News Release

ELKHART COUNTY — The Community Foundation of Elkhart County’s board of directors approved $2,195,705 of new grants to nonprofits and programs throughout Elkhart County.

The grants were given in the categories of placemaking, kids and families, and career pathways, reflecting the priorities of the Community Foundation. The organization is helping lead two community initiatives, and grant-making is supporting the efforts of Connect in Elkhart County, focused on expanding Elkhart County’s trail network, and Building Strong Brains: Elkhart County’s Early Childhood Initiative.

The board met on Thursday, Oct. 19, prior to the Community Foundation’s annual celebration. Several hundred people gathered for that event, which celebrated another successful year for the organization. The fiscal year 2022-23 that ended on June 30 had:

• Growth to $405 million in total assets
• $42.7 million in grants distributed
• $26 million in gifts received
• An 8.5 percent return on its investment portfolio
• Growth in its number of funds to 644

“We continue to be humbled and amazed at the generosity of Elkhart County and all those who play a role in nurturing the growth of our community and those who live in it,” said President Pete McCown. “Elkhart County is a truly remarkable place, and we are happy to help facilitate philanthropy of all types.”

The grants from the Fund for Elkhart County, the Community Foundation’s unrestricted fund, awarded between July 1, 2023, and mid-October 2023 are:

Placemaking Grants Totaling $659,000

• Elkhart County Symphony Association, operational support, $70,000
• Habitat for Humanity of Elkhart County, capital campaign, $250,000
• Ruthmere Foundation, capital campaign for Discovery Center, $100,000
• 21 grants to local events and festivals totaled $207,000
• Nine grants of $25,000 or less totaled $32,000

Connected Network Of Trails Initiative

• A grant to the city of Nappanee — Pedal Party Community Bike Ride, $1,688
• Expenditures of $14,341 were approved from reserved funds to support the Connected Network Trails Initiative
• The Placemaking Committee reserved $1 million for future use by the initiative

Kids And Families Grants Totaling $696,153

• Center for Community Justice, operational support, victim offender reconciliation program, 2:1 challenge, $50,000
• Maple City Health Care Center, operational support for Westend expansion, $500,000
• Women’s Care Center, operational support, 1:1 challenge, $75,000
• Eight grants of $25,000 or less totaled $71,153

Building Strong Brains: Elkhart County’s Early Childhood Initiative

• Expenditures of $8,725 were approved from reserved funds to support Building Strong Brains: Elkhart County’s Early Childhood Initiative
• The Kids and Families Committee reserved $80,000 for future use

Career Pathways Grants Totaling $603,000

• Elkhart Community Schools, capital project for surgical technology, $250,000
• EnFocus, civic innovation fellowships and internships, $25,000
• Ethos, operational support, $250,000
• University of Notre Dame’s Center for Civic Innovation, Elkhart Catalyst internships, $50,000
• Three grants of $25,000 or less totaled $28,000
• In addition, expenditures of $18,048 were approved from reserved funds to support the Career Pathways Student Pathways Initiative

Opportunity Fund Grants Totaling $235,864

• 44 grants for sponsorships and memberships

Grant requests are reviewed by staff and volunteer committees comprised of a diverse range of community members who are engaged with their respective sectors and make every effort to be aware of emerging and ongoing initiatives. Staff members can make decisions on grants of $25,000 or less and the board of the Community Foundation of Elkhart County approves all grants.