Nominate Your Volunteer, Board Member, Philanthropist or Youth in Philanthropy!

Here is your opportunity to say thank you to that special volunteer, board member, philanthropist or youth.

The community foundation is seeking your help to identify those special volunteers in our community that make a difference.  We know you see them making a difference every day!

We will be honoring the Volunteer of the Year, Philanthropist of the Year, Board Leader of the Year and Youth in Philanthropy at our 2016 Annual Meeting on Tuesday, May 23, 2017 (more details when they become available). Your nominee is someone who enhances the quality of life of others in Noble County and gives of themselves unselfishly to serve with volunteer acts of service and/or kindness beyond the call of duty to non-profit organizations.

Download the nomination form for: Volunteer of the Year, Philanthropist of the Year, Board Member of the Year and Youth in Philanthropy.
Nomination Forms

2016 Foundation Facts

The foundation is pleased to share highlights from 2016.

Current Assets
Current fund balance or net assets in 183 funds as of December 2016 $28,281,708

Grant Distributions Since Inception
Since 1991, the Foundation has awarded over 15,586 grants and scholarships $29,014,654

Grants—2016
In 2016, the Foundation distributed 373 grants and scholarships $1,248,649

Gifts—2016
In 2016, the Foundation receipted 645 gifts $1,103,063

P.U.L.S.E. Senior Citizen Prom – 2017

Attention senior citizens! It’s time to grab your friends for a fabulous night out at our 11th annual Senior Citizen Prom for It’s a night of dining, dancing, and a chance to win some pretty  awesome door prizes. You could also be voted as this year’s king or queen! This year’s theme is “The Oscars.” Attendees are encouraged to get come in their Oscar attire.

The prom will be on April 29, 2017 at the cafeteria of East Noble High School (901 South Garden Street, Kendallville, IN 46755). Prom is from 6PM to 9PM with doors opening at 5:30 p.m. Tickets are $10 each. You must be registered by April 19, 2017. Send all names, address and phone numbers of those attending with your payment to 1599 Lincolnway South Ligonier, IN 46767. Make your checks out to the Community Foundation of Noble County with P.U.L.S.E. PROM in the memo.

The Senior prom is hosted by the P.U.L.S.E of Noble County (Philanthropists Utilizing Lifelong Service and Education). As one of their many community service projects, P.U.L.S.E. members continue to offer the prom each year in hopes of bridging generation gaps. P.U.L.S.E. members decorate the facility according to the theme each year (in this case, a Hollywood Oscars theme), take individual photos of guests, provide a full dinner and dessert, provide live entertainment and music from the FORDS, and hand out lots of door prizes for many attendees. Special favors for each are also provided, and the P.U.L.S.E. members encourage seniors to dress in their   Oscar attire, although it is not mandatory. Please join them for a very special evening. Even if you do not dance, it is always fun to listen to great music, dine and watch the others, as well as spending time with friends and a chance to win prizes.

If you have any additional questions, please feel free to contact Community Foundation of Noble County at 260-894-3335.

 

Community Foundation Announces Interim Executive Director

Ligonier – The board of directors of the Community Foundation of Noble County has appointed Mark Demske interim executive director of the organization.

The naming of Demske comes one week after the untimely death of Linda L. Speakman-Yerick of Rome City on March 16.  Speakman-Yerick had served as executive director of the countywide foundation since 2008.  Before that she played an instrumental part of the inception of the community foundation in 1991 and while continuing to volunteer and serve as a board member and development consultant for the community foundation.

Community Foundation Board President, Jarrod Ramer made the announcement stating “the board believes that the business of operating the foundation must continue with a smooth transition during this time of loss. Mark is a familiar face in the community and will oversee the daily functions while the search begins for a permanent director.”

Demske previously worked from 2001-2015 as the Vice President of Financial Services at Community State Bank and earned his B.A. from Wabash College, J.D. from Valparaiso and M.B.A. from St. Francis University.  Currently he is President of Twin Orange, Inc., DBA Biggby Coffee in Fort Wayne, Indiana.  Demske has been a community foundation board member since 2015 and has been serving on the Investment Committee since early 2000’s in addition to its Scholarship Committee.

Demske has lived in Kendallville his entire life except while in college.  He and his wife Carrie have two children.

Demske stated, “Linda left us with a strong and successful community foundation, complete with a staff of professionals along with a knowledgeable board of directors to deal with the operations. I want to thank all of the board members who provide the leadership and guidance to help us continue to reach our goals and continue to grow the good works of the community foundation.”

 

Scholarship Tutorial Application Now Online

Noble County Community Foundation has officially released its scholarship application tutorial video.

This video goes over how to apply for both the Lilly Endowment Community Scholarship and the General Scholarships.

The tutorial is a step by step guide covering: preparing to apply, creating an online account, filling out the online application, submitting, and contacting references.

