Give With Purpose
How to Start a Fund at the Community Foundation of Elkhart County
When you create a fund with us, you’re planting seeds of generosity that will grow for years to come. Whether you’re supporting local students, community causes, or your employees, your giving becomes part of something larger—more than 600 active funds shaping a stronger Elkhart County.
It’s easy to begin. Our development team will listen first, then guide you through the options that align with your values and goals. We handle all the paperwork and the details so you can focus on making an impact.
At the Community Foundation, more than half of the dollars granted each year are directed by our donors—not by staff or committees. That means you retain a voice in where your giving goes, while benefiting from our administrative support, investment strategy, and deep local knowledge.
We offer both endowed and non-endowed funds. Endowed funds are designed to grow over time and provide support in perpetuity, while non-endowed funds offer more flexibility. And to encourage long-term impact, gifts to endowed funds are eligible for a 25% match (up to $25,000 per year), multiplying your generosity.
Why do so many people choose to give through the Community Foundation of Elkhart County?
- We steward more than 800 charitable funds that serve a wide range of causes.
- Our assets are nearing $500 million—helping us serve the community in broader and deeper ways.
- In the calendar year 2024, we received over $28 million in gifts and distributed more than $22 million in grants and scholarships.
- On most of our funds, we charge just a 0.25% administrative fee, well below national averages.
- Our donor portal makes giving easy and transparent.
- Most importantly, our team walks alongside you with personalized service and deep community insight.
At the heart of everything we do is one mission: to inspire generosity. We strive to make giving simple, meaningful, and accessible for anyone who wants to make a difference in Elkhart County.
Contact Us or Give Us a Call:
Danielle Burtch
Donor Services Coordinator:
danielle@inspiringgood.org
574.295.8761
Kim Miller
Director of Donor Services:
kim@inspiringgood.org
574.295.8761
Carrie Berghoff
Chief Development Officer:
carrie@inspiringgood.org
574.295.8761
