LOOGOOTEE — The Martin County Community Foundation (MCCF) is celebrating a major milestone today as the community gathers to honor its outgoing Executive Director, Curt Johnson, who is retiring after eleven years at the helm of the philanthropic organization.
A public retirement reception will be held this afternoon, Wednesday, May 20, 2026, from 2:30 p.m. to 4:30 p.m. at the Martin County Community Building. Residents, nonprofit leaders, and community members are invited to stop by to congratulate Johnson and express their gratitude for his over a decade of local service.
Johnson’s tenure has been defined by a deep commitment to elevating Martin County’s infrastructure, education, and social safety nets. Under his leadership, the foundation experienced a massive surge in local asset growth and community grantmaking.
Most notably, Johnson capped off his final full year in 2025 by guiding the foundation through a monumental period of giving, injecting nearly $200,000 back into local nonprofits in the final two quarters alone.
Key initiatives and organizations impacted during his time leading the foundation include:
- Education & Youth Sports: Directly funding community upgrades, including major renovations to the Loogootee School Corporation’s girls’ softball field.
- Mental Health & Support Services: Partnering alongside groups like Youth First to place critical social workers and clinical supervisors in area schools.
- Community Literacy: Securing operational and expansion grants for local landmarks like the Shoals Public Library.
- County-Wide Improvement: Consistently funding historical organizations, local parks, and vital area food pantries through the foundation’s four annual grant cycles.
As Johnson steps down to enjoy his well-earned retirement, the Martin County Community Foundation Board of Directors has already initiated the transition plan to select a successor who will steer the organization into its next chapter of philanthropy.
The foundation reminds local organizations that its standard grant deadlines will remain unchanged during the transition. Nonprofits seeking funding or individuals looking to establish an endowment can continue to reach the foundation office at 812-295-1022 or by visiting the Martin County Community Foundation Partnership portal.
