Landmark Columbus Foundation receives three major gifts, boosting endowment to over $1.8 million
From left, John Lechleiter and Mark Elwood. Photo by Tony Vasquez.
Columbus, Indiana — Landmark Columbus Foundation is thrilled to announce three major gifts to its endowment, bringing the total amount to over $1.8 million. These gifts will help the foundation reach its ambitious goal of $3 million by the end of 2025. Several other generous donors have made pledges and contributions alongside these gifts, showcasing the community's unwavering commitment to preserving and advancing Columbus's unique cultural and architectural heritage.
John and Sarah Lechleiter have pledged $500,000 to the LCF endowment. Their dedication to community enrichment and support for the arts is well-known, and this gift further underscores their commitment to sustaining Columbus's design legacy.
Mark and Wendy Elwood have committed $100,000 to the endowment. As long-time supporters of Landmark Columbus Foundation, the Elwoods are passionate about ensuring the organization's efforts to celebrate and care for Columbus’s cultural heritage.
Connie and Terry Marbach have contributed nearly $50,000. Their generous gift reflects their belief in preserving Columbus's cultural identity and fostering a vibrant community through progressive preservation efforts.
“As Landmark Columbus Foundation Board Chair, I am proud of our strides in building our endowment, and the community’s belief inspires me in our vision,” said Mark Elwood, the Chairman of the Board of Columbus-based company Elwood Staffing. “This endowment is essential for ensuring that Landmark Columbus Foundation remains a strong and vibrant part of Columbus. Together, we are laying a solid foundation to support our initiatives and allow us to continue advancing Columbus’s legacy of design excellence far into the future.”
These contributions from the Lechleiters, Elwoods, and Marbachs and the collective support from numerous other donors demonstrate a strong commitment to Landmark Columbus Foundation’s mission. The current endowment total of over $1.8 million is a crucial milestone toward its $3 million goal, which aims to ensure the organization’s financial stability and continued impact in Columbus across the state.
The Importance of the LCF Endowment
Landmark Columbus Foundation started its endowment journey at the end of 2019 with a seed gift from Lilly Endowment Inc. of $524,824. Since then, the endowment has grown to over $1.8 million, which is committed to supporting the organization’s efforts to build a solid pathway to financial sustainability.
The young organization’s goal of building a $3 million endowment by the end of 2025 or sooner is a critical step in its evolution. Over the long run, the endowment will provide dedicated resources to hire talented staff to fulfill its mission to care for, celebrate, and advance the cultural heritage of Columbus and like-minded communities. A 4.5% draw from a $3 million endowment can provide $135,000 annually, helping to cover the organization’s core operating expenses.
With financial security provided by the endowment, Landmark Columbus Foundation will continue to position Columbus as one of America’s great cities, fostering a future full of promise and potential. The organization’s Progressive Preservation efforts are critical in caring for the county’s architecture, and its program Exhibit Columbus inspires, engages, and connects with a broad audience in Columbus, around the state, and beyond. Additionally, the Columbus Design Institute is growing into a statewide effort to improve communities through design excellence.
“Our endowment is a critical component of our strategy to provide consistent, long-term support for our programs,” said Executive Director Richard McCoy. “Thanks to the generosity of our supporters, we are well on our way to achieving financial sustainability. This will enable us to maintain Columbus as a beacon of design excellence and ensure that our community remains a place where people want to live, work, and grow.”
For press, download images at this link. Photo credits are: Tony Vasquez
Media Contact
Jamie Goldsborough
jamie@landmarkcolumbus.org
About Landmark Columbus Foundation
Landmark Columbus Foundation (LCF) is a public resource and thought leader for Progressive Preservation in Bartholomew County; an advocate and educator for and about cultural heritage; and a source of inspiration to advance good design for public benefit. To fulfill its mission, LCF accomplishes Progressive Preservation efforts that assist in caring for buildings, landscapes, and art in Bartholomew County. It serves to educate and advocate for these cultural resources through research, conservation, fundraising, and documentation. It also runs two programmatic arms, Exhibit Columbus and Columbus Design Institute. landmarkcolumbusfoundation.org
