Bainbridge Improvement Society Endowment

Year Founded
2007

Purpose of Fund
The primary purpose of the Fund shall be to provide financial support to the Bainbridge Improvement Society, located at 201 N. Grant Street, Bainbridge, IN 46105. Funds will be used for the general support of operations and projects of the Bainbridge Improvement Society.

History of Fund

In response to the Bainbridge community's need for a snowplow following the blizzard of '78, the townspeople organized to raise funds to replace their antiquated truck. Through those efforts the Bainbridge Improvement Society came into existence in July 1985 as a group of volunteers who were eager to provide additional enhancements to the quality of living in the small town of Bainbridge.

The Society continued with its fundraising efforts and community events. After raising funds to replace the Town's snowplow, attention shifted to the need for a community building. Fund raising effors for such a buildingbegan in 1986 with an Annual Fall Festival. This festival continued unitl 1998, By 1999, B.I.S. had become established with a Constitutions and an Article of Association and had obtained certification as a non-profit 501 (c) 3 organization while working with the Town of Bainbridge in seeking a grant to erect a community building to serve the future needs of the town.

That grant was approved and B.I.S., who was to manage the community side of the building, also applied to the Putnam County Community Foundation for a grant to equip the kitchen for food service. That grant of $30,000 was received and an Open House for the completed Community Building was celebrated on July 15, 2001.

The Town of Bainbridge occupies the offices on the west side of the building for use by the Town Clerks's Office, the Utility Office, and the Marshall's Office. Their presence provides greater securtiy for the community portion of the building. In addition, the Town's staff co-operates and works with B.I.S. in a variety of ways. They show and schedule the building since there is not a volunteer staff member on site daily. The Town also unites with B.I.S. for the annual Town Clean-Up Day.

The community portion of the building, however, is maintained by B.I.S., a non-profit 501 (c) 3 orgainzation made up of dedicated volunteers. B.I.S. is responsible for its cleaning, maintenance, repair, and policies.

Mission and Inspiration:
The mission of the Bainbridge Improvement Society (B.I.S.) is to improve the quality of community life, encourage volunteerism, and help provide needed 'good neighbor' services in the town and community while affording opportunities for fellowship, service, education, and social interaction for all age levels in the community.

Activities have included: Community Chili Suppers, Family Fun Nights with bingo and cards, Bean Suppers, Community Thanksgiving Dinners, St. Patrick Family Nights, Community Clean-Up and Tow-Away Days, Mulch for Park Playground, assistance with heating bills for needy families, wintertime walking in the building, and daytime social gatherings among the activities.

Over the years, operating funds have come from: rental fees, community garage sales, Bar-B-Ques, Farmer's Market, community breakfasts, concessions at special events, teen dances, Fish Frys, etc., as well as donations.

B.I.S. has recognized that it is important to provide a secured avenue for donors from the Bainbridge area who are interested in supporting the Bainbridge Improvement Society and its mission. Establishing an endowment fund creates permanent financial base so that the Bainbridge Improvement Society can continue to expand the ongoing operations of the Community Building and the B.I.S. programs.

The Bainbridge Community Building's auditorium. Its convenient location, smooth walking surface and safe environment have made it a popular draw for residents to walk and run. Ten laps around the interior equal a mile.