Foundation Announces Jean & Charles Nelson Community Fund

The Community Foundation is pleased to announce the creation of the Jean & Charles Nelson Community Fund. The fund exists to support local charitable organizations, projects and initiatives through the Foundation’s yearly grant cycles. Jean and Charles wish to support efforts that enhance, aid and provide for entities in the Huntington community as they work to achieve goals for the benefit of the greater good. Together, the couple expressed that the Lilly Endowment Inc. GIFT VIII $2 for $1 match provided a unique opportunity to establish a fund and triple their investment.  

“Jean and Charles have given so much to this community through the years,” noted Matt Ditzler, Community Foundation Executive Director. “Now, with help from Lilly Endowment’s $2 for $1 match, their new fund will carry that spirit of service forward for generations.” 

Jean and Charles were raised and married in Illinois and lived in several places across the world before planting roots in Huntington in 1978. Together, they have three children, Michael, Andrea and John, who all attended Huntington Community Schools. They are proud grandparents of eight children and great-grandparents of six children.  

Jean is a graduate of Blackburn College and taught throughout Illinois public schools as well as in Sao Paulo, Brazil. She served as Director of the United Way of Huntington County from 1986 to 1992 before she became co-owner of Nelsons’ Farm Produce from 1990 to 2015. Charles earned a Bachelor of Arts in Mathematics and a Master of Science in Business Management. He worked in Industrial Production Management throughout the course of his professional career. Together, they operated a farm market (Nelson’s Farm Produce) where they cultivated and sold fresh produce in season.  

Jean and Charles have been dedicated to serving and investing in the community in various capacities. Jean served on both the YMCA and Salvation Army Board of Directors and was awarded the “Herald Press Citizen-of-the-Year” award in 1992. She was an active member of the First Presbyterian Church, serving as chair of the Deacons and a 30-year “money counter.” Jean was also active in the formation of the Community Foundation and has eagerly witnessed its success over the years. Charles served as a Board member (1983-1989) and Board Chair (1986- 1987) of Pathfinder Services where he received the “Lamont Award” in 1992 for his dedication. He also chaired the committee to reconstruct the upper end of Memorial Park in 1987.  

Jean and Charles shared how they have greatly enjoyed their years in Huntington, both professionally and through their participation in charitable endeavors. They are pleased to know that their giving will help continue efforts to ensure the community prospers, making Huntington County an example to others interested in progressive places to live.  

The Foundation is honored to uphold Jean and Charles’ passion for investing in the community and is eager to see how their fund will impact Huntington County for generations to come. Those interested in contributing to the Jean & Charles Nelson Community Fund can donate here. 

Thanks to Lilly Endowment Inc., when donors start an unrestricted fund, or donate to an existing unrestricted fund, their investment will triple in value. To secure the full matching grant by December 31, 2025, the Community Foundation must raise $375,000. The Foundation is pleased to share that we are now 94% to our goal, with a total of $21,718 left to raise. Our dedicated team is eager to connect with new and current donors to achieve this target. Those interested in taking advantage of Lilly Endowment Inc.’s GIFT VIII $2 for $1 match are invited to contact the Community Foundation.