Program areas at Community Foundation of St Joseph County
Our largest program area is Health & Human Services. The lingering effects of the Covid pandemic, economic uncertainty, and record inflation continue to impact families throughout St. Joseph County. Our funding supports food security, including local food pantries, Unity Gardens, and Cultivate Culinary; housing, such as the Center for the Homeless, Hope Ministries, St. Margaret's House, and Habitat for Humanity; organizations that serve specific vulnerable communities, such as REAL Services, LOGAN, Reins of Life, and Oaklawn; and dozens of other organizations that, through their good work, make our community a better place to live. This year, we awarded more than $4.56 million to support our local social service agencies. We know that our community is only as strong as its individual components, and through these efforts, we hope to ensure that everyone is safe, healthy, and well served.
Our third largest program area is Arts & Culture. We believe that the arts have the power to bring people together, fostering appreciation and respect for the diversity and beauty of the human experience. Our grants helped launch a summer music camp in collaboration with South Bend Symphony Youth Orchestra, Fischoff National Chamber Music Association, and St. Mary's College; the transformation of The Worker's Home at The History Museum; and public media efforts through WNIT and WVPE. In total, we awarded more than $1.38 million in support of the arts, showing our commitment to the tremendous creative talent of our community.
Our second largest program area is Youth and Education. Our 21st Century Scholar Success Initiative; a far-reaching partnership that includes school corporations, higher education, social service providers, and workforce development organizations, all working together to support our county's current and future 21st Century Scholars. We sponsor Dolly Parton's Imagination Library program locally providing more than 10,000 children under the age of 5 with a beautiful new book each month. Our funding also supports Boys & Girls Clubs of St. Joseph County, local youth camps, and more. We hold more than 65 scholarship funds that grant out close to $1 million annually. annually. Through the 2.68 million we invested in this area, we hope to build a stronger future for our commnity by ensuring our youngest members grow into informed, involved citizens.
Community Development, Parks, Religious