On Jan. 11, members of the LaGrange County Chamber of Commerce joined together for a Member Showcase and the Annual Meeting. This year, the staff of the LaGrange County Community Foundation won the 2024 Member Showcase!
Each year, Chamber invites members to showcase their organization or business prior to their Annual Meeting. The Community Foundation wanted to inspire kindness this year with their booth.
Decked out in pink and red hearts, the booth had information about their upcoming Intentional Acts of Kindness Calendar. In February, the Foundation will be participating in acts of kindness each day, and encouraging others to join in. You can join in on the Intentional Acts of Kindness Event Page!
LCCF is also excited about a new matching opportunity. The Caring Community Fund supports the greatest needs in LaGrange County, at any given time, making impact forever. The Foundation intends to apply for a $750,000 Matching Fund Grant from Lilly Endowment to support the Foundation’s unrestricted endowment, which will provide resources to present and future needs.
The Community Foundation is asking people and businesses like YOU to give to the Caring Community Fund.
For every $1 you give, the matching grant will give $2, giving the fund a total of $3! If you would like to give to this fund DONATE HERE, chose to give to a specific fund, then chose the Caring Community Fund.
The LaGrange County Community Foundation is pleased to announce the recipients of the fall Community Impact Grants cycle.
LaGrange County Soil & Water District Water Quality Monitoring
The Foundation recently awarded $92,000 in grants to eleven nonprofit organizations. The Community Impact Grants support nonprofits in six areas: arts and culture, health and human services, recreation, environment, community development and education.
The Community Impact Grants are made possible by the generosity of donors who give to the unrestricted and field of interest funds at the Foundation.
For over 30 years, the Community Foundation has remained committed to its mission of “inspiring and sustaining generosity, leadership and service in LaGrange County.”
“Through our grantmaking program we are able to ensure a lasting legacy for our funders who have made a long-term commitment to support positive growth of our nonprofit community in LaGrange County,” said Octavia Yoder, Executive Director.
“We are honored to support many deserving nonprofit organizations who are improving the quality of life in LaGrange County and helping meet important and unmet community needs,” Yoder added.
The 2023 fall Community Impact Grant recipients include:
LaGrange County Department of Parks & Recreation, Tetrick property, $20,000;
LaGrange County Soil & Water Conservation District, Long-term strategic water quality monitoring program in LaGrange County, $11,500;
LaGrange Baseball League, Score board installation at Spreuer Park, $8,000;
Coffee & Cream of South Milford, Coffee & Cream equipment, $12,500;
Agape Child Care Ministry, Program materials, $2,500;
Cancer Services of Northeastern Indiana, Client advocate program for LaGrange County, $2,500;
Clothes & Food Basket of LaGrange County, Operating support, $15,000;
Junior Achievement of LaGrange County, Junior Achievement Biztown Fieldtrips 2023-2024, $5,000;
Boomerang Backpacks, 2023-2024 school year weekend feeding program at Westview and Prairie Heights schools, $10,000;
Youth for Christ Northern Indiana, Westview Campus Life, $2,500; and
Kate’s Kart, Book Distribution at Parkview LaGrange, $2,500.
Each year, the Community Foundation seeks proposals for charitable projects and programs that help local nonprofit organizations provide services in LaGrange County. The Grants Advisory Committee reviews the submitted grant applications and makes recommendations to the Board of the Directors who approve the grant awards. To learn more, visit lccf.net/grants.
Wednesday, November 15, National Philanthropy Day, our LIFE youth philanthropy members hosted the bi-annual LEAP Event, Leaders Excited About Philanthropy. Students from our 3 county public schools are encouraged to get involved in their community during this one-day conference on leadership and philanthropy.
Our 12 LIFE members along with their LIFE leader, Leanna Martin have been working since Spring 2023 to organize this event for high schoolers from Lakeland, Prairie Heights and Westview. This year’s event was held at Lakeland high school. The members chose the speakers, nonprofits in attendance, icebreakers, snacks and even found donations and sponsors for the event.
There were a lot of fun and education activities throughout our 4 hours together. Our time included lots of Icebreakers for the kids to get to know each other. They also organized a Community Nonprofit Fair in which volunteers/ employees from Agape Missions of LaGrange County, LaGrange County Community Foundation, Elijah Haven Crisis Intervention Center, LaGrange County Habitat for Humanity, and Reason 4 Hope attended. These nonprofits spoke to the kids and shared how they started, where they are located, what they do, and how a person could get involve or help the nonprofit. After the student listened to the nonprofit, they would get their Passports signed to enter for prizes. The prizes were donated from many of our awesome community members, nonprofits and business (see list below!).
