Dozens of Elkhart County non-profits receive over $700K in grants

ELKHART COUNTY, Ind. -- The Community Foundation of Elkhart County's Board of Directors approved $778,313 in new grants to dozens of non-profits and programs in Elkhart County.

Foundation officials say the grants were given in the categories of placemaking, kids and families, and career pathways, which reflect the priorities of the foundation.

The organization's aim is to help lead two community initiatives, and grantmaking is supporting the efforts of Connect in Elkhart County, focused on expanding Elkhart County’s trail network, and Building Strong Brains, Elkhart County’s early childhood initiative.

The board approved the recommendations of staff and volunteer committees, composed of a range of community members, on Thursday, June 20.

The grants from the community foundation’s unrestricted fund are being awarded to:

Kids and Families grants totaling $645,028

• ADEC, $250,000, Capital Campaign
• First Light Mission, $135,000, Operational Support
• Genai Excellence Academy, $85,000, Program Expansion
• Owls Club, $100,000 challenge grant, Operational Support
• Eight grants of $25,000 or less totaled $75,028
• Building Strong Brains Initiative
• Expenditures of $16,081 were approved from reserved funds to support the Building Strong Brains Initiative.
• The Kids and Families Committee also approved $405,259 in funding for the upcoming fiscal year for operational support.

Career Pathways

• Four grants of $25,000 or less totaled $24,000.

 Placemaking

• Three grants of $25,000 or less totaled $15,700.

Connected Network of Trails Initiative

• One grant of $1,100 was awarded from Connected Network of Trails Initiative reserved funds.
• Expenditures of $32,060 were approved from reserved funds to support the Connected Network of Trails Initiative.

Opportunity Fund

• 13 grants for sponsorships and memberships totaling $92,485 were approved.

You can find more information about the Community Foundation of Elkhart County, here.