Donor Advised Funds
Donor Advised funds let you have ongoing involvement in the use of your gift. You and/or your family can make recommendations for grants to specific charities each year.
Anonymous Fund Established in March 2002 by anonymous donors to provide support for various charitable purposes.
*Cruze-in at the Drive-in Fund Established in May 2010 to provide support for various charitable organizations.
Peggy Dircksen Fund for the Arts Established in May 2001 by Dr. Richard Dircksen in memory of his wife Peggy, who loved to sing and dance. The fund provides grant support for various artistic and cultural purposes.
Family Fund of Agapé Established by anonymous donors in July 1999 to provide support for various charitable purposes.
Garrett Hospital Aid Foundation Fund Established in June 1998 by the Garrett Hospital Aid Foundation board of directors to provide support for charitable purposes.
Sharon A. Kiefer Memorial Fund Established in July 2000 by Robert Kiefer in memory of his wife, Sharon. The fund provides support for various charitable purposes including the Kiefer’s church.
O’Malley Charitable Fund Established by Kevin and Tamzon O’Malley in January 2006 to provide support for St. Mark’s Lutheran Church of Auburn, Indiana, and other charitable causes.
*Donald B. and Kathleen D. Steininger Advised Fund Established by Donald and Kathleen Steininger in December 2010. The fund will provide support for various charitable purposes.
George O. Witwer Advised Fund Mr. Witwer established this fund in June 1998 to provide support for various charitable purposes.
Scholarship Funds
You can help a worthy student pursue his or her educational dreams with a scholarship fund. You can help create the scholarship requirements and designate its award for students from a particular school or for a student pursuing a specific area of study.
Auburn Business and Professional Women's Club Scholarship Fund Established by the Auburn Business and Professional Women’s Club in March 2000 to provide educational scholarships for DeKalb County students.
Auburn Cord Duesenberg Festival Automotive Scholarship Endowment Fund Established in April 2000. Proudly sponsored by the Auburn Cord Duesenberg Festival Committee and interested donors.
Wayne E. Boyd Scholarship Fund Established by Wayne Boyd in April 2000 to provide educational scholarships for DeKalb County students.
Hilda Campbell Scholarship Fund Hilda Campbell was a local homemaker who enjoyed cooking and baking and then sharing the fruits of her labors with friends and business acquaintances. Hilda established the scholarship in honor of her daughter, Betty Lou Stomm, who dedicated her professional career to teaching at DeKalb High School. This fund and ten other scholarship funds were transferred from the Auburn Foundation, Inc. to the community foundation in December 2002.
Edward L. and Flossie M. Casselman Scholarship Fund, L.D.S. Established by Edward Casselman in December 2006 in memory of his wife Flossie to provide educational scholarships.
Bill Decker Scholarship Bill Decker graduated from DeKalb High School in 1970 and was passionate about basketball and Indiana University. He passed away in 1999 while playing basketball with the Auburn 33 and Over Basketball League. Friends and fellow basketball league members established this scholarship in Bill’s memory in January 2002.
DeKalb County KPC Media Group Scholarship Fund Established by George O. Witwer in March 1993. The fund provides educational scholarships for the study of journalism.
DeKalb County Master Gardeners Scholarship Fund This scholarship was established in May 2006 and is funded and awarded by the DeKalb County Master Gardeners.
*DeKalb Memorial Hospital Auxiliary Fund Established in September 2010 to provide educations scholarships.
Harry Fisk Scholarship Fund Harry Fisk lived near Waterloo, Indiana all his life. After graduating from Waterloo High School in 1919 he served in the United States Navy. This fund and ten other scholarship funds were transferred from the Auburn Foundation, Inc. to the community foundation in December 2002.
Mary Lois Murphy Grimm Scholarship Fund Mary Lois Murphy Grimm was an educator in eastern DeKalb County. Mary’s husband, Howard Grimm, Sr., established this scholarship in her memory through a gift in his will. “Her pure heart, spirit and noble soul inspired many,” he said. This fund was established in September 1997.