We also had a great speaker, Coach Seth Maust from Five Star Life. He spoke to the kids on looking beyond themselves to see others, leaders volunteer first, as well as many other good philanthropic ideas. Octavia Yoder, Executive Director at LaGrange County Community Foundation also spoke to the students about philanthropy, working for a nonprofit and what jobs are available, notably in our area. There was also a small Community Service Project they were able to participate in.
Before they left, students were asked to take part in an end of event survey, in which 100% of the 45 students who participated, said that they would recommend LEAP to a friend.
Our LIFE members did an amazing job of working hard and running the event. But none of that would have been possible without the donations and sponsorships from our community. We want to thank the following individuals/ businesses/ nonprofits for helping the LEAP event be a success:
Donations: Crossroads United Way, E&S Sale, Elijah Haven, Farmers State Bank, Habitat for Humanity, LaGrange County CVB, LaGrange County REMC, Lassus Bros. Handy Dandy in Wolcottville and Yoder Popcorn. Financial Support: Cierra Young & Jessyca Castle, LaGrange Veterinarian Clinic, Shipshewana Trading Place, Tammi Haviland, The Riegseckers, Inc., Topeka Pharmacy and Wear Haus Designs.
Rainbow Years Learning Ministry is a childcare and preschool program of Shore Church in Shipshewana.
We recently visited Portia Amstutz, director of Rainbow Years Learning Ministry in Shipshewana to see the progress on their $1 million renovation project. Rainbow Years is a ministry of Shore Church, providing year-round daycare and education to children from birth to age 11.
Rainbow Years renovated their space to add more childcare seats. At one point, their wait-list exceeded their capacity.
In June, Rainbow Years received a Community Impact Grant of $21,736 to purchase materials and equipment for its updated facility.
We were excited to see their new space!
Rainbow Years can currently take around 90 kids, ages birth to 11 years old. With the help of the grant, they were able furnish two new classrooms, giving each age level a class of their own. They not only were able to furnish the two new rooms, but they also replaced some old items throughout the facility.
New classroom furnished with the grant funds received.
The grant helped purchase new sleeping cots, glider rockers, furniture for the teacher’s work room and main office, refrigerator and microwave for the teachers, a washer and dryer unit, cribs, changing tables and toys. It also helped create an indoor “recess” area.
They also created a fun, comfortable space for school-age kids to meet before and after school, as well as in the summer.
When we asked Portia what is meaningful about her work; she said the impact they have on the children. She said it’s because the most critical time for learning is before age 5 – it’s an important job!
Cribs and a glider rocker are a few of the many items added to the infant room.
The Foundation is excited to partner with nonprofits like Rainbow Years to help improve the early education of the youngest children in our county.
Community Impact Grants help nonprofits to be more effective, efficient and self-sustaining. The Community Foundation looks to fund innovative or creativeprojects addressing community needs like Rainbow Years.
Currently, Rainbow Years currently has about 18-20 spots open for childcare! In the next few weeks, they will be able to accept Child Care Development Fund (CCDF) vouchers for low-income families. This program will make their childcare even more affordable for more families.
You can learn more about their programs and availability at RainbowYears.org.
Portia Amstutz reading to some of the children at Rainbow Years Childcare Ministry.
From left are the 2024 Lilly Endowment Community Scholarship finalists Xai Leu, Jace Lang, Taylor Jerdon, Christien Noward and Braden Rogers.
Five LaGrange County high school seniors have been named finalists for the LaGrange County 2024 Lilly Endowment Community Scholarship. The prestigious award goes to an outstanding high school senior in LaGrange County.
The finalists include Taylor Jerdon (Lakeland High School), Jace Lang (Westview High School), Xai Leu (Lakeland High School), Christien Noward (Westview High School), and Braden Rogers (Westview High School).
The scholarship is awarded to one LaGrange County graduating senior who demonstrates service and leadership in their community, and a commitment to academic excellence. Among the finalists, one LaGrange County resident will be awarded the Lilly Endowment Community Scholarship, which will pay their full-tuition at any Indiana college or university, plus required fees. The recipient also will receive $900 per year for books and required equipment.
The Community Foundation received applications from all three high schools in LaGrange County. The Community Foundation’s Lilly Scholarship Advisory Committee reviews and evaluates applications based on academics, community and school activities, work history, leadership and written essays. Identifying information about the student, such as name, school and gender, are removed during the application process. The finalists are then invited to a personal interview with the committee.
