Emerging Leaders; a young professionals giving circle

A unique style of giving back to Dubois County communities has emerged for young professionals. Emerging Leaders is an innovative, yet simple, giving circle for those age 45 and under, to pool financial resources to strengthen communities in Dubois County.

Each member of Dubois County Emerging Leaders commits to giving as little as $10.00 per month to the giving circle. At the end of the year, each member will share a voice in where the combined dollars will be invested to benefit projects that improve Dubois County. The funds are administered by the Huntingburg Foundation.

“Our vision in launching the giving circle is that we can energize young professionals to join together and make a philanthropic impact in our county,” said 38 year old Jeff Tooley, member of the Foundation Board and Emerging Leaders. “We plan for this to be a long-term pillar of philanthropy in Dubois County, all stemming from the next generation of leaders,” Tooley continued

Two strong Dubois County-based businesses have provided the financial backing needed to start the Emerging Leaders program. German American and Jasper Engines and Transmission each contributed $15,000.00 towards developing this new giving circle.

“We are grateful for the financial support both of these companies have provided. Perhaps even more important is the commitment of the leadership of these companies in helping to develop the Emerging Leaders Giving Circle members,” states 29 year old Brad Ward, Huntingburg Foundation Executive Director. “Mark Schroeder, CEO of German American, and Doug Bawel, President of Jasper Engines, will both be attending and speak briefly at our first Emerging Leaders social event on Thursday, January 26th at Cool Beans in Huntingburg.”

“The business community is a driving force to the success of this giving circle,” continues Ward. “Countless senior level executives, government officials and corporations have expressed an interest in supporting the growth of this professional network, all for the strengthening of Dubois County through philanthropy and building connections.”

“The giving circle allows our generation to make small contributions and pool our funds to have an impact on the community that none of us could do alone,” states 29 year old Brian Craig, Chairperson of Emerging Leaders. At the end of each year, members will have an opportunity to voice an opinion of where our dollars are invested back into the Dubois County communities based on charitable projects that align with the vision of Emerging Leaders. “With the help of the Community Foundation, our goal is to make strategic and impactful gifts for many years,” Craig said.

On Thursday, January 26 at 6:00 PM, the Emerging Leaders will host its first social event at Cool Beans in Huntingburg to kickoff the giving circle and discuss the opportunity with prospects. Young professionals under age 45 are encouraged to attend. Individuals can learn more and join at the social event. Giving starts at $10 a month for individuals or $15 a month for couples. Learn more by calling the Huntingburg Community Foundation at 812-683-5799 or online, www.huntingburgfoundation.org.

Emerging Leaders is a giving circle for young professionals who pool their funds to strengthen communities in Dubois County. The four main goals of this philanthropic group are to promote the importance of giving back to Dubois County, create a medium to grow a professional network, develop leadership skills, and establish a league of young leaders within the communities of Dubois County. Funds are administered by the Huntingburg Community Foundation. Details can be found on www.huntingburgfoundation.org.