Community Benefit Funds
A community benefit fund allows the Community Foundation’s board of directors to respond to the current and future needs of the charitable organizations that serve DeKalb County residents. You can create your own named unrestricted fund or contribute to the community foundation’s unrestricted funds. Income from unrestricted funds is returned to the community each and every year in the form of grants.
Boseker, Kenneth A. Memorial Fund
Established in June 2010 from the remainder of the Kenneth A. Boseker Gift Annuity Fund. This memorial fund supports our community’s ever-changing charitable needs.
Community Needs
Community Grantmaking Fund
Established in August 1996 by the Community Foundation DeKalb County’s board of directors to support our community’s ever-changing charitable needs.
Community Needs
Donor Advised Funds
Donor advised funds offer ongoing involvement with the fund. You and/or your family can make recommendations for grants to specific charities each year.
Agapé Family Fund
Established in July 1999 by anonymous donors to provide support for various charitable purposes.
Religious
Anonymous Fund
Established in March 2002 by anonymous donors to provide support for various charitable purposes.
Community Needs
Community State Neighborly Fund
Established in January 2021. This fund supports a variety of charitable endeavors benefitting the people of DeKalb County.
Community Needs
Kelso and Margaret Davis Community
Established in December 2011 by the Davis’ three daughters, Sherri Sible, Diane Manon and Loraine Hartranft. Mr. and Mrs. Davis owned the Davis Photography Studio in Auburn for 60 years. The fund provides grant support for various community programs and activities.
Community Needs
Peggy Dircksen Fund for the Arts
Established in May 2001 by Dr. Richard Dircksen in memory of his wife Peggy, who loved to sing and dance. The fund provides grant support for various artistic and cultural purposes.
Arts
Garrett Hospital Aid Foundation Fund
Established in June 1998 by the Garrett Hospital Aid Foundation board of directors to provide support for charitable purposes.
Health
Hart Family Fund
Established in 2023 to provide support for activities and programs in DeKalb County.
Community Needs
Kruse Family Community Fund
Established in January 2023 by John & Abby Kruse to provide support for community activities and programs in DeKalb County.
Community Needs
Sharon A. Kiefer Memorial Fund
Established in July 2000 by Sharon Kiefer’s family to support Lutheran schools and related organizations in her memory. She planned to teach in a Lutheran School and was able to serve as a substitute teacher before a disabling disease cut her plans short.
Education
Lane Burns Memorial #Becauseofburnsy Fund
Established in 2024 to provide support for programs and/or activities in DeKalb County.
Community Needs
Irwin Mallin Charitable Endowment Fund
Established in March 2020. This fund provides support for programs or activities that fulfill charitable needs.
Human Services
O’Malley Charitable Fund
Established in January 2006 by Kevin and Tamzon O’Malley to provide support for St. Mark’s Lutheran Church of Auburn, Indiana, and other charitable causes.
Religious
Plaza 35 Fund
Established in December 2013 by LaDonna R. and Steven A. Felke to provide support for various charitable purposes.
Community Needs
Randa Community Fund
Established in February 2020 by Sue Randa to provide support for the activities to bring the DeKalb County Community together or to see to needs focusing on Auburn or DeKalb Central Schools.
Education
Steininger Family Foundation Fund
Established in 2023 by Donald, Kathleen and Kisha Steininger to provide support for activities and programs in DeKalb County.
Community Needs
George O. Witwer Advised Fund
Established in June 1998 by Mr. George Witwer to provide support for various charitable purposes.
Community Needs
Denny and ClaraMary Winebrenner Advised Fund
Established in December 2016 to provide support for various charitable purposes.
Community Needs
Youth Philanthropy Fund for DeKalb County
Established in March 2012 by the Dekko Foundation. The purpose of the Youth Philanthropy Fund for DeKalb County is to “allow adolescents the opportunity to learn philanthropic skills.” Grants from this fund support DeKalb’s VOICE, the foundation’s youth philanthropy group.
Community Needs
Designated Funds
You name a particular charity or charities that will benefit when you form a designated fund. Your fund provides regular grants that the organization(s) can count on forever.
