October 31, 2025 ELKHART, Ind. — October 31, 2025 — With the lapse of federal SNAP benefits caused by the ongoing U.S. government shutdown, food pantries across Elkhart County are preparing for an immediate and drastic increase in need. The Community Foundation of Elkhart County is providing backbone support to more than 60 food pantries through Hunger Ends Here, an initiative that helps nonprofit and faith-based organizations work together to reduce food insecurity. By coordinating communication, sharing resources, and organizing bulk food purchases, the Community Foundation is helping pantries prepare to serve families who are losing federal assistance for groceries. Read More »

October 21, 2025 The Community Foundation of Elkhart County’s board of directors approved $3.6 million in new grants on October 16, 2025, to support nonprofit organizations serving residents throughout Elkhart County. These grants align with the foundation’s mission to improve the quality of life in Elkhart County by inspiring generosity. Funding was awarded across three priority areas: Kids and Families, Career Pathways, and Placemaking, as well as through the Opportunity Fund, which provides sponsorship and membership support to strengthen community engagement and collaboration. Kids and Families – $1,609,000 total To strengthen services that support children, youth, and families: Bashor Children’s Read More »

September 24, 2025 ELKHART COUNTY, Ind. – The Community Foundation of Elkhart County has reached a historic milestone, reporting $502 million in total assets at the close of its most recent fiscal year. With this achievement, the Community Foundation now stands among the top 200 foundations in the world and the top 50 community foundations in the United States. “This moment is really a testament to the generosity of our donors and the dedication of those who serve here,” said Pete McCown, president of the Community Foundation. “We are where we are today because people in Elkhart County believe in Read More »

June 27, 2025 ELKHART COUNTY, Indiana – The Community Foundation of Elkhart County’s Board of Directors has approved $2,620,379 in new grants to support dozens of nonprofits and programs across Elkhart County during the first half of 2025. Grants were awarded in three priority areas—placemaking, kids and families, and career pathways—reflecting the Community Foundation’s focus on strengthening the community. This grantmaking also supports two major collaborative initiatives: Pumpkinvine Trails Coalition, aimed at expanding the county’s trail network, and Building Strong Brains, Elkhart County’s early childhood initiative. The Community Foundation’s board met in April and June 2025, approving recommendations from staff Read More »

March 7, 2025 GOSHEN, INDIANA – Indiana’s 145th Baby Box was dedicated and blessed Friday morning in Goshen. Approximately 75 people, many of them first responders, attended the event at the Goshen Fire Department’s Central Station, 209 N. Third Street, Goshen. There, a climate-controlled box is available for parents who are unable to care for their infant to anonymously surrender. The generosity of 100 Women Who Care Elkhart County has played a vital role in establishing Goshen’s first Safe Haven Baby Box. With a $10,000 grant from the giving circle, this initiative became a reality through a collaborative effort that Read More »

February 5, 2025 The Community Foundation of Elkhart County is pleased to announce the addition of four new team members, including Alex Strati as the Director of Professional Advisors. These strategic hires reflect the Community Foundation’s ongoing commitment to strengthening its impact and deepening its engagement with donors, professional advisors, and the broader Elkhart County community. Alex Strati joined the Community Foundation in January 2025 as Director of Professional Advisors. In this role, he will support financial and legal professionals who assist individuals with estate planning, helping to facilitate charitable giving through the foundation. Strati brings extensive experience in banking Read More »

Giving Indiana Funds for Tomorrow (GIFT VIII) money will be used for Building Strong Brains December 19, 2023 The Community Foundation of Elkhart County has received a grant of $7.5 million from Lilly Endowment Inc. through the Community Leadership Implementation Grants component of the eighth phase of its Giving Indiana Funds for Tomorrow (GIFT VIII) initiative. This is one of 30 implementation grants being awarded through GIFT VIII, a statewide Lilly Endowment initiative designed to support the efforts of community foundations and their partners to strengthen the quality of life for the people in the towns, cities, counties, and regions Read More »

Eight local students awarded substantial scholarships December 13, 2024 The Community Foundation of Elkhart County is pleased to announce the recipients of the 2025 Lilly Endowment Community Scholarship for Elkhart County. The three students who will receive full-tuition scholarships at any Indiana college or university are: ●    Jaden Fear of Northwood High School ●    Tageeya Galeb of Goshen High School ●    Annika Troyer of Concord High School Each Lilly Endowment Community Scholarship provides for full tuition, required fees and a special allocation of up to $900 per year for required books and required equipment for four years. The scholarship is Read More »

December 5, 2024 ELKHART, Indiana — The Well Foundation’s Greatest Need Fund has awarded $214,400 in grants to boost community health across Elkhart County. The Well Foundation Committee convened in November to distribute this year's grants. The Greatest Need Fund provides flexible funding for local initiatives that help Elkhart County residents live healthier, longer lives. “We're thrilled to continue supporting health-focused projects and organizations throughout Elkhart County,” shared Jane Erickson, president of the committee, which includes numerous volunteers with ties to the original Goshen Hospital & Healthcare Foundation. “This commitment to community well-being has been a driving force since our Read More »