For more than 20 years, SCCF has grown and managed a community-wide dark broadband fiber network. Decades ago, community members reached out with concerns about accessing high-speed broadband internet. From these conversations, the Steuben County Fiber Network (formerly called iMAN) was created as a supporting organization of the community foundation. Its mission was to create a premier, locally-owned fiber network. Through SCCF, the network has also returned financial resources for community grantmaking. Last week, Steuben County REMC announced their plans to expand broadband in Steuben County. Part of that expansion is the purchase of the SCFN for $2.8 million dollars. Moving forward, proceeds from this sale will be permanently endowed in a Community Leadership Fund.

Pictured above in the front row is Jennifer Danic, president and CEO of the Steuben County Community Foundation, and Kevin Keiser, CEO of Steuben County REMC. In back are Randy White, SCCF board chair; John McCoy, Steuben Fiber board chair; Wayne Gingerich, REMC board president; and Gary Shough REMC board secretary-treasurer

With the help of her close friends, Paul and Inger Friend, Betty Goranson decided to start a permanently endowed scholarship fund in 2020. She established the Betty P. Goranson Music Scholarship at the Steuben County Community Foundation with some of the funds in her estate. The scholarship is intended to get someone involved with music because she has such a love for it. Inger shared, “I think she will be happy to see this scholarship foster a love of music in individuals.” The scholarship will be available for the first time in the 2020-2021 cycle, which opens November 1. Students may apply at www.steubenfoundation.org/scholarships.

Read the full story here.

SCCF has 10 Community Funds led by local volunteers. Community funds include Angola, Ashley-Hudson, Clear Lake, Fremont, Hamilton, Helmer, Metz, Orland, Pleasant Lake, and Salem Center. Each of these funds provide small grants to projects with a big impact in their local community. In 2020, the Orland Fund helped the Orland Tigers Youth League purchase football camp participation t-shirts. The Pleasant Lake Fund helped the Pleasant Lake Elementary School buy supplies for after-school clubs. The Angola Fund awarded a grant to Powers Church and Cemetery Association for a project to restore the historical church’s tower and steeple. Grants from these funds provide a special opportunity for committee members to support exciting projects that make a community a great place to call home. Nonprofits can apply for community fund grants at www.steubenfoundation.org/grants.

SCCF would like to congratulate the six finalists for the 2021 Lilly Endowment Community Scholarship! These high school seniors recently wrapped up their application process with an impromptu essay, a presentation, and an interview. Masks were briefly removed to take this photo. Pictured from left to right are: Mary “Katie” Smith, Joel Knox, Hannah Conley, Gage King, Areeba Kazi, and Madelyn Wylie.

The Community Foundation would like to thank the individuals, families, and organizations who generously made donations in October. Your support is appreciated!

SCCF publishes a monthly Nonprofit Newsletter with information about grants, fundraising, and upcoming trainings. Also, check out our nonprofit directory for a listing of 501(c)(3) charitable organizations serving Steuben County.

Check out the list of donor established funds administered by SCCF. Updated May 2020.

Contact Sandy Ferrell for details

“A kind gesture can reach a wound that only compassion can heal.”