 years ago, to provide every person in Ripley County with the opportunity to leave a permanent charitable legacy that is professionally managed in perpetuity and continues to benefit the community long after their lifetime.
Unlike several areas of Ripley County that have established community endowments, Adams Township has not historically had a dedicated endowment fund focused exclusively on its unique
needs and opportunities. This fund creates an important new source of philanthropic support that will grow over time, providing financial resources to address critical needs, leverage emerging
opportunities, enhance community assets, and improve the quality of life for present and future residents.
“Marian and I have been blessed by the people and communities of Ripley County and establishing this fund is my way of honoring her memory and the values we shared. My hope is that this fund will help Adams Township to thrive and and remain a wonderful place to call home,” stated Dale Koester.
Grants from the fund have recently supported St. Nicholas Catholic School and the Sunman Elementary Weekend Backpack Program (pictured), reflecting Dale’s commitment to investing in local initiatives that benefit area children and families.
Amy Streator, Executive Director of the Ripley County Community Foundation, noted that community funds such as this one demonstrate the power of local philanthropy.
“The Dale and Marian Koester Community Fund represents the very best of what community philanthropy can accomplish,” said Streator. “Dale’s generosity creates a lasting tribute to Marian while ensuring that future generations of Adams Township residents will benefit from resources dedicated to strengthening their community. Through endowments like this, donors are able to make an impact not only today, but forever.”
Contributions to the Dale and Marian Koester Community Fund are welcome and will help grow the fund’s long-term impact.
To learn more about the fund or to make a gift, visit the Ripley County Community Foundation, or donate online at www.rccfonline.org.
Individuals interested in creating a charitable legacy through an endowment fund are encouraged to contact the Ripley County Community Foundation at 13 E. George Street, Suite B, Batesville, Indiana, call (812) 933-1098, or email office@rccfonline.org.
For those considering establishing a new endowment fund, the Ripley County Community Foundation’s Day of Giving on Friday, November 6, presents a unique opportunity to maximize
their impact. Gifts made to endowment funds on Day of Giving are eligible to receive a 50-cent match for every $1 donated, up to a maximum match of $5,000. By creating or contributing to an
endowment on Day of Giving, donors can immediately increase the long-term charitable resources available to support the causes and communities they care about most.
(Ripley County Community Foundation press release)
