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5 Ways The Community Foundation Of Whitley County Is Transforming Local Life In 2025

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The Community Foundation of Whitley County (CFWC) continues to be the driving force behind philanthropic endeavors and community enrichment in Northeast Indiana, with 2025 shaping up to be a landmark year for local impact. As of December 2025, the Foundation is actively rolling out significant new programs and grant cycles that are poised to elevate the quality of life across Whitley County, from Columbia City to Churubusco and beyond. The organization’s strategic focus on scholarships, community grants, and long-term endowment growth ensures that donor generosity is translated into tangible, lasting change for residents.

The Foundation’s commitment to inspiring philanthropy and serving donors has led to several high-profile announcements, including a major investment in local organizations through its Winter Grants cycle and the selection of the prestigious 2025 Lilly Endowment Community Scholar. This dedication to forward-thinking community development, guided by a dedicated volunteer board and expert staff, positions CFWC as an essential partner for anyone looking to invest in the future of the region.

The Leadership and Structure Driving Whitley County’s Philanthropy

The success and growth of the Community Foundation of Whitley County are directly attributable to its robust governance structure, which combines professional staff expertise with dedicated volunteer leadership. This structure ensures fiscal responsibility, strategic grant-making, and long-term sustainability of the funds entrusted to the Foundation.

CFWC Key Personnel and Governing Entities

  • Chief Executive Officer (CEO): September McConnell
  • Chief Operating Officer (COO): Vanessa Bills
  • 2024 Board President: Sam St. Clair
  • 2024 Board Vice President: Kathy Heuer
  • 2024 Board Treasurer: Joe Kessie
  • Board of Directors (Selected Members): Marcia McNagny, Gloria Smith, Paula Worden, Donald Armstrong
  • Mission Statement: To inspire philanthropy, enrich community, and serve donors by creating an enduring source of charitable funding.

The volunteer Board of Directors, a twelve-person body, oversees the Foundation's strategic direction and fiduciary health, ensuring that all activities align with the core mission. Key staff members, such as CEO September McConnell and COO Vanessa Bills, manage the day-to-day operations, donor relations, and the intricate process of grant and scholarship distribution.

The 2025 Scholarship Surge: New Systems and Top Honors

Education remains a cornerstone of the Community Foundation’s impact, with significant updates announced for the 2025-2026 academic year. These changes reflect a commitment to modernizing the application process and celebrating the highest levels of student achievement in the county.

A New Digital Gateway for Scholarship Seekers

For the upcoming 2025-2026 school year, the Community Foundation of Whitley County is implementing a new, streamlined scholarship portal. This digital transformation is designed to simplify the application process for students across Whitley County Consolidated Schools and other area institutions, making it easier for them to access the numerous endowed scholarship funds available. This initiative aims to remove barriers and ensure that financial aid reaches all eligible students pursuing post-secondary education.

Celebrating the 2025 Lilly Endowment Community Scholar

One of the most prestigious honors awarded annually is the Lilly Endowment Community Scholarship. The Community Foundation of Whitley County was pleased to announce the recipient of the 2025 award as Libby, a deserving student who will receive a full-tuition scholarship, including required fees and a stipend for books and equipment, to any Indiana college or university. The selection of the Lilly Scholar is a rigorous process that highlights the high academic caliber and community involvement of Whitley County’s youth.

$150,000 in Fresh Funding: The 2025 Winter Grants Impact

The Foundation’s grant-making is arguably its most visible and immediate form of community enrichment. In a major announcement, the Community Foundation of Whitley County confirmed it is awarding $150,000 in grants to a variety of local organizations during its 2025 Winter Grants cycle. This substantial investment is spread across multiple sectors, targeting projects that will deliver a positive and measurable impact on the people and infrastructure of Whitley County.

Targeted Impact Areas for Recent Grants

While the full list of organizations receiving the $150,000 in 2025 Winter Grants spans a wide range of needs, previous and current grant cycles demonstrate the Foundation's focus on critical areas:

  • Workforce Development: A notable 2024 grant of $20,000 was awarded to Easterseals Northeast Indiana to support their vital workforce development initiatives. This investment directly addresses the need for skilled labor and career readiness in the region.
  • Community Services: Funding is consistently directed toward organizations like the United Way of Whitley & Kosciusko Counties, which provide essential services and support networks for vulnerable populations.
  • Youth and Education: Support for programs within the Whitley County Consolidated Schools system and other youth-focused nonprofits ensures a healthy future for the next generation.
  • Quality of Life Projects: Grants often support local arts, culture, and recreational facilities, enhancing the overall appeal and livability of communities like Columbia City.

These grants are made possible through the Foundation’s diverse portfolio of funds, including Community Project Funds and Field of Interest Endowments, which allow donors to target their giving to specific causes they care about.

The Power of Endowments: Legacy and Long-Term Sustainability

The Community Foundation's true strength lies in its endowment model, which ensures that gifts continue to grow and generate funding for Whitley County in perpetuity. This strategy creates an "enduring source" of charitable capital, fulfilling the long-term vision of its donors.

The Eli B. Michel Legacy Fund

A shining example of the Foundation's enduring impact is the establishment of the Legacy Fund, which was created to honor the memory of Whitley County native Eli B. Michel. Funds like this are crucial, as they not only memorialize generous individuals but also provide a perpetual stream of revenue for specific purposes, often related to scholarships and community betterment.

The Foundation manages several types of funds to meet diverse donor goals:

  • Donor Advised Endowments: Allowing donors to recommend grants to their favorite charities over time.
  • Agency Endowments: Providing long-term financial security for local non-profit organizations.
  • Designated Endowments: Supporting a specific charity or purpose chosen by the donor.

By operating a robust Donor-Advised Fund (DAF) program, as highlighted in its December 2024 tax filing, the CFWC provides flexible and tax-efficient ways for individuals and families to engage in strategic philanthropy.

How the Community Foundation of Whitley County Inspires Philanthropy

The Foundation serves as a vital bridge between generous residents and the most pressing needs of the community. Its role extends beyond simply distributing money; it acts as a catalyst for collective action and a convener of local leaders.

Through the publication of its 2024 Annual Report, the Foundation provides full transparency on its financial health, the breadth of its grantmaking, and the stories of impact that result from donor trust. The report is a testament to the thousands of Whitley County residents who have placed their philanthropic trust in the organization since its inception in 1991. Whether it is through a multi-year grant initiative or the announcement of a single, life-changing scholarship, the Community Foundation of Whitley County remains the essential engine for sustained, positive change in Northeast Indiana.

5 Ways the Community Foundation of Whitley County is Transforming Local Life in 2025
community foundation of whitley county
community foundation of whitley county

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