The Community Foundation of Elkhart County’s board of directors approved $3.6 million in new grants on Oct. 16 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, the organization said in a release. 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 Home – $400,000 over two years for its Emergency Shelter capital campaign
- Cultivate Food Rescue – $300,000 over three years for operational support
- Faith Mission of Michiana – $55,000 for a backup generator
- First Light Mission – $200,000 challenge grant for operational support
- National Immigrant Justice Center – $200,000 over two years for operational support in Elkhart County
- The Window – $85,000 over two years for the Community Connections program
- Women’s Care Center – $300,000 over three years for operational support
Six additional grants of $25,000 or less totaled $69,000
Career Pathways – $971,800 total
To expand opportunities for students and adults to develop skills and careers:
- enFocus – $150,000 for innovation fellowships and internships
- ETHOS Innovation Center – $200,000 for “Hands-On STEM for All”
- Premier Arts Academy – $50,000 for “Full STEAM Ahead”
- The Crossing National – $500,000 over three years for its Center for Work-Based Learning capital campaign
Eight additional grants of $25,000 or less totaled $71,800
Placemaking – $627,700 total
To enhance spaces and programs that build vibrant, connected communities:
- Elkhart County Symphony Association – $65,000 for operational support
- Lacasa – $250,000 to sustain capacity in advancing affordable housing
Thirty-nine additional grants of $25,000 or less totaled $312,700
Opportunity Fund – $387,345 total
Thirty-eight grants supported community sponsorships, memberships and special opportunities that strengthen collaboration and civic engagement.
Total: $3,595,845 in grants approved
“The strength of our community is reflected in how we care for each other,” said Guy Fisher, chief program officer for the Community Foundation of Elkhart County. “These grants represent the continued generosity of donors who believe in Elkhart County and want to invest in solutions that make a lasting difference for children, families and neighborhoods.”