Isaac Hague Scholarship Fund & Julia Hague Scholarship Fund Isaac served as postmaster of Waterloo from 1869 until he was elected DeKalb County auditor in 1874. These scholarships were created by the Hagues’ daughter, Dr. Stella Hague, to honor her parents. Stella graduated from Indiana University in 1893 and worked as an associate professor of botany at the University of Illinois from 1915-1940 before returning to her family home in Auburn. This fund and ten other scholarship funds were transferred from the Auburn Foundation, Inc. to the community foundation in December 2002.
Barbara Herzer Scholarship Fund Barbara Herzer graduated from Ball State Teachers College in 1953 and St. Francis College in 1969. She taught physical education and health at Auburn High School from 1953-59 and at McKenney Harrison Elementary and DeKalb Middle School from 1967-1990. “I have always felt it a privilege to teach young people,” she said when she retired from teaching. “I strived to give my students the best I had every day and to encourage each of them to reach his or her possibility.” When Mrs. Herzer died she left a gift to provide educational support for a female athlete. The fund was originally established with the DeKalb Central School Alumni Foundation, Inc. and transferred to the community foundation in December 2006.
Carol L. Hill Memorial Scholarship Fund Carol was a resident of Garrett for 34 years. She was active in the community as a Cub Scout leader (Troop #3178) and a member of St. Joseph Catholic Church. She was employed by Courier in Kendallville, Indiana for 19 years as a shipping clerk. This scholarship was established in October 2006 by her husband and children to honor Carol’s giving spirit.
Lynn and Josephine Holsinger Scholarship Fund Lynn Holsinger taught mathematics to seventh and eighth grades at Auburn Junior High School. His wife, Josephine, taught first and second grades at DeSoto Elementary School in east Auburn. They established a scholarship to share their love of education. This fund and ten other scholarship funds were transferred from the Auburn Foundation, Inc. to the community foundation in December 2002.
Robert and Marie Hughes Scholarship Fund Robert Hughes and Marie (Sprott) Hughes were married in 1934 and were lifelong residents of DeKalb County. Robert co-owned Hughes Drug Store in Garrett from 1929 to 1972. This fund and ten other scholarship funds were transferred from the Auburn Foundation, Inc. to the community foundation in December 2002.
Pete Hundagen Memorial Scholarship Fund Pete helped create the DeKalb Central School’s basketball league and was a firm believer in the importance of academic achievement. In October 1999 his family established this scholarship in his memory to honor his love of sports.
Derald D. Kruse “Student of Life” Scholarship Fund Established in October 2006 by friends and family of Derald Kruse. The fund will provide educational scholarships.
Don Lash Scholarship Fund In 1936 Don Lash set a world’s record for the two-mile run and competed in the Berlin Olympics, placing 14th in the 5K and 8th in the 10K. In 1938 he won the Sullivan Award as the nation’s top amateur athlete. Lash retired from the FBI in 1982 and served two terms in the Indiana General Assembly. He was inducted into the USA Track and Field Hall of Fame in 1995. This fund and ten other scholarship funds were transferred from the Auburn Foundation, Inc. to the community foundation in December 2002.
Elva A. Tess Likens Scholarship Fund Elva A. Tess Likens was a practical nurse who lived on North Van Buren Street in Auburn. This fund and ten other scholarship funds were transferred from the Auburn Foundation, Inc. to the community foundation in December 2002.
Delbert McBride Scholarship Fund This fund and ten other scholarship funds were transferred from the Auburn Foundation, Inc. to the community foundation in December 2002. The fund awards educational scholarships.
George Stanley and Rose Ilean Means Fund Stanley and Rose lived on a farm near St. Joe, Indiana. Stanley was a cattle inspector and farmer. Rose taught at Harrison Elementary School in what is now the DeKalb Central School district. This fund was transferred from the Auburn Foundation, Inc. to the community foundation in December 2009.
