A Targeted Approach to Giving

When it comes to giving back to their community, Mike and Jackie Johnston take a targeted approach. Their target – education.

“We both came from bluecollar families,” said Mike. “We were the first to go to college. We made it. Education made it possible. We had the motivation, but we gained knowledge.”

Mike and Jackie established the Michael L and Jacqueline J Johnston Fund at The Community Foundation, a field of interest fund dedicated to education programs. Today, the fund supports Robert P. Bell Education Grants, a grants program dedicated to providing educators with funding for creative and innovative classroom projects.

“We tend to support teachers and children, and business students,” explained Mike about the couple’s philanthropy. “It’s based on our own world, passions, interests, and experiences.”

Jackie graduated from Ball State University with a degree in home economics. Mike spent his career in logistics and took time to earn his degree from Ball State University. Mike spent 17 years working toward his bachelor’s degree – taking just one class a semester while working full-time. Both Mike and Jackie attributed their successful careers to their time at Ball State.

Their success led them to create The Johnston Family Scholarship through the Ball State Foundation to benefit current students. They also regularly support Ball State women’s softball and basketball.

And their gifts go beyond writing checks. Mike and Jackie look for opportunities to help the students who receive their scholarships and the athletes they support. On one visit to university athletic facilities, Mike and Jackie took note of the discrepancy in the men’s and women’s locker rooms. Coaches explained that better facilities would lead to better recruitment. Mike and Jackie stepped up with financial support, but their targeted approach didn’t stop there.

“We helped them equip and dress up the locker room,” said Jackie. “I’ve never seen a chandelier in another locker room. It adds class.” Jackie made the unbreakable chandelier herself from clear plastic Christmas ornament balls. Jackie also provided inspirational quotes to display around the locker room.

Mike and Jackie see the value of The Community Foundation as a partner in their philanthropy. The Community Foundation has a broad comprehension of community needs and receives a wide range of grant requests from the community.

“It’s easy as far as how you apply for grants and how those grants are handled,” said Jackie. “We feel that if the Foundation is going through those kinds of processes, they are good stewards of the money we give.”

Mike and Jackie also encourage others to consider partnerships with the Foundation.

“You don’t have to have lots of money to start a fund. You can reach a lot of people when you put in a little bit,” said Mike. “Everybody ought to give back. If you get something, give it back twice.”