Inspiring Good

The Community Foundation of Elkhart County invests $2,294,069 into nonprofit organizations serving Elkhart County.

ELKHART, Indiana – In April, the Community Foundation of Elkhart County’s Board of Directors approved $2,942,069 of new and multi-year grants to dozens of nonprofits serving Elkhart County.

The grants were given in the categories of placemaking, kids and families, and career pathways, reflecting the priorities of the Community Foundation.

“We are focused on transforming Elkhart County by helping a broad range of initiatives succeed. One way we can do that is by investing in the good work being done by non-profit organizations, churches, and schools,” said President Pete McCown.

The grants were awarded under a new model launched on July 1, 2018 after a yearlong review and planning process. 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.

“We continue to be amazed at the grant requests we are receiving,” said Candy Yoder, Chief Program Officer of the Community Foundation.  “We are so grateful for the strong organizations in our community that are working to improve the quality of life for all of us and we are pleased to partner with them to make significant impacts.”

The grants awarded since January 1, 2019, are:

Goshen Theater, Programming Development $100,000 over two yearsNappanee Power from the Past, $187,200Wellfield Botanic Gardens, Origami in the Gardens, $50,000 Bethany Christian Schools, Great Strides Campaign, $390,000 (one to one match)Friends of the Lerner Endowment Fund, $500,00020 grants of $25,000 or less totaled $101,085

Cancer Resources for Elkhart County, Journey Through Cancer Treatment Program, $30,000Ryan’s Place, Children’s Grief Support Program, $80,000 over two yearsGood Shepherd Montessori School, preschool expansion in Elkhart County, $100,000 over two yearsCenter for Community Justice, Victim Offender Reconciliation Program, $100,000 over two yearsCentral Christian Church, building improvements for Child Care Ministry, $50,17217 grants of $25,000 or less totaled $95,557

Goshen College, recruiting and retaining diverse teachers, $57,000 over two years Elkhart Community Schools; Engineering, Technology, and Innovation building, $500,000 over two years Greater Elkhart Chamber of Commerce, Startup Moxie Elkhart County, $45,000 over two years Seven grants of $25,000 or less totaled $70,055