This year, the Monmouth Independence Community Foundation proudly celebrates 25
years of service and impact in our community. We extend our heartfelt gratitude to the
visionaries who laid the groundwork for the organization we are today.
The Foundation’s journey began on May 25, 2000, with the first official Board of Directors meeting at Amador’s Restaurant in Independence. At that historic meeting, the inaugural board—Scott McArthur, Donald Duncan, Forrest Bell, Traci Hamilton, James W. Smith, James Epple, and Thomas Hansen—adopted the Foundation’s bylaws and drafted its first Gift and Investment Policy.
From the outset, the Foundation was built on four key funds: the Scholarship Fund, Classroom Enrichment Fund, Independence Library Fund, and Monmouth LibraryFund. Its initial funding—a generous $5,000 transfer from Scott McArthur’s EducationTrust—set the stage for a brighter future in our community.
Fast-forward to 2025, and that $5,000 has grown to nearly $1.7 million, thanks to the incredible generosity of our local donors. These funds now support four core initiatives: the Scholarship Fund, the Classroom Enrichment Fund, the Verna Duncan Ambassadors of Excellence Fund, and the Community Fund. Additionally, the Foundation managesfunds for 19 partner organizations, creating a ripple effect of positive changethroughout the Monmouth-Independence area.
While this growth is remarkable, the needs of our community continue to outpace available resources. With your help, we can extend our reach even further. By making atax-deductible donation, you can help us fund more scholarships, support moreclassrooms, and enrich more lives.
To learn more about our history, explore our programs, or make a donation, please visitmifoundation.net.
We honor our founders and look forward to building an even brighter future.
