End-of-year giving is a tradition in our community. We encourage you to provide a year-end gift directly to your favorite charity or fund, but we would also love for you to consider a long-term investment in their success by funding their endowment.

To add to the cheer, the Community Foundation has set aside up to $20,000 in matching contributions, with a maximum of $1,000 per endowed fund held by the Community Foundation of DeKalb County. Donations to your chosen endowment fund must be received in our office between October 15th and December 31st, 2018, to be eligible for matching. 

An endowment fund is a permanent investment fund which enables consistent withdrawals from invested capital. When you give to an existing endowed fund or create a new endowed fund for your favorite charity through the Community Foundation, you are leaving a legacy that will make an impact for generations to come! Your donation is invested for growth over time while providing a never-ending, reliable stream of annual income for the organization you love. 

Gifts maybe made by check, cash, required minimum distribution from an IRA, stock transfer, a simple bequest, or even through a special charitable gift annuity (CGA) or charitable remainder trust (CRT). Checks for endowed funds should be made out to \”Community Foundation DeKalb County.\” Please note the name of the fund you would like to support.

Scroll down to learn more about all of our eligible funds or click here to learn about creating a new fund. More questions? Contact the Community Foundation directly at 260-925-0311 or mbeer@cfdekalb.org.

Please join us in our campaign to “Spread Holiday Cheer!” through a special end-of-the-year investment in the charity you cherish.

Donor Advised Funds

Garrett Hospital Aid Foundation Fund

Established in June 1998 by the Garrett Hospital Aid Foundation board of directors to provide support for charitable purposes.

Designated Funds

ACRES Land Trust Endowment Fund

Established in November 2014 by Acres Land Trust, the fund supports Acres Land Trust.

AgrIInstitute Fund of DeKalb County

Established in April 2012 to help the organization develop leaders to serve the Indiana agriculture community.

Auburn Arts Commission Endowment Fund

Established in December 2014 by the Auburn Arts Commission to provide support for their projects and programs.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

DeKalb’s VOICE Endowment Fund

Established in Septmber 2000 by the DeKalb County Community Foundation to provide grant and administrative support for DeKalb’s VOICE, a youth philanthropy organization.

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.

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.

Garrett Community Center Inc. DBA Judy A. Morrill (JAM) 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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

RISE, Inc. Endowment Fund 

Established in November 2018 by the RISE, Inc. board of directors to provide operational support to RISE, Inc. 

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.

Shelter Ministries, Inc. Endowment Fund

Established in February 1998 by the board of directors of Shelter Ministries to provide general support to the ministry.

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.

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 for Christ Endowment Fund

Established in January 1998 by the Youth for Christ board of directors to provide general support to Youth for Christ.

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.

Field of Interest Funds

Agricultural Education Fund for DeKalb County

Established in March 2008 to provide agriculture-related education for DeKalb County youth and adults.

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.

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.

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.

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.