ACRES Land Trust Endowment Fund
Established in November 2014 by Acres Land Trust, the fund supports Acres Land Trust.
Environment
AgrIInstitute Fund of DeKalb County
Established in April 2012 to help the organization develop leaders to serve the Indiana agriculture community.
Agriculture
Ashley Volunteer Fire Department Fund
Established in February 2006 by the board of directors of the Ashley Volunteer Fire Department to support the department’s programs and projects.
Ashley Fire Dept.
Auburn Arts Commission Endowment Fund
Established in December 2014 by the Auburn Arts Commission to provide support for their projects and programs.
Arts
Auburn Cord Duesenberg Automobile Museum Endowment Fund
Established in April 1998 by the Auburn Cord Duesenberg Automobile Museum’s board of directors to provide general support to the museum.
ACD Museum
Auburn Parks Department Fund
Established in June 1998 by the City of Auburn to provide support to Auburn Parks Department projects.
Auburn Parks
Auburn Presbyterian Church Endowment Fund
Established in June 2008 by the Auburn Presbyterian Church, Inc., PC USA board of directors to provide support for the church.
Religious
Auburn Skate Park Fund
Established in 2019 by former long-term Mayor Norm Yoder to provide support to construct and maintain the Auburn Skate Park.
Auburn Skate Park
Auburn Waterloo Trail Endowment Fund
Established in November 2015 by the Auburn Waterloo Trail Committee. The fund provides support for the ongoing upkeep of the Auburn Waterloo Trail.
Auburn Waterloo Trail
Big Brothers Big Sisters DeKalb County Endowment Fund
Established in July 2021 by Big Brothers Big Sisters to provide funds for future BBBS programs in DeKalb County.
Youth
Boomerang Backpacks Fund for DeKalb County
Established in September 2012. The Boomerang Backpack program is a free weekend food distribution program that provides students enrolled in free/reduced lunch programs a backpack filled with healthy foods for the weekend.
Youth
Lucy W. Brennan Endowment Fund
Established in April 2010 by Lucy Brennan to provide annual support for several local charities.
Community Needs
Steve Bruns Memorial for Rieke Park Trail
Established in March 2016 by the family of Steve Bruns to support future maintenance, improvement, and expansion of Rieke Park Trail.
Rieke Park
Butler Public Library
Established in 2021 to provide support to Butler Public Library to carry its mission.
Library
Cancer Services of Northeast Indiana
Established in September 2020 to provide support for the general operations of Cancer Services NE Indiana in DeKalb County.
Health
Carr Field Development Fund
Established in July 2011 for the restoration of Carr Field as a multi-use recreation facility.
Carr Field
Catholic Charities of the Diocese of Fort Wayne-South Bend, Inc.
Established in 2020 to provide support to the general operations of Catholic Charities in DeKalb County.
Catholic Charities
Children First Center
Established in 2022 to provide support to the general operations or programming of the organization.
Children
Marcellyn M. Conn Memorial Fund
Established in November 2006 by Richard Conn in memory of his wife, Marcellyn. The fund supports the County Line Church of God, Auburn and other charitable needs.
Religious
DeKalb Association for Developmentally Disabled, Inc.
Established in March 1998 by the DeKalb Association for Developmentally Disabled board of directors to provide general support to Alliance Industries.
Developmentally Disabled
DeKalb County Community Orchestra Fund
Established in August 2016 to provide exploration of all types of orchestra music, to support performances at community events, and to continue to enhance the musicianship of the musicians.
Arts
DeKalb County Council on Aging Endowment Fund
Established in July 1998 by the DeKalb County Council on Aging’s board of directors to provide general support for the Council on Aging.
Health
DeKalb County Outdoor Theater, Inc. Endowment Fund
Established in January 2006 by the DeKalb County Outdoor Theater’s board of directors to provide general support for the theater.
Arts
DeKalb County Soil and Water Conservation Fund
Established in August 2009 to promote the conservation of soil, water, and other natural resources in DeKalb County.
Environment
DeKalb Humane Society Endowment Fund
Established January 2021 by the DeKalb Humane Society to provide general operational support and future programs.
