30th Anniversary Celebration
On August 13, 2026, the community gathered to celebrate 30 years of local philanthropy with the Community Foundation DeKalb County. As part of this milestone celebration, the Community Foundation is honored to announce the 2026 Changemaker Award recipient and the recipients of the 30th Anniversary Grants.
2026 Changemaker Award Recipient: Tammy Stafford
This year, the Community Foundation is honored to recognize Tammy Stafford with the 2026 Changemaker Award. Tammy has dedicated her career to improving the health and well-being of others through her compassionate leadership and unwavering commitment to serving those most in need.
As the founding director of St. Martin’s Healthcare, Tammy spent nearly 20 years building the organization into a vital resource for uninsured and underinsured residents in DeKalb, Noble, Steuben, and LaGrange counties. Under her leadership, the clinic started as a small volunteer-run medical clinic and became a comprehensive healthcare organization offering medical, dental, vision, and behavioral health services. Tammy also led the creation of the clinic’s mobile healthcare unit, which brings care directly to communities throughout northeast Indiana.
The Community Foundation is honored to present this award to Tammy Stafford. Her leadership has changed countless lives, and the organization she built will continue serving our community for years to come.
About the Changemaker Award
Learn more about the Changemaker Award and view past recipients by clicking the button below.
30th Anniversary Grants
As part of our 30th Anniversary Celebration, the Community Foundation chose to invest in the future of DeKalb County by awarding grants to local organizations’ endowment funds.
Endowment funds are built to last, providing a permanent source of support that can benefit organizations and the people they serve year after year. Endowment funds are invested for long-term growth, with a portion available each year to support the organization’s work.
DeKalb County Fair Association
The DeKalb County Fair Association received a $10,000 grant to create the DeKalb County Fair Association Endowment Fund, which will provide funding for the DeKalb County Fair for years to come.
DeKalb County Indiana Trails, Inc.
DeKalb County Indiana Trails received a $10,000 grant to the DeKalb County Indiana Trails Inc. Endowment Fund. This grant grows their existing endowment fund, providing long-term support for the work and maintenance of trails throughout DeKalb County
St. Martin’s Healthcare, Inc.
St. Martin’s Healthcare received a $10,000 grant to the St. Martin’s Healthcare, Inc. Endowment Fund. This grant grows their existing endowment fund, which provides long-term support for the organization and its work in DeKalb County.
