Courtesy-The Heritage Fund FB page
COLUMBUS, Ind. – The Friends of First Christian Church Architecture Fund at Heritage Fund announced it has met all qualifications to secure a $500,000 Challenge Grant from the Jeffris Family Foundation toward the renovation of its iconic church tower. Thanks to the generosity of local and out-of-town donors, Friends of First Christian Church raised $1.1 million, triggering the challenge match.
In August 2021, the Jeffris Family Foundation, which assists in the development of historic sites for nonprofit organizations in several small towns and cities in the Midwest, entered into a grant agreement with Heritage Fund, Landmark Columbus Foundation, and First Christian Church that would provide a $1 match for every two qualified dollars raised to enable the Save Our Tower project to be realized.
Jeff Logston, the project leader of the “Save Our Tower” campaign, anticipates restoration activity becoming visible in March around the 165-foot structure designed in 1942 by famed Finnish architect Eliel Saarinen. The $3.2 million, eight-month project should be completed by November.
President/CEO of Heritage Fund Tracy Souza stated about 70 donors have contributed to the cause. The partnership formed between Heritage Fund, First Christian Church, and Landmark Columbus Foundation is quite special. Each party brings an important component to the table,” Souza said.
Previous project funding has included a $500,000 Save America’s Treasures grant from the National Park Service and a $250,000 grant from the National Fund for Sacred Places.
Find out more at saveourtower.org.
