Community Foundation of St. Joseph County
/OVERVIEW: The Community Foundation of St. Joseph County supports arts and culture, health, human services, parks, community development, youth and education in Indiana.
IP TAKE: Every CFSJC grant cycle is a bit different, so contact the program staff to learn more about the various funds held here and where the most relevant opportunities are.
PROFILE: Established in 1992, the Community Foundation of St. Joseph County (CFSJC) is a community foundation based in South Bend, Indiana. The foundation administers over 80 funds and awards grants and scholarships. The foundation aims to "improve the quality of life for the citizens of St. Joseph County and their succeeding generations.” It funds local efforts for arts and culture, health, human services, parks, community development, youth and education.
The Community Foundation of St. Joseph County awards approximately $7 million in grants each year from its endowed funds, scholarship funds, designated funds and a competitive grantmaking process. The Community Endowment Fund supports a lot of CFSJC’s initiative work. The funder also provides scholarships through over 60 scholarship funds to support over 300 students per year. CFSJC has an early childhood education initiative, pursues early literacy efforts and helps produce a free community performing art series each summer. Other support comes from the African American Community Fund, partnership with Habitat for Humanity, a senior living initiative, and the Leighton Award for Nonprofit Excellence that assists charities with $175,000 prizes. CFSJC does not typically award ongoing operating expenses but rather focuses on new initiatives, program expansions and capital needs.
Grants range between about $2,000 and $20,000. Grantmaking focuses exclusively on St Joseph County, Indiana. Past local grantees include the South Bend Symphony Orchestra, Habitat for Humanity of St. Joseph County and the South Bend Museum of Art. Learn more about this funder’s local giving by examining its recent tax records.
This foundation accepts unsolicited grant applications from nonprofits through its online system. This is followed by an initial committee meeting for review, possible site visit, and recommendation to the board. Direct general questions to the staff at 574-232-0041 or to individual staff members by email.
PEOPLE:
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