Dan Coons, Peggy Michel, Suzie Light, Tom Till and Rich Haddad are shown after the KLA event.

By JONI TRUEX
Kosciusko Leadership Academy

Hosted by Kosciusko County Community Foundation, Suzie Light welcomed the Kosciusko Leadership Academy cadets and guests to their monthly meeting to learn about philanthropy in Kosciusko County.

Light explained the definition of philanthropy and stated “Philanthropy is not about giving what’s left over, it’s about meeting your philanthropy goals and vision through sharing your time, talent, and treasure.” Philanthropy is something everyone can do in some way, shape or form.

Kosciusko County Community Foundation is a public foundation that houses several types of funds. One of these are permanent endowments, in which the principle stays in place and the earnings are distributed through grants.

The foundation once held mainly scholarship funds, but now the funds cover broad, flexible purposes in addition to scholarships. The KCCF also monitors community needs. There are opportunities for personalized giving. This vehicle allows the donor to fulfill charitable intents. Contributions may be made in a variety of ways including cash, stocks, property, grain, as charitable remainder trusts, and as bequests.

KCCF also operates the Kosciusko Endowment Youth Services program. The students in KEYS are nominated by the school and serve four years. Running meetings, service, and community philanthropy are all learned by the students.

KCCF holds $54.8 million in assets in more than 278 endowed funds.

Rich Haddad, executive director K-21 Health Foundation, explained their foundation is a private foundation.

K-21 exists for the benefit of Kosciusko County citizens to ensure health care services are provided and to advance prevention and healthy living.

Haddad stated “This will be accomplished by identifying health needs in our community and maintaining an endowment so funds are available, through investments and grants, for those needs.” Haddad shared several recent grants that have been made including $2 million for the YMCA building project and Joe’s Kids.

K-21 helped to establish the service locally and helps with funding gaps and operating funds. K-21 has also provided funding for Fellowship Missions to purchase and renovate their new building; Winona Lake Limitless Park; Beaman Home Capital Campaign; Center for Lakes and Streams; and Baker Youth Club new bus purchase.

Peggy Michel, Lake City Bank Wealth Advisory Team, shared that 70 percent of the population doesn’t have a written plan in place for estate planning. There are many people that do not even have a written will. Estate planning includes a will, but it is also so much more. There are many ways we can provide for our families.

One of the most important, often neglected ways is to establish an estate plan so our loved ones are cared for and protected upon our death. Without an estate plan, or a will at minimum, our assets and minor or incapacitated children, are left for the courts in our state to determine outcomes. Estate planning is important to protect our family and our assets, not to mention the ability to provide for those causes we wish to continue to support, even after death.

Thespeakers answered questions from the KLA Cadets.

The next KLA session will be held Tuesday, Dec. 16, at the Manahan Orthopaedic Capital Center to learn about the orthopedic industry. KLA Alumni are welcome to attend any session.

Alumni, cadets and interested parties are encouraged to register through the KLA Website at www.kosciuskoleadership.org.