Community Foundation celebrates $30 million in grants awarded
(Kosciusko Count, Indiana) On Wednesday, November 15th, the Kosciusko County Community Foundation welcomed guests to celebrate with them what was accomplished in the past year thanks to the generosity of Foundation donors.
Community Foundation board president, Sally Mahnken, shared some highlights from the Foundation’s fiscal year July 1, 2016 – June 30, 2017, including:
- Nearly $2.5 million awarded in grants from all funds
- More than $537,000 in scholarships awarded to 239 local students for college, university or vocational training
- 12 new funds established at the Community Foundation bringing the total number of charitable funds held to 432
- Most exciting, this fiscal year the Community Foundation reached a grant making milestone, having awarded over $30 million in grants since 1992
Rob Parker, retiring Community Foundation board member, was recognized for his service to the Board. New board members Josh Gordon and Paula Kaiser were welcomed.
Speakers were Dr. David Hoffert, Superintendent of Warsaw Community Schools and Marlene Mulero-Betances, Community Foundation board member and donor.
Hoffert spoke about the impact of a Community Foundation grant that helped the school corporation expand their services to students in the areas of mental, emotional and social wellness. That grant helped them secure a larger $700,000 grant from the Lilly Endowment. He talked about the many challenges students face and how important it is that the community partner with schools in order to make sure students are supported.
Mulero-Betances spoke about her upbringing in New York City. She described the strong role models she had in both her mother and grandmother and how her struggles and successes shaped her career and now her community service. Mulero-Betances and her husband recently established a fund at the Community Foundation that honors their grandmothers and that allows the couple to recommend grants to charities that align with their values.
Since 1968, Kosciusko County Community Foundation, Inc. has helped donors achieve their charitable dreams. Gifts made to the Community Foundation are tax-deductible. For more information, visit www.KCFoundation.org, call 574-267-1901 or visit 102 E. Market Street, Warsaw.
Kosciusko County Community Foundation board president, Sally Mahnken (left), and Executive Director, Suzie Light (right), present retiring board member, Rob Parker, with a resolution of appreciation for his board service at the Community Foundation’s 2017 Annual Celebration Luncheon.