Animals
DeKalb’s VOICE Endowment Fund
Established in September 2000 by the DeKalb County Community Foundation to provide grant and administrative support for DeKalb’s VOICE, a youth philanthropy organization.
Youth
Eckhart Public Library Capital Campaign Fund
Established in 2018 by Eckhart Public Library Board of Trustees to provide support for raising money to renovate and restore the historic library and grow and expand services for all ages.
Library
DeKalb Outdoor Theater
Established to support the immediate operational needs and other expenses of the theater.
Arts
Eckhart Public Library Restoration Fund
Established in 2017 to accept donations for the restoration of the Library after an arson fire in July.
Library
Charles Eckhart Endowment Fund
Established in November 2001 by the Eckhart Public Library’s board of trustees in honor of the library’s founder. The fund provides general support to the Eckhart Public Library.
Library
Eckhart Public Library Endowment Fund
Established in November 2001 by the Eckhart Public Library’s board of trustees to provide general support to the library.
Library
Gloria Eckhart Fink Public Library Endowment Fund
Established in December 2014 from the estate of Gloria Fink, to provide support for the Eckhart Public Library.
Library
Freedom Academy DeKalb County Endowment Fund
Established in March 2004 by the Freedom Academy’s board of directors to provide general support to the Freedom Academy.
Education
Friends of the Waterloo Grant Township Public Library Fund
Established in September 2017 for the purchase of an electronic message center at the Waterloo Grant Township Public Library.
Library
Garrett Community Center Inc. DBA Judy A. Morrill Recreation Center
Established in January 2015 by the Judy A. Morrill Recreation Center’s board of directors to provide general support for the JAM Center.
Youth
Garrett Junior Achievement Endowment Fund
Established in February 2003 by the Garrett Junior Achievement board of directors to provide general support for Junior Achievement programs in Garrett schools.
Education
Garrett Public Library Foundation Fund
Established in May 1998 by the Garrett Public Library Foundation board of trustees to provide general support to the Garrett Public Library.
Library
Matthew A. Harger Memorial Fund
Established in September 2000 by Dennis and Joy Harger in memory of their son, Matthew. The fund supports the Eastside High School science department.
Education
Hearten House Endowment Fund
Established in July 2021 by the DeKalb Community Impact Corporation dba Hearten House to provide support to the general operations and future programsof Hearten House in DeKalb County.
Human Services
Image of Hope Ranch
Established in 2022 to provide support to the general operations of future programs of the organization.
Mental Health
Impact Institute Nonpermanent Fund
Established in December 2016 to provide support to the Impact Institute, provider of vocational programs and adult education in five northeast Indiana counties, including DeKalb.
Education
Inspiration Ministries Endowment Fund
Established in 2023 to provide support to the general operations or future programs of the organization.
Recovery Programs
Junior Achievement Serving East Central DeKalb Fund
Established in February 2003 to provide general support for Junior Achievement programs in DeKalb County Central United School District, DeKalb County Eastern Community School District, and Lakewood Park Christian School.
Education
Lakewood Park Christian School Endowment Fund
Established in 2007 by the administration and school board of Lakewood Park Christian School. The purpose of the fund is to enhance excellence in education and create leaders who will go on to engage our community and our world for Christ.
Education
Imogene Mavis Fund
Established in July 2016. Ms. Mavis was a graduate of Auburn High School and then attended and graduated from Manchester College with a teaching degree. She started teaching music in the Akron Indiana School District and then moved to Waterloo High School which later became DeKalb High School. She retired from the DeKalb High School Music Department.
Education
Miss Northeast Scholarship Pageant Program Fund
Established in April 2011 to provide scholarships for young women who meet eligibility requirements set forth by the Miss Northeast Scholarship Pageant Program.
Education
Northeastern Center Child and Adolescent Project Fund
Established in December 1998 by the board of directors of the Northeastern Center to provide support for construction and maintenance of Northeastern Center facilities.
Youth
Northeastern Center Community Mental Health Endowment Fund
Established in June 1998 by the Northeastern Center board of directors to provide general support to the center.
