Inspiring Generosity. Strengthening Community.
At the Community Foundation of Elkhart County, we believe the people of Elkhart County have the power to shape a vibrant, thriving future: for their families, their neighborhoods, and their entire community.
You care deeply about making a difference. Whether you’re a donor, nonprofit partner, volunteer, or local leader, you’re passionate about helping others and improving the place we all call home. But knowing where to start or how to make the greatest impact can feel overwhelming.
That’s where we come in.
The Community Foundation is here to guide and support generosity, vision, and commitment to community. Through grants, scholarships, and strategic initiatives, we help turn good intentions into real change.
Our work spans areas vital to community well-being—education, health, arts and culture, and quality of place. We connect donors to causes that matter, help nonprofits grow stronger, and collaborate with individuals and organizations to address our region’s most pressing challenges.
Thanks to the generosity of thousands of donors and support from Lilly Endowment Inc., the Community Foundation has grown to nearly $500 million in assets and awards approximately $30 million each year in grants and scholarships—many of them directed by donors with a personal passion for specific causes or communities.
Our board, staff, and a team of dedicated volunteers guide grantmaking across three focus areas:
- Kids & Families – Supporting children and the adults who care for them
- Career Pathways – Opening doors to education and employment
- Placemaking – Investing in places and projects that build community life
In addition, the Community Foundation coordinates three collaborative initiatives that build capacity and connection across the county:
- Building Strong Brains works to improve outcomes for young children and families through early learning, maternal health, and access to community resources.
- Pumpkinvine Trails Coalition focuses on expanding and enhancing the region’s trail network to promote health, recreation, and a sense of connection.
- Acts of Service links volunteers with opportunities to meet local needs, fostering a culture of kindness and shared purpose.
Elkhart County is a vibrant and diverse place—full of creativity, craftsmanship, and care. With thriving cities, welcoming towns, and scenic rural spaces, it’s a region rich with possibility and heart.
Since 1989, the Community Foundation has partnered with donors to meet local needs, support students, and invest in the work of nonprofits. Together, we inspire good—helping strengthen the community we all share.
Did You Know?
In FY2024, we were able to distribute over $31 million in grants to the people who call Elkhart County home.