Parker Hannifin Scholarship Fund The Parker Hannifin Corporation established this scholarship in October 2003 to support students pursuing higher education.
Walter S. Penfield Scholarship Fund Walter A. Penfield was born in Auburn in 1879 and graduated from Auburn High School. He went on to practice international law in Washington, DC, and won many honors, awards, and decorations in his field. This fund and ten other scholarship funds were transferred from the Auburn Foundation, Inc. to the community foundation in December 2002.
Winifred Peters Scholarship Fund Winifred Peters was a lifetime resident of Garrett and a teacher for over 42 years. She taught at Garrett-Keyser-Butler, Jackson Township, and Keyser Township schools. After her passing in 2006, her daughter, Cheryl, fulfilled her mother’s wish to establish a scholarship fund in her memory.
Donald Ruegsegger Scholarship for Christian Leadership Fund Donald Ruegsegger was a businessman and community leader from Waterloo who exemplified Christian values in his everyday contact with members of the community. His son and daughter-in-law, Brian and Joy Ruegsegger, created the scholarship in August 2002 in his memory and in recognition of his appreciation for Youth for Christ.
Tony Sechler Memorial Fund Established in January 2008 with a gift from the estate of Franklyn Sechler to provide educational scholarships in memory of his son Tony.
Ilene R. and Karl B. Sliger Scholarship Fund Ilene R. Sliger was a homemaker and secretary for Kruse and Kruse Attorneys. She loved flowers and was known for her beautiful garden. Her husband, Karl B. Sliger, established this fund in her memory in January 2004. Karl is a retired farmer and railroad employee.
*Dr. James P. Spink Memorial Scholarship Fund Dr. Spink was born in Ethan, South Dakota in 1933, educated at St. Thomas Seminary in Kenmore, Washington and ordained a Roman Catholic Priest in 1959. In 1966 he began doctoral studies at the University of Notre Dame and in 1970 he founded the Northeastern Community Mental Health Center which serves DeKalb, LaGrange, Noble and Steuben Counties. In 1979 he established a private practice at the Family Counseling Center with offices in Angola and Auburn. Dr. Spink used his unique talents to help thousands of people throughout his life, whether or not they could pay him. His giving spirit lives on through the scholarship fund created in his memory in September 2010.
Starkey Science Endowment Fund The Donn & Connie Starkey family created this scholarship in July 2000 to emphasize the importance of science in education.
Warren G. Sunday Memorial Scholarship Fund Warren G. Sunday was a prominent attorney in DeKalb County who believed in many different forms of education. This scholarship was established in January 1998 in his memory by his friends and family.
Marvin & Phyllis Walker Agriculture Scholarship Marvin Walker was a farmer who progressively sought methods to improve agriculture. Phyllis was a DeKalb Central Schools home economics teacher. After their untimely deaths in an accident, the Walker family and friends established this scholarship in their memory in November 2001.
*Walters Family Memorial Fund Established in May 2010 to provide educational scholarships. The fund was created in memory of the children of David and Ruth Walters: Susie (Walters) Bishop, Annette (Walters) Bowman and Ed Walters.
Roger D. Weimer Memorial Scholarship Fund The Garrett community and Garrett High School meant a great deal to Roger Weimer. He grew up in Garrett, graduated with the class of 1955, was a guidance counselor and coach, and returned years later to serve as GHS principal from 1988-1995. He was selected as a charter member of the Wall of Fame, where his plaque lists his accomplishments as GHS athlete and coach. Roger dedicated his life to education. In October 2004 his family and friends established this scholarship in his memory.
Robert D. and Virginia E. White Scholarship Fund Virginia White and her late husband, Robert, operated a successful retail grocery business for many years. The Whites have been generous supporters of positive activities for young people including this educational scholarship which was established in September 2000.