Mental Health
Wendy J Oberlin Operating Endowment Fund for the Community Foundation DeKalb County
Established in September 1996 by the board of directors to support the day-to-day operation of the Community Foundation DeKalb County.
Community Foundation
Rieke Park Capital Improvement Fund
Established in December 2015 to provide support for future capital projects for Rieke Park in Auburn, Indiana.
Parks
Rise, Inc. Fund
Established in 2018 by Rise, Inc. to provide support to the general operations of Rise, Inc.
Developmentally Disabled
Saint Joseph River Parks, Inc. Fund
Established in September 2001 by the board of directors of Saint Joseph River Parks, Inc. It provides support for improvements and maintenance of the Saint Joseph River Greenway.
Parks
Dorothy Schrader Eckhart Public Library Endowment Fund
Established in 2018 to provide support to purchase books and materials for Eckhart Public Library.
Library
St. Martin’s Healthcare, Inc. Endowment Fund
Established in November 2007 by St. Martin’s Healthcare, Inc. board of directors to provide general support for the program.
Health
Shelter Ministries, Inc. Endowment Fund
Established in February 1998 by the board of directors of Shelter Ministries to provide general support to the ministry.
Human Services
Judy Sorg Education Fund
Established in 2018 to provide support for educational initiatives in DeKalb County.
Education
Sustain the Future Operating Endowment Fund
Established in September 2014 to support the day-to-day operation of the Community Foundation DeKalb County.
Community Foundation
United Way of DeKalb County Endowment Fund
Established in March 1998 by the United Way of DeKalb County’s board of directors to provide general support to United Way of DeKalb County, Inc.
Human Services
Waterloo Grant Township Public Library
Established in 2024 to provide support to Waterloo Grant Township Public Library to carry out its role and mission.
Library
Waterloo Skate Park Fund
Established in August 2016 to provide support to construct and maintain the Waterloo Skate Park in Waterloo, Indiana.
Parks
Waterloo to Auburn Bike Trail
Established in 2020 to provide support for the day-to-day operations and maintenance of the trail.
Auburn Waterloo Trail
YMCA of DeKalb County, Inc. Endowment Fund
Established in July 1998 by the YMCA of DeKalb County’s board of directors to provide general support to the YMCA of DeKalb County.
Youth
Youth for Christ Endowment Fund
Established in January 1998 by the Youth for Christ board of directors to provide general support to Youth for Christ.
Youth/Religious
YWCA DeKalb County Endowment Fund
Established in June 2008 by the board of directors of the YWCA of Fort Wayne, Inc. to provide general support for YWCA programs.
Youth
Betty J. Zern Endowment Fund
Established in April 2010 to provide general support to the Garrett Public Library.
Library
Field of Interest Funds
With a field of interest fund, you can provide regular support to your favorite area of charitable interest without naming a specific charity. You choose the area you care about, and the Community Foundation awards grants from your fund to nonprofit organizations that address that field.
A Walk to Remember
Established in July 2017 to provide support for suicide awareness and prevention.
Mental Health
Agricultural Education Fund for DeKalb County
Established in March 2008 to provide agriculture-related education for DeKalb County youth and adults.
Agriculture
Auburn Mausoleum Association Fund
Established in September 2007 to beautify, restore and preserve the Auburn Mausoleum, focusing on areas open to the public or to the public’s view.
Mausoleum
Auburn Tri Kappa Pink Out Fund
Established in June 2016 to assist DeKalb County residents with financial need during a breast cancer journey.
Health/Cancer
Beka’s Bread Brigade Fund
Established in June 2008 by Rebekah Graber to provide bread for the RSVP (Retired Senior Volunteer Program) Community Center of Caring Food Pantry.
Human Services
Bob & Jean Bowman Heritage Farm Fund
Established in August 2020 to provide support for youth education, programming, services and activities in agriculture for 3rd – 6th grade students in DeKalb County.
Education
Brayden Lewis Memorial #playlikebray Fund
Established in 2024 to provide support for youth hockey leagues.
Youth
Jake & Piper Plancencia Clifford Memorial Endowment Fund
Established in November 2020 to provide support of educational programs and materials to K-12 educators at Garrett-Keyser-Butler Community School District.