Watch Now:

P.U.L.S.E. of Noble County members visit Egg Basket of the Midwest

P.U.L.S.E. of Noble County members visit Egg Basket of the Midwest

Participate in Phil’s EGGcellent Adventure

Youth philanthropists and their adult mentors visited Warsaw, Indiana last weekend to participate in a retreat for members of Youth Pods.  Youth Pods are groups of young people that receive support from the Dekko Foundation to practice bringing about positive change in their communities.

Held in the ‘Egg Basket of the Midwest,’ Phil’s EGGcellent Adventure was planned and hosted by a team of young leaders called ‘phish.’  (phish stands for philanthropic ideas, strategy and heart.)

Attending the retreat from Noble County, Indiana were: Madison Ritchie, Lexi Ortiz, Jackie White, Karen Silva, Lydia Worman, Erin Maneke, Allison Baker, Kellie Waring, Reggie Parker, Austin Kugler, and Ben Jansen.

“The number one idea that I gained from the Eggcellent retreat was how to tackle road blocks such as attendance and communication issues by practicing four different ideas in the youth pod. The four ideas were self-examination, which means focusing on how your actions affect others. The next was staying open to growth and change within the pod and community. The third idea was trusting each other in the pod. The last idea was being open to mutual actions and working together. I will be sure to take these ideas back to my pod for a great year!” Kellie Waring, P.U.L.S.E. President

The young people were supported by their adult mentors: Katie Mullins and Margarita White

“Never underestimate the power of a teenager. I spent 3 days with nearly 200 teenagers that have the power, willingness, and drive to positively impact our community well into the future and all adults need to do is give them the guidance and the freedom to do so.” Katie Mullins, P.U.L.S.E. Navigator

Highlights of Phil’s EGGcellent Adventure included:

  • Sharing ideas among Youth Pod members from Alabama, Indiana, Iowa and Minnesota.
  • The opportunity to decide, as a group, which organizations would receive a $5,000 philanthropic investment that originated from teens’ conference registration fees.
  • The chance to see a variety of chicken species and learn about the nature of chickens and their importance in the world.

The Dekko Foundation has supported youth philanthropy groups for the past 23 years.  This is the ninth time that the Foundation has brought teens together for a conference.

“During past Youth Pod retreats, we’ve emphasized a personal passion for philanthropy,” commented Kimberly Schroeder, program officer for the Dekko Foundation.  “This time, we encouraged group philanthropy and how a group of focused, dedicated people can bring about positive change.”

P.U.L.S.E. of Noble County would like to thank the following people and organizations which support their work throughout the year: Dekko Foundation, Noble County Community Foundation, East Noble School Corporation, Central Noble Community School Corporation, West Noble School Corporation, and our parents!

For more information about Youth Pods, visit: www.dekkofoundation.org/youthphilanthropy/

2016 Julia L. Atz Scholarship Winner

Press Release

9/22/2016

2016 Julia L. Atz scholarship winner

 

It is with great pleasure the Noble County Community Foundation board of directors announces the 2016 winner of the Julia L. Atz scholarship, Cassandra Petrie.

 

Cassandra Petrie is currently a student at the University of Illinois and a 2016 graduate of Olivet Nazarene University with a Bachelors of Music in Vocal Performance and Music Education with a minor in Music Theater.  Petrie is from Albion, Indiana and a 2011 graduate of Churubusco High School.

 

The Julia L. Atz scholarship was established in 2004 by the late Mr. John Atz in honor of his wife.  Mrs. Atz’s passion for music and the arts guided her family in establishing this scholarship fund at the Noble County Community Foundation. This is the eighth year a scholarship has been awarded from the fund.

 

The scholarship is awarded to a senior in college or a post-graduate student pursuing a career in classical music performance or conducting, and with a college GPA of 3.0 or above.  Applicants can re-apply.

 

For more information regarding the Atz Scholarship or scholarships in general, contact the Noble County Community Foundation at 260-894-3335 or visit the community foundation’s website in mid-November 2016 at www.NobleCountyCF.org  or email Jennifer at Jennifer@NobleCountyCF.org

Long Time Volunteer, Max Roesler, Retires

Long time Noble County Community Foundation volunteer, Max Roesler of Rome City, recently retired as chairman of the community foundation’s Investment Committee. Mr. Roesler served continually more than 20 years volunteering in various capacities at the community foundation including Board of Directors President, Grants Committee member and Investment Committee Chairman. His retirement was reluctantly accepted by the foundation board at their August meeting. Jarrod Ramer, President of the Board stated, “We want to thank Max for his outstanding leadership, commitment, and dedication to the community foundation. He is one of our longest standing volunteers and we will miss his professional skills.”

Scholarship News

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The Noble County Community Foundation is accepting applications for the 2017 Lilly Endowment Community Scholarship beginning August 3, 2016 with the deadline on September 7, 2016 at 3:30 pm.

 

WHAT IS THIS SCHOLARSHIP FOR?
It is for Noble County’s 2017 Lilly Endowment Community Scholarship.  This is a four years of full tuition and required fees awarded to one well-rounded high school senior who resides in Noble County, that will receive a diploma from an accredited Indiana high school by the end of June 2017, and will pursue a full-time baccalaureate course of study at an accredited public or private college or university in Indiana.  Students must achieve a high school grade point average of at least 3.80 on a 4.00 scale at the time of application.  Students need to be well-rounded seniors through their community service, volunteerism and extracurricular activities and work experience as well as leadership roles.