All finalists participated in a personal interview with the Foundation’s Lilly Scholarship Advisory Committee on October 17. The results of the interview round are combined with the application round to determine the 2024 nominees who will be submitted to Independent Colleges of Indiana for final selection of the LaGrange County recipient.
Announcement of the recipient will be made in December. The four remaining finalists will each receive the Lambright Leadership Scholarship – a $1,000 award, renewable for up to three years. The Lambright Leadership Scholarship was established by Kevin and Carrie Lambright of Shipshewana in 2013.
The scholarship program is offered each year by the LaGrange County Community Foundation, and other Indiana community foundations across the state to help raise the level of educational attainment in Indiana; to increase awareness of the beneficial roles Indiana community foundations can play in their communities; and to encourage and support the efforts of current and past Lilly Endowment Community Scholars to engage with each other and with Indiana business, governmental, educational, nonprofit and civic leaders to improve the quality of life in Indiana generally and in local communities throughout the state.
As many of us go through life, we wonder: what will I leave behind? Will I be remembered for anything great? Will my time on this earth have made anyone’s life better? I’ve worked hard all my life, what can I do with my money that will count for something important?
One way you can assure leaving behind a legacy is by starting a charitable fund. The LaGrange County Community Foundation offers a range of charitable funds that allow individuals, families and businesses to choose the best way to accomplish their philanthropic goals.
Our funds are simple to establish and the Foundation will work with you to find the right type of fund. We manage more than 150 funds, each with a specific charitable purpose.
Here are different types of funds you can start:
Field of Interest Fund: A field of interest fund allows you to support your favorite causes or issues while relying on the Foundation’s knowledgeable staff to identify nonprofits that make the greatest impact in that area.
Donor Advised Fund: A donor-advised fund allows donors to make a charitable contribution, receive an immediate tax benefit and then recommend grants from the fund over time.
Designated Fund: A designated fund allows you to create a permanent stream of income for a nonprofit organization of your choice in LaGrange County. This is a great option if you want to help provide sustainability to an organization.
Scholarship Fund: Scholarship funds help support college-bound students in their effort to attain higher education.
Unrestricted Fund: Unrestricted funds give the Foundation flexibility to meet community needs for new programs, emergencies and innovative ideas.
Agency Fund: An agency fund is established by a nonprofit organization to support its sustainability.
If you are unable to start a charitable fund, you can still make a difference by supporting an existing charitable fund. Gifts of all sizes are valued and help support a thriving LaGrange County.
We appreciate the legacy that you are giving to future generations of this community!
Since 1991, the LaGrange County Community Foundation has been a charitable partner in LaGrange County, helping connect donors to their charitable dreams and building permanent community funds.
Miles Perkins was one of the nine community leaders who believed in the importance of building long-term permanent funds for LaGrange County, thus helping start the LaGrange County Community Foundation.
Miles served as a founding board member and first President of the LaGrange County Community Foundation in 1991, and on the Board of Directors from 1991 to 1997. After his retirement, he worked with the Foundation to establish the Stroh Community Fund in 2000, and the Prairie Heights Perkins Family Scholarship Fund in 2009.
Paul Johnston, a long-term Board member, served the Foundation from 2005 to 2013. He served 4 of those years as Board president during which the foundation gave a grant to support the Pond Lil project at Dallas Lake Park. Pond Lil, located on the south border of Dallas Lake Park, totals 44 acres. The property was purchased by the Foundation from a private seller in 2012. The LaGrange County Parks Department secured grant funding from the state to purchase the property from the Foundation in 2013. This property increased the Dallas Lake Park size to 140 acres. The Foundation was instrumental in the purchase of this property under Paul’s Leadership.
Both men had a heart for volunteerism and service. Their legacy has forever changed the landscape of LaGrange County for the good.
The Salvation Army is bringing its mobile food pantry to LaGrange County providing a nonperishable food box and frozen items to families. One is available per household, every 30 days.
Food pantry locations:
July 27, Topeka Fire Department, 11a.m. to 1p.m.
August 31, LaGrange Town Hall, 11 a.m. to 1 p.m.
September 21, Howe Fire Department, 11 a.m. to 1 p.m.
October 26, Topeka Fire Department, 11 a.m. to 1 p.m.
The LaGrange County Community Foundation awarded $71,736 to four nonprofit organizations during its 2023 Spring Community Impact Grants cycle.
The Community Impact Grants address community needs in Arts & Culture, Health & Human Services, Recreation, Environment, Community Development, and Education.
