Diversity, Equity & Inclusion
Hendricks County is one of the few counties in the State expected to grow over the next 20-30 years (estimated 30% increase). Though the issue “Diversity, equity and inclusion [DEI] is overlooked or ignored” ranked 11th in the 2019 Community Needs Assessment, we also failed to meet the proportion of the number of nonwhite respondents in our assessment despite specific efforts to engage that population.
HCCF is dedicated to nurturing a diverse, inclusive, and accessible community. We will encourage peaceful and productive dialogue, authenticity, and the celebration of cultures. Our vision is that Hendricks County is a place where all feel welcome and confident in their ability to belong, connect and grow. We will demonstrate what is possible when community members come together.
Read our Diversity, Equity & Inclusion Policy.
In August 2021, the Community Foundation launched its Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion (DEI) Task Force to review its activities, policies, and programs and promote inclusion and non-discrimination for all who live, work, and visit Hendricks County. The Task Force is charged with making recommendations to the Board of Directors for any changes in policies, programs, or procedures based on HCCF's DEI Policy. The Task Force will also promote training and events to bring awareness of DEI matters to Community Foundation volunteers, staff, and the broader community. The first task for the group was to define its terms.
Hendricks County 2023 Nonprofit Census
In 2023, HCCF conducted a Nonprofit Census to:
- update our records or add new organizations to our database;
- better understand the demographics of the organizations serving Hendricks County; and,
- expand our reach to all the nonprofits in our community.
Programs
Community Unity Grants
Organizations interested in improving or expanding their diversity, equity & inclusivity efforts may apply for funding through our Community Unity Grant Program.
Diversity Awareness Series
HCCF is partnering with expert organizations to provide a FREE 4-part lunch & learn Diversity Awareness Series.
DEI Grant Recipients
Hendricks County International Festival
We're excited to be the lead sponsor for the Hendricks County International Festival. Join us on Saturday, October 5, 2024 at the Shops at Perry Crossing as we celebrate the diversity in Hendricks County and Central Indiana!
Hendricks Civic Theater
This grant supported the Hendricks Civic Theater to hire a describer/interpreter for one showing of each of their six shows this season. This will allow the Civic Theater to give the hearing impaired in our community the ability to be included in our audiences.
Level Two Coworking
This grant supported Level Two Coworking to purchase of an OSBOT auto-tracking camera, lapel microphone, and Zoom webinar license for 1 year so that they can offer auto-translated webinar options for those who are unable to join in person due to illness or disability and for those who may need hearing support onsite or remote.
Avon Outdoor Learning Center
This grant supported the Outdoor Learning Center (OLC) to stabilize their trails for those with mobility limitations. By stabilizing the trails, the OLC will not only preserve them for the future, but most importantly it will allow students with mobility limitations the same access to this wonderful resource. The OLC is a 7-acre natural space that allows students at Avon Schools to explore nature up-close and extend their learning outside of the classroom.
Plainfield-Guilford Township Public Library
This grant supported the Human Library Project at Plainfield-Guilford Township Library. The Human Library Project is an educational experience connecting community members with people of varied life experiences. Patrons can come and talk to someone who has a life experience they've never encountered before, widening their perspective and learning more about the people in their community. This is a partnership with the Hendricks County Alliance for Diversity.
