ELKHART, Ind. – The Community Foundation of Elkhart County’s board of directors has approved $3,429,748 in new grants to support nonprofit organizations serving Elkhart County. The grants were approved at the board’s April 16 meeting and span the Foundation’s three priority areas and the Opportunity Fund.
“Each of these grants reflects months of conversation with the nonprofits doing the work,” said Guy Fisher, chief program officer for the Community Foundation of Elkhart County. “Our role is to listen carefully, understand what’s needed, and help good ideas find the resources to take root in this community.”
The grants approved at the April 16 meeting include:
Kids and Families grants totaling $1,605,774
- Oaklawn Psychiatric Center, $750,000 over three years for The SOURCE: Early Intervention Support for the Partnership for Children
- First Baptist Church of Elkhart, $175,000 for the Woodland Community Space
- RETA, $160,000 for the Family Empowerment Initiative
- Goodwill Industries of Michiana, $142,050 over two years for the Nurse Family Partnership Elkhart Home Nurse Visitor program
- Jail Ministry of Elkhart County, $100,000 for the Holy Alliance Community Center
- The Salvation Army of Elkhart, $80,000 challenge grant for the Household Stability Initiative
- Ryan’s Place, $70,000 challenge grant for operational support
14 additional grants of $25,000 or less totaled $128,724
Placemaking grants totaling $1,509,000
- Beacon Health Foundation, $1,000,000 for the Elkhart General Hospital Emergency and Trauma Expansion
- City of Elkhart Parks and Recreation Department, $150,000 for Ullery Park Revitalization
- City of Nappanee, $100,000 for the Nappanee PACE Connection Trail
- Town of Middlebury, $75,000 for the Veterans Memorial Wall at Grace Lawn Cemetery
- Midwest Museum of American Art, $45,000 for the North Wall Stabilization Project
6 additional grants of $25,000 or less totaled $89,000
Career Pathways grants totaling $55,250
8 grants of $25,000 or less
The Opportunity Fund provided $259,724 in grants. The 70 awards supported community sponsorships, memberships, and special opportunities that strengthen collaboration and civic engagement in Elkhart County.
“This round includes some of the most significant commitments we’ve made to early childhood support and to public spaces in recent memory,” Fisher said. “Both reflect what donors have told us they care about: a strong start for kids, and places where neighbors gather.”
The Community Foundation accepts Community Investment Grant applications twice a year, with deadlines in mid-February and mid-August. The next deadline is August 15.
About the Community Foundation of Elkhart County
Founded in 1989, the Community Foundation of Elkhart County works alongside donors to support nonprofits and meet community needs across the county. With more than $500 million in assets, the Foundation is among the largest community foundations in the country. Its mission is to improve the quality of life in Elkhart County by inspiring generosity. Learn more at inspiringgood.org.
