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In early 2023, we launched the Franklin Chamber Foundation, a program designed to support and strengthen the local businesses in Franklin. This initiative is a big part of what makes Franklin such a great place to live and work, and it reflects the true spirit of our community.

So, what’s the difference between the Franklin Chamber of Commerce and the Franklin Chamber Foundation? Both are important, but they serve different purposes. The Chamber of Commerce is a membership-based organization that supports local businesses. On the other hand, the Franklin Chamber Foundation is a nonprofit organization (a 501(c)(3)) that can accept donations and grants, which helps it do even more for the community.

What Is the Franklin Chamber Foundation?

Chambers of Commerce are usually known for supporting businesses in a community, but the Franklin Chamber of Commerce goes a step further. While we do help our members, our main goal is to support all businesses in Franklin. We believe that when businesses in our community succeed, Franklin as a whole becomes a stronger and more dynamic place.

The Franklin Chamber Foundation was created to help businesses beyond the Chamber’s membership. It focuses especially on small businesses, which often need extra support to grow and succeed.

The Foundation’s Impact So Far

The Franklin Chamber Foundation has already made a real impact since its launch. Over $60,000 has been given out to small businesses, helping them grow and improve their operations. This funding includes a grant from the Franklin Economic Development Commission, which helped the Foundation support local businesses in a meaningful way.

While we are proud of the financial support provided, what truly stood out were the stories from the business owners. These are our friends, neighbors, and community members. They work incredibly hard every day to keep their businesses running, and being able to help them—even in a small way—was truly rewarding.

How You Can Get Involved

The Franklin Chamber Foundation has had a successful start, but there’s still much more to be done. To continue supporting local businesses, we need your help. Donations to the Foundation help fund future grants, provide educational programs for business owners and offer more ways for businesses to succeed.

In addition, the Foundation helps sustain the physical presence of the Franklin Chamber of Commerce, creating a space where businesses can connect and grow together.

How to Donate

If you’re interested in supporting the Franklin Chamber Foundation’s work, you can donate by Contacting Rosie Chambers at 317.736.6334 or email her at rchambers@franklincoc.org.

The Franklin Chamber Foundation is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization, which means all donations are tax-deductible. Your support will help make Franklin an even better place for businesses to grow and thrive.

Thank you for supporting the Franklin Chamber Foundation and helping to build a stronger, more connected community. Together, we can ensure Franklin remains a place where businesses—and relationships—can thrive.