 

THIS SCHOLARSHIP DEADLINE IS DIFFERENT FROM YEARS PRIOR. WHY THE CHANGE?
The organization that oversees the Lilly Endowment Community Scholarship felt a change was needed based on feedback from community foundations around the State of Indiana.  This allows the winners of the scholarship more time to decide on their Indiana college of choice.  The winner of the scholarship will be announced around the middle of December 2016.

 

WHAT IS THE G.P.A. REQUIREMENT FOR THIS SCHOLARSHIP?
It is now 3.80 on a 4.00 scale. Students cannot round their GPA from a 3.79.

 

DO STUDENTS NEED TO TURN IN TRANSCRIPTS OR S.A.T. OR A.C.T. INFORMATION?
Yes. High school transcripts are to be uploaded to the application and submitted together.
Applicants have the choice to submit SAT or ACT score information and that can be found on their high school transcript. If you haven’t taken the SAT or ACT that is ok. You are still encouraged to apply for the Lilly Endowment Community Scholarship.

 

ARE ESSAYS REQUIRED?
Yes, all applicants are required to write 3 essays.

 

ARE APPLICANTS REQUIRED TO SUBMIT RECOMMENDATION LETTERS?
Yes. Students will only need 2 recommendations letters this year.  Only 1 can be from full time school personnel. Choose references who will give you a good recommendation. Contact those references in advance and ask they complete the information and obtain their email address as this is how they will complete the information.  After you submit your scholarship application, you can then send the link for your recommendation to complete. Once completed by the reference, the information it will be sent directly to the community foundation.


DOES THE LILLY ENDOWMENT COMMUNITY SCHOLARSHIP REQUIRE AN INTERVIEW?

Yes, the Top Honor students which consists of 10 students selected based on their applications submitted will be contacted on Friday, September 30 with the interview to take place on Tuesday, October 11 at the community foundation.

 

HOW CAN SOMEONE GET THE APPLICATION?
Online at www.NobleCountyCF.org. Everything to submit will be online…. that includes transcripts, essays, and recommendation forms. No paper copies can be turned in.  You will be able to register an account, save your work, submit your application and then request recommendation letters all online. When an applicant submits their completed application, if any missing REQUIRED information is not completed, that area will turn red.  Once an application is submitted, you will receive an email confirmation indicating your successful submission (be sure to check your junk email).

 

TELL US AGAIN WHEN WILL THE SCHOLARSHIP APPLICATION BE AVAILABLE?
It is on our website now at www.NobleCountyCF.org Application period is August 3 to September 7, 2016 at 3:30 pm

 

WHEN IS THE DEADLINE TO SUBMIT THE LILLY ENDOWMENT COMMUNITY SCHOLARSHIP APPLICATION ONLINE?
Wednesday, September 7, 2016 @ 3:30 PM. Remember no paper copies can be submitted. It’s all completed online.

 

WILL YOU BE OFFERING OTHER SCHOLARSHIPS?
Yes, while that information is currently being determined, the application period for the general scholarship applications will be November 21 to January 18, 2017 at 3:30 pm. This will be all other scholarships offered through the community foundation.

 

WHERE CAN THOSE APPLICATIONS BE FOUND?
Visit our website at NobleCountyCF.org and click on the scholarship tab.

 

DO YOU OFFER ANY ASSITANCE FILLING OUT THE APPLICATION?
We do offer a tutorial video available on our website. It will help walk applicants through the Lilly Scholarship application and the general scholarships offered.  It is a short video on the overall application process.  Or you can email me at jennifer@noblecountycf.org or call me at 260-894-3335.  Students need to remember to register an account, complete and submit the application THEN send the recommendation link to their references.

 

WHAT KIND OF TIPS WOULD YOU OFFER?
Do not wait until the last day to start or submit your application. The last few days of the scholarship application period is very busy for us.  Submit it early.  WORK WITH YOUR GUIDANCE OFFICE. They have the best resources for many different scholarships available! The community foundation is open 8:30 am to 4:30 pm if you have questions when completing the application, please contact me at 260-894-3335.

Noble County “Dreams”

Check out our latest video!

We interviewed local residents of all ages to learn about their brightest dreams for Noble County!

Just imagine a Noble County where these dreams could come true!

Thanks to the wonderful and generous community we live in, these ideas don’t have to stay dreams.

Philanthropy is a way in which we can make dreams come true in Noble County.

By partnering with the Noble County Community Foundation, your giving can help us bring businesses, organizations, and funds together to accomplish real change.

That way, we won’t just dream big; we will work together to make these dreams come true in our community.

A gift of any size to the Community Impact Fund, is your way to ensure we are meeting the ever changing needs of our community.

Click here to make your impact today!

(Make sure to direct your donation to the Community Impact Fund).