Education
Town of Corunna Fund
Established in August 2021 to provide support for charitable projects in the town of Corunna.
Corunna
DeKalb County Disaster Response Fund
Established in April 2020 to provide support for individuals and organizations in DeKalb County that are affected by recent disasters.
Disaster Relief
DeKalb County Literacy Fund
Established in January 2004 by the Community Foundation of DeKalb County board of directors and supported by the Mother Goose on the Loose Literacy Giving Circle. Income from this fund is granted for programs that develop lifelong learners in DeKalb County.
Literacy
DeKalb County Leadership Fund
Established in June 2020 by the CDFC Board of Directors to provide support for leadership and professional growth opportunities for DeKalb County participants.
Leadership
DeKalb Memorial Hospital Fund
Established in 2019 by DeKalb Health Foundation to provide support in DeKalb County, Indiana for the promotion of the general health and wellness of the citizens of DeKalb County, Indiana.
Health
Early Childhood Development Fund
Established in August 2011 by the Community Foundation of DeKalb County board of directors. The purpose of this fund is to enhance the quality of childcare programs and/or early childhood development programs.
Youth
Chuck Fifer Downtown Auburn Fund
Established in October 2016 to enhance and improve the quality of life for citizens of Auburn through beautification, restoration and/or preservation of the downtown historic district in Auburn, Indiana.
Auburn
Friends of Animals Fund
Established in October 2006 by the Community Foundation of DeKalb County with a gift from an anonymous donor. The fund provides general support for the DeKalb Humane Society, Inc. for the care, well-being and management of DeKalb County animals.
Animals
Donna Martin-Boseker “Loa’s Fund”
Established in November 2006 by Donna Martin-Boseker in memory of her mother, Loa Whitacre. The fund supports programs for children or adults with disabilities and for the community’s changing needs.
Developmentally Disabled
Quentin K. and Gladys F. Mavis Music Fund
Established in December 2006 by Imogene Mavis in memory of her parents. The fund provides support for musical entertainment and fine arts events at the DeKalb County Outdoor Theater and other public venues.
Arts
Mcintosh Arts and Community Collaborative Fund
Established in November 2009.
Arts/Historic Preservation
Mary O. Rench Fund for Animals
Established in December 2011 after Mary’s death through a bank trust. Mary loved animals and had adopted several pets from the DeKalb Animal Shelter. The fund supports the DeKalb Humane Society and the DeKalb Animal Shelter, helping pets and owners find each other for many years to come.
Animals
Safe Child Fund
Established in January 2012 by the Community Foundation of DeKalb County board of directors. It is funded from the Isaac Hague, Robert and Marie Hughes, Elva A. Tess Likens and Berta M. Willennar Endowment Funds. The fund supports programs that serve children who may be vulnerable due to abuse, disability or illness.
Youth
Rebecca “Becky” Slentz Fund for Early Childhood Literacy
Established in 2019 in memorial of Becky Slentz to provide support for early childhood literacy in Northeast Indiana, including distribution of reading materials for parents of newborns.
Youth/Literacy
John Martin & Barbara Clark Smith Heritage Fund
Established in April 2016, this fund provides support for historic preservation and history projects in DeKalb County, Indiana.
Historic Preservation
Town of Waterloo Fund
Established in April 2015 by the Town of Waterloo. The fund supports charitable projects in the Town of Waterloo.
Waterloo
Veteran Endowment Fund
Established in April 2021 by Jerry Rathburn to provide support for U.S. veterans and their families in NE Indiana with a focus on DeKalb County.
Veterans
Waterloo Veterans Memorial Park Fund
Established in 2019 by the Town of Waterloo, Indiana to provide support for charitable projects in the Town of Waterloo, Indiana.
Waterloo
Wyatt Memorial Endowment Fund
Established in June 2001 by the Wyatt Memorial Foundation board of trustees. The fund annually supports Boy Scouts/Anthony Wayne Council, Howe Military Academy, Alliance Industries and the City of Garrett (for exclusively public purposes).
Youth
Call 260-925-0311 or email to contribute to any of these funds.
