Community Foundation of Elkhart County awards Community Investment grants

The Community Foundation invests nearly $1.8 million in Elkhart County

April 27, 2021

ELKHART, Indiana – The Community Foundation of Elkhart County’s Board of Directors approved $1,793,999 of new and multi-year grants to multiple 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.
 
“We are thrilled to make these Community Investment Grants to support key initiatives in Elkhart County,” said Candy Yoder, Chief Program Officer. “These grants will help improve our downtowns, how we traverse trails, and increase access to housing, education, and healthcare in our community.”

The grants awarded in April are:

Placemaking grants totaling $733,560
• Goshen Theater, $80,000, Operating support and salaries
• Wakarusa Chamber of Commerce, $250,000, Doc’s Downtown Pavilion
• Pathways & Trails Countywide Strategic Planning Process, $200,000 reserved by committee for this process
Seven grants of $25,000 or less totaled $61,060

Kids and Families grants totaling $375,050
• Cancer Resources, $40,000, Program expenses
• Elkhart County Jail Ministry, $150,000, Supportive housing for formerly incarcerated
• Lacasa, $60,000, Community development planning and continuity
• Maple City Health Care Center, $50,000, OB/GYN care
• Four grants of $25,000 or less totaled $57,050

Career Pathways grants totaling $207,665
• Boys & Girls Clubs of Elkhart County, $40,000, Social-emotional learning initiative
• Elkhart County 4-H Saddle Club, $38,533, Box stalls
• Indiana University South Bend, $58,426, Elkhart Center directorship position (year one of three-year commitment)
• Seven grants of $25,000 or less totaled $70,706

Opportunity Fund totaling $477,724
• Goshen College, $103,680, Community-engaged learning (year one of two-year commitment)
• Elkhart Health & Aquatics, $200,000, annual support
• 54 grants for sponsorships and memberships, $174,020

Grant requests are reviewed by staff and volunteer committees composed of diverse 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.

> Learn more about Community Investment Grants