October newsLETTER

From the Community Foundation’s Program Team

Candy YoderAs the seasons unfold, I find joy in each transformation. Just like nature, our journeys in the nonprofit sector are marked by cycles of growth, rest, and renewal. I hope you’re taking a moment to enjoy the beauty of the changing seasons as well. 

Nonprofit leaders and team members often work tirelessly, fueled by a deep passion for their missions. However, amidst the hustle, it’s crucial to carve out time for self-care. I had the pleasure of connecting with fellow CEOs at the Community Foundation’s CEO Retreat in September, where the focus was on networking and learning—but also on recharging. It served as a powerful reminder that taking time to refuel is not just beneficial but essential for long-term success. 

I encourage each of you, regardless of your role, to adopt a marathon approach to your work. This means pacing yourself and recognizing the importance of refueling along the way. In the nonprofit world, where the demands can be relentless, this mindset can make all the difference. 

As I complete my journey as Chief Program Officer at the Foundation, I reflect on the incredible team we’ve built and have full confidence in Pete McCown’s vision for our next chapter of leadership. CFEC will continue its vital partnerships with organizations that create positive change, and I truly believe the future is bright for Elkhart County. 

Let’s embrace the changes ahead, taking care of ourselves and each other, ensuring we have the stamina to run this marathon together. What season are you in right now, and how can you take a moment to recharge?

Sincerely, 

Candy Yoder
Chief Program Officer

Grants being awarded

Though our program staff awards grants under $25,000 on a rolling basis, our two largest grant cycles hinge on deadlines in February and August.

We received a number of outstanding applications for our August cycle and our staff and volunteers assessed them before recommending decisions to the board.

On Thursday, at its quarterly meeting, the board approved:

  • CAPS, Healthy Workplace Initiative, $79,000
  • Horizon Education Alliance, Early Childhood Research, $35,000
  • RETA, Operational Support, $225,000
  • Ryan’s Place, Operational Support, $50,000
  • enFocus, Fellowships and Catalyst Internships, $125,000
  • ETHOS, GLC Operational Support, $200,000
  • Startup Moxie, $90,000 (split over three years)
  • Horizon Education Alliance, Triple P Teen, $120,000
  • Premier Arts, Annex Expansion, $100,000
  • Elkhart County Parks Department, DeFries Gardens Homestead Renovation, $100,000
  • Elkhart County Symphony Association, Operational Support, $65,000
  • Humane Society of Elkhart County, Capital Campaign – Clinic Expansion, $100,000

Our next grant deadline is February 15. The first step if you’re interested in applying is to speak with a program officer. We look forward to conversations with you.

Guy Fisher and Andy Murray taking on new roles

President Pete McCown announced Thursday the plan to replace Candy Yoder as she retires from the full-time program teamwork.

Guy Fisher, who joined the Community Foundation a year ago, will become the new Chief Program Officer as well as continuing as the Career Pathways program officer. Guy has past experience at Bethel University and Goodwill Industries. He is passionate about our community and providing opportunities for others. He will coordinate grantmaking with Vonnie Trumble and Ray Caldwell, as well as the other staff and volunteers who help with that process.

Andy Murray will become Director of Strategic Initiatives for the two coalitions. He retired from Lippert Components Inc. and is passionate about helping others as a board member and now as a foundation employee. As the new year begins, he will oversee Building Strong Brains and Pumpkinvine Trails Coalition.

Apply for scholarships

The Universal Scholarship application window opens January 1. If you know a high school senior in Elkhart County, encourage them to apply for scholarships through the Community Foundation of Elkhart County’s Universal Application. With one streamlined process, your student can access multiple local scholarships, helping reduce the financial burden of college, trade school, or vocational training. This is an incredible opportunity to support their future success without added stress.

The Universal Application also unlocks opportunities for adults. Whether you’re seeking to return to school, advance your skills, or enter a new field, these scholarships can provide the financial support you need. It’s never too late to invest in your future!

Join us to learn at TLC events

The Learning Center (TLC) offers a variety of upcoming events designed to help you grow professionally and strengthen your organization. From workshops on leadership development to training in fundraising, marketing, and more, these sessions provide valuable tools and insights to help you make a greater impact. Attending TLC events is an excellent opportunity to learn, network with other nonprofit professionals, and stay up to date on best practices.

Upcoming events:

November 13, 2024: Unlocking Opportunities: Raising Funds Effectively in Challenging Times

  • 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. at Elkhart Health & Aquatics
  • Learn strategies for successful fundraising during tough economic conditions with Leigh Ann Jacobson, CFRE.

January 16, 2025: Collaborations, Partnerships, and Mergers

  • 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. at Ivy Tech Community College, Elkhart Campus
  • Explore how nonprofits can collaborate, form partnerships, or merge to achieve greater impact with Jory Fitzgerald.

February 13, 2025: Safeguarding Your Mission: Cyber Security Best Practices for Nonprofits

  • 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. at Goshen College
  • Learn essential cybersecurity practices to protect your nonprofit from digital threats with Rene Etcheria.

Learn more and register.

Building continues for Building Strong Brains

As we continue to join in the collective Building Strong Brains Coalition work, we know that to shift and sustain the conditions of an improved early childhood system, we need to work to change structures, connections, power dynamics, and mindsets. We continue to collectively embrace the importance of learning together, identifying and trying innovative ideas, and supporting each other in progressing this complex work forward. As we welcome new partners and share resources, the coalition continues to grow in strength and momentum, with over 200 team members and 70 cross sector organizations actively engaged in the work. We are excited to welcome Goshen College as our eleventh organizational sponsor.

Brian Replogle joined the Building Strong Brains Coalition in August as its assistant director. A retired firefighter and EMT-A from South Bend, Brian is a dedicated father to his son, Austin, and has been a passionate advocate for families and children—both with and without disabilities—for over 20 years. 

If you would like to join in the Building Strong Brains Initiative work, please contact Building Strong Brains Coalition Director Kimberly Boynton or subscribe to our quarterly newsletter. 

Connecting our trail work

Trail Network

Connect in Elkhart County is a plan developed by the Community Foundation of Elkhart County in partnership with local stakeholders. The Pumpkinvine Trails Coalition is the group that is coming together to oversee the construction and connection of a 130-mile network of low-stress streets and trails that work for everyone.

This emerging coalition has been busy. Here’s a look at recent activity by the numbers:

3.35 — Miles of new trail since 2022, with 4 more miles improved. One bridge, 1 new mile and .25-mile of improvements are in progress.

9 — Events this summer, resulting in 11,143 people attending. The majority of those were at Goshen’s First Fridays in June to celebrate the completion of the Pumpkinvine Nature Trail.

10 — Partner organizations in the Pumpkinvine Trails Coalition

12 — Miles of new trail being actively planned by the coalition

242,000 — Trips on Elkhart County trails counted in 2023

$2.9 million — Total project funding achieved from $534,865 in investment provided by the Community Foundation of Elkhart County for completed projects.

Stay informed about the growing trail initiative: