Welcome to this first issue of Connections for 2005 and our fourth since initiating this online publication last year. Previous issues of Connections are archived on our web site.

This month, with the announcement of the first round of grants for 2005, the NMPCT has awarded more than $100 million since it began making grants in late 1998.

Over the past seven years, since the Trust began making grants in Arizona and Indiana, 585 different nonprofit organizations have benefited from the Trust's support and more than 160 Nina Mason Pulliam Legacy Scholars have participated in the program. The Trust's endowment was approximately $354 million as of the end of 2004.

Much has been accomplished and more can be done during the remaining 43 years of the Trust's life. At the time of her death, Mrs. Pulliam directed that her assets be established as an irrevocable charitable trust and dedicated for 50 years to serving the residents of central Indiana and Maricopa County, Arizona.

We are fortunate that our three Trustees guide the staff in the fulfillment of Mrs. Pulliam's legacy as a journalist, business leader, humanitarian and lover of all creatures. You are welcome to learn more about Mrs. Pulliam, as well as our cumulative family of grantees on our web site.

This edition of Connections features an article highlighting the Trust's grantmaking in the area of Enriching Community Life, which includes arts and culture, and community building and civic revitalization, authored by grants programs managers Lee Ann Hoy in Indianapolis and Belen Martinez in Phoenix. This area of the Trust's work provides valuable quality-of-life experiences to individuals and families most likely to benefit from the services and programs provided by our Helping People in Need grantees.

The Trust also is funding its fifth cohort of Nina Mason Pulliam Legacy Scholars who will begin college classes in the fall. Applications to the four participating schools are due April 1, 2005. Many of our grantees have referred applicants to this important scholarship program for nontraditional college students.

We welcome your comments and questions. Please contact us at Connections. In future issues, we will include your questions and our responses that are of general interest to our readership.