In 1996 Bill and Jean Beard of Beard Industries called a group of community leaders together to discuss the benefits of forming a community foundation for Clinton County. It quickly became apparent that a community foundation could have a profound impact for good upon the life of the county and this group of community leaders began to examine, in detail, the best way to bring this goal into reality. They determined that it would be much more cost-effective to operate as a fund of an existing foundation than to incur the start up costs and the staffing and administration expenses separate entity. After examining options, the decision was made to become a fund of the Community Foundation of Howard County, and that relationship has lasted and prospered from that day forward. The early county board has expanded to 15 members and two of those members have seats on the Board of Directors of the Community Foundation of Howard County.

The Clinton County Community Foundation made an aggressive beginning through the cooperation of many individuals and institutions. The first major gift came from the estate of Lurline Catron and was made feasible through the cooperation of the Clinton County Hospital Board of Trustees. That same board made a substantial gift to the operating endowment of the Clinton County Community Foundation. Several gifts followed to benefit the YMCA, Boys and Girls Club, the Frankfort Community Library and several churches. Due to the generosity of our donors we have been able to meet the challenges for matching funds offered to us by the Lilly Endowment. These matching funds have been a significant part of our growth and we are grateful to the Endowment for this fine support.

The Clinton County Community Foundation continues to grow with an actively involved Clinton County Board that makes all allocation recommendations regarding grants in our community. These grants have been substantial and will continue to grow as more and more donors work with the Clinton County Community Foundation to help make their dreams for Clinton County become reality.

The Clinton County Community Foundation, established in 1996, was created to honor the county’s strong tradition of philanthropy while creating new opportunities for generosity and impact. 

This year, the Foundation is proud to celebrate its 30th anniversary with a community event on Thursday, June 11, from 6:30-9:00 p.m. at Prairie Creek Park, in partnership with the City of Frankfort. The evening will feature live music from Jake Towe Music and highlight three decades of local philanthropy and community impact across Clinton County. 

As part of this special celebration, the Foundation will award three scholarships throughout the evening.

This scholarship opportunity is open to: 

• Class of 2026 graduating high school seniors 

• Current undergraduate students 

• Students enrolled in a trade or vocational program 

• Returning students 

• Non-traditional students 

• Current Graduate or Doctoral Student 

Applicants must: 

• Have a permanent address in Clinton County 

• Be a graduate of a Clinton County high school 

• Have a minimum GPA of 2.0 

Because the Community Foundation’s mission centers on strengthening our community and improving the lives of those within it, community involvement and service will be a significant factor in the selection process.

Recipients must be present at the anniversary celebration and check in at the Community Foundation table prior to the start of the concert at 6:30 p.m. in order to be eligible to receive a scholarship award. 

You may begin, save and return to your application at any time. All sections must be completed in order for you to finalize and submit your application. In order to be considered, scholarship applications must be complete and submitted by May 21, 2026, at 11:59 p.m.

The scholarship recipient must give permission to use any general, non-financial information included in this application for publicity purposes.

For more information, please call (765) 454-7298 or email Bethany@cfhoward.org

The Clinton County Community Foundation will celebrate its 30th anniversary on Thursday, June 11, from 6:30-9 p.m. at Prairie Creek Park in partnership with the City of Frankfort. The evening will feature live music from Jake Towe Band and celebrate three decades of local philanthropy and community impact in Clinton County. 

As part of the celebration, the Foundation will also highlight a special scholarship opportunity for Clinton County residents including the awarding of three $5,000 scholarships. The application will open April 20 and close May 21. The scholarship is available to students who live in Clinton County and have graduated from a Clinton County high school, including the class of 2026 graduating seniors, current undergraduate students and trade school students. Students who have already applied to the 2026 general scholarship application do not need to reapply and will automatically be included in the applicant pool.  

“We are excited to partner with the Community Foundation and celebrate their 30th Anniversary with them at Prairie Creek Park,” said Frankfort Mayor Judith Sheets. “I love when we can collaborate with organizations. It makes our community better and stronger.”  

In honor of the 30th anniversary, the Foundation also plans to celebrate in a meaningful way—with $30,000 in surprise scholarships and grants to be announced throughout the evening. 

The Clinton County Community Foundation was established in 1996 to perpetuate the county’s rich heritage of philanthropy and create new opportunities for donors. The Foundation is represented by a volunteer County Services Committee, made up of Clinton County residents, and receives staff and technical support from the Community Foundation of Howard County. Representatives from Clinton County also serve on the Foundation’s Board of Directors. 

“This anniversary is a celebration of the people, partnerships and generosity that have shaped the Clinton County Community Foundation over the past 30 years,” said Gene Marshall, Chair of the Clinton County Community Foundation Services Committee. “We are proud of the impact that has been made in our county and grateful for everyone who has helped make that work possible.” 

Through vision, effective organization and good stewardship, the Foundation serves as a catalyst for stimulating and funding initiatives that improve quality of life for the citizens of Clinton County. 

“The Community Foundation has been a committed partner in strengthening Clinton County for many years, working alongside local organizations and leaders to support meaningful projects and opportunities,” said Todd Moser, President of the Community Foundation serving Howard, Clinton and Carroll Counties. “Over the past 30 years, $13.3 million in grants and $3.7 million in scholarships have been invested back into Clinton County. We are excited to bring the community together to celebrate that impact and the people who have made it possible.” 

The June 11 celebration will offer community members an opportunity to gather, enjoy a summer evening together and recognize the lasting impact philanthropy has made in Clinton County over the past 30 years.