The Steuben County Disaster Response Fund, a collaboration between Steuben County Community Foundation and Steuben County United Way, has awarded a $30,000 grant to support county-wide vaccination efforts. Currently, Cameron Memorial Community Hospital is responsible for vaccinating medical professionals in phase 1A of vaccine distribution. The Disaster Response Fund grant to Cameron will help with the cost of the setup for Steuben County's vaccine site at the event center. As the state progresses through vaccine phases, Cameron and the Steuben County Health Department will continue to collaborate on this impressive effort.

This recent grant brings the Steuben County Disaster Response Fund to a total of more than $271,000 in grants distributed to 28 local nonprofit organizations for COVID-19 relief. In 2020, the fund distributed grants to a wide variety of local organizations, including a handful of matching grants to boost community fundraising efforts after many events were canceled. In September 2020, SCCF hosted a Year-end and Digital Fundraising workshop, and the disaster response fund allocated up to $2,000 per participating 501(c)(3) nonprofit for unrestricted matching grants to help their year-end fundraising efforts.

The Steuben County Disaster Response Fund reopened its grant application on January 1, 2021. The committee will now begin reviewing additional COVID-19 relief grant applications from Steuben County nonprofits as well as regional nonprofits that serve our community. More details are available at www.steubenfoundation.org/COVID19.

Dave and Ellen Ballinger established a donor-advised fund at SCCF in 2006. As SCCF's founding board president, Dave played a key role in understanding what a community foundation is and rallying the Steuben County community around creating one in 1991. Thousands of people in Steuben County have been impacted by SCCF's work since then.

Dave passed away in 2015 after serving a total of 13 years on the SCCF board. Today, Ellen Ballinger continues this legacy of supporting the community, making a difference through this donor-advised fund. In 2020, the David E. and Ellen M. Ballinger fund awarded three grants to TLC House Indiana, Steuben County Council on Aging, and the Cancer Services of Steuben County fund. When asked about the grants, Ellen shared, "I picked these three organizations because the money stays in Steuben County to help with local needs. Having this fund is a great way to give back to the community."

This is one of many ways donors can leave a legacy through SCCF. For more information about other funds and giving opportunities, check out our website at www.steubenfoundation.org/funds.

Pictured is Ellen Ballinger with SCCF President and CEO, Jennifer Danic, standing in front of the David E. Ballinger Boardroom at the SCCF office in August 2020.

Steuben County Community Foundation awarded its first impact grant in November. This grant to Easterseals RISE in partnership with the Steuben County Economic Development Corporation is part of SCCF's new multi-year grant cycle for collaborative, innovative, sustainable projects. The two organizations are working together to offer a Pre-Manufacturing Academy. The academy will provide technical training to help both Steuben County jobseekers and local employers. Easterseals RISE will assess individuals with intellectual and developmental disabilities to match them with potential job training paths. The EDC will host the training academy and work with manufacturers to provide relevant training. SCCF's initial grant helps Easterseals RISE and the EDC to secure additional funding for the program and begin the initial phases of launching.

Jennifer Danic, President and CEO at SCCF, shared, "SCCF is excited to support this collaborative project to help people and businesses in Steuben County. We look forward to seeing Easterseals RISE and the Steuben County EDC work together on this new initiative."

The Community Foundation would like to thank the individuals, families, and organizations who generously made donations in December 2020. 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 single act of kindness throws out roots in all directions, and the roots spring up and make new trees.”