NEW PALESTINE — The Hancock County Community Foundation is honored to announce the 2018 Martha Beckenholdt Youth Philanthropy Award recipient, Rachel Bates of New Palestine High School. This award, named in honor of long-time Hancock County resident and philanthropist Martha Beckenholdt, recognizes a Hancock County high school junior who has contributed outstanding time, talent and energy to philanthropic endeavors. These are the true attributes of the woman whom the award honors.
Each year, the award recipient selects a Hancock County nonprofit organization or agency to receive a $1,000 grant, donated by the Hancock County Community Foundation, in his or her name. Bates chose the Hancock County 4-H Agricultural Association to receive this year’s grant. A presentation of the award to Bates and the check to the 4-H Agricultural Association took place Nov. 6 at New Palestine High School.
The applicants for this award each gathered a letter of recommendation from a local nonprofit leader or Hancock County high school staff member. Bates’ nominator was a teacher who spoke highly of her strong work ethic, enthusiasm toward her work and strength of character. Bates has been involved in show choir, track and field, 4-H, church activities, AWANA student leadership and has volunteered for a variety of community service opportunities.
The recipient of the 2018 award was chosen via a two-step process. The blinded applications were evaluated first by HCCF staff who used a scoring rubric to narrow the field to four finalists. These finalists then were interviewed by the HCCF Y-GIVE Board, which consists of four members from each of the four county public high schools. The interviews were conducted in a round-robin format with a scoring rubric. The Y-GIVE Board then met privately to discuss their scores and determine the recipient. This format gave the applicants an opportunity to practice their interview skills. It also gave the Y-GIVE Board training in best-practices for conducting interviews, using rubrics and making difficult decisions as a group.
HCCF provides philanthropic leadership by encouraging giving, learning, community pride and civic engagement. Working with caring individuals, families, and organizations to create or grow existing permanent endowment funds is critical to the organization’s mission. These funds generate income that is distributed in the form of grants and scholarships to enrich and enhance life in Hancock County, as well as support the donor’s favorite charitable causes, both at home and afar forever. HCCF has granted more than $14 million since its inception in 1992.