The 2023 Spring Community Impact Grant recipients include:
Each year, the Community Foundation seeks proposals for charitable projects and programs that help local nonprofit organizations provide services in LaGrange County. The Grants Advisory Committee reviews the submitted grant applications and makes recommendations to the Board of Directors who approve the grant awards.
The Community Impact Grants are made possible by the generosity of donors who give to the unrestricted and field of interest funds at the Foundation. To learn more, visit HERE.
This year’s Annual Celebration took place on Monday, June 12. It was a combination of delicious food, great information from some nonprofits, some encouragement to “take that extra step” because “we were born for such a time as this” from guest speaker Jason Schackow, and a celebration of volunteerism.
We are thrilled to have so many people who want to volunteer for the Community Foundation, whether on our board, on a committee, or other. We can’t say thanks enough or give anything that would be enough to express our gratitude for their time.
We also named our Spring Community Impact Grant recipients as well. The following organizations will receive grant funds of $71,736:
LaGrange County Arts will receive $5,000 for the second annual LaGrange County Arts Festival. The June 24 event will showcase artists specializing in theatrical, literary, visual and musical arts.
St. Martin’s Healthcare will receive $25,000 for its mobile health clinic. The organization provides healthcare to uninsured and underinsured people in LaGrange, Noble, Steuben and DeKalb counties. Their mobile clinic will visit LaGrange County at least once a week to see patients.
Community Dental Clinic in Topeka will receive $20,000 to help purchase an oral scanner helping their organization provide more effective dental care.
Rainbow Years Learning Ministry will receive $21,736 to help purchase materials, furniture, equipment, toys/activities for the childcare’s upgraded facilities. Rainbow Years Expansion Project will be adding 25 more childcare seats.
We were thrilled to celebrate our 10 nominees for the Heart of Gold Award. What a unique group of people, who all do a variety of volunteerism, and a beautiful example of what the people in this county can do. See more about their stories HERE.
The highlight of the evening was naming our 2023 Heart of Gold recipient. All of the nominees could be given the award, because in their own ways they do so much for those around them.
Amy Whited of LaGrange was chosen as our Heart of Gold Award recipient. Whited, an art teacher at Lakeland Intermediate School, was nominated for the award by her mentor and friend, Mary Woodworth. Whited credited her mentor for encouraging her to pursue a creative path.
Known to serve quietly in the background, Whited is involved in volunteer activities for youth – especially in art. She is a 25-year member of Tri Kappa Mu, a local women’s sorority focused on philanthropy, and helps organize the annual Tri Kappa Art Month. A board member of LaGrange Communities Youth Centers, she leads and instructs an annual summer art camp for elementary students. She volunteers with Camp Watcha Wanna Do and LaGrange Night to Shine. This past year, she was instrumental in helping support a new arts organization – LaGrange County Arts.
Overall the evening was a success!
Thank you to the following for all you did in helping us make the 2023 Annual Celebration a night to remember!
George’s Taco Shack for the dinner.
Shawna Rae’s for the cupcake spread.
Braden Rogers for the music.
MY Events LLC, Megan Yoder for the photo backdrop.
Kari Lipscomb for photography.
Farmstead Inn & Conference Center, Andrea Boval for the facility.
Mariah at SRMA for the tablecloths.
Judy at Country Garden Center for the table flower pots.
Isaac Rogers at Irog Media for the Heart of Gold Nominee video.
Lavern at Teaberry Wood Products for donating the engraved basket given to the Heart of Gold Award recipient.
Action Quick Print for the printed material.
Carrie at Extreme Graphics LLC for the volunteer T-shirts
Our panel of speakers: Jared Beasley from Community Health Clinic; Portia Amstutz from Rainbow Years Learning Ministry; and Kathy Dunafin from Elijah Haven Crisis Intervention Center.
Our guest speaker: Jason Schackow, Lakeland Jr/Sr High School principal.
Speakers and presenters for the evening: Octavia Yoder, Executive Director at the Foundation; Leanna Martin, Program Director for the Foundation; and Tony Bontrager, President, LCCF Board of Directors & Renea Boots, Vice President, LCCF Board of Directors.
Trevor Thain and Renea Boots, LCCF Board of Directors, for helping at the registration tables.
Tony & Lauren Bontrager and the staff’s husbands for helping with cleanup afterward.
The LaGrange County Community Foundation staff for all of the behind the scenes decisions that helped make this a great event.
Written by: Sarah Hostetler, Marketing & Community Engagement Manager