Berta M. Willennar Scholarship Fund Berta Willennar was a member of the Hamilton Methodist Church and participated in many community activities that related to education and philanthropy. Her husband, Orlie, was a teacher in DeKalb and Steuben Counties. They were married in 1931. This fund and ten other scholarship funds were transferred from the Auburn Foundation, Inc. to the community foundation in December 2002.
Melanie A. Yarian Memorial Fund Melanie was a dancer and a musician. She loved school and developed an interest in whales and dolphins that she used as the inspiration for art and science projects. After a six-year illness Melanie died at age 17. In November 2008 her family created a scholarship fund in her memory.
Designated Funds
You name a particular charity or charities that will benefit when you form a designated fund. Your fund provides regular grants that the organization(s) can count on forever.
Ashley Volunteer Fire Department Fund Established in February 2006 by the board of directors of the Ashley Volunteer Fire Department to support the department’s programs and projects.
Auburn Cord Duesenberg Automobile Museum Endowment Fund Established by the Auburn Cord Duesenberg Automobile Museum’s board of directors in April 1998 to provide general support to the museum.
Auburn Parks Department Fund Established in June 1998 by the City of Auburn to implement the plan to create Rieke Park and other Auburn Parks Department projects.
Auburn Presbyterian Church Endowment Fund Established by the Auburn Presbyterian Church, Inc., PC USA board of directors in June 2008 to provide support for the church.
Janet C. Beaty Charitable Gift Annuity Fund Established in August 2007.
Robert E. Beaty Charitable Remainder Annuity Trust Established in September 2006.
*Lucy W. Brennan Endowment Fund Established in April 2010 by Lucy Brennan to provide annual support for several local charities.
Butler Carnegie Library Fund Established in August 1998 by the Butler Public Library board of trustees to provide support for the construction of the Butler Public Library facility and other Butler Public Library projects.
Butler Community Day Care Center Endowment Fund Established by the Butler Community Day Care Center’s board of directors in July 2000 to provide general support to the day care center.
Marcellyn M. Conn Memorial Fund Established in November 2006 by Richard Conn in memory of his wife, Marcellyn. The fund will provide support for the County Line Church of God, Auburn.
DeKalb Association for Developmentally Disabled, Inc. Endowment Fund Established by the DeKalb Association for Developmentally Disabled board of directors in March 1998 to provide general support to Alliance Industries.
DeKalb Central and Lakewood Park Junior Achievement Fund was established by the DeKalb Central and Lakewood Park Junior Achievement board of directors in February 2003 to provide general support for Junior Achievement programs in the two schools.
DeKalb County Council on Aging Endowment Fund Established by the DeKalb County Council on Aging’s board of directors in July 1998 to provide general support for the Council on Aging.
DeKalb County Outdoor Theater, Inc. Endowment Fund Established by the DeKalb County Outdoor Theater’s board of directors in January 2006 to provide general support for the theater.
DeKalb County Soil and Water Conservation Fund Established in August 2009 to promote the conservation of soil, water and other natural resources in DeKalb County.
DeKalb Leadership Development Fund Established in July 1999 by the DeKalb Leadership Development board of directors to provide support for community leadership training and development.
DeKalb’s VOICE Endowment Fund Established by the DeKalb County Community Foundation in September 2000 to provide grant and administrative support for DeKalb’s VOICE, a youth philanthropy organization.
Charles Eckhart Endowment Fund Established by the Eckhart Public Library’s board of trustees in November 2001 in honor of the library’s founder. The fund provides general support to the Eckhart Public Library.
Eckhart Public Library Endowment Fund Established by the Eckhart Public Library’s board of trustees in November 2001 to provide general support to the library.
Freedom Academy DeKalb County Endowment Fund Established by the Freedom Academy’s board of directors in March 2004 to provide general support to the Freedom Academy.
Garrett Junior Achievement Fund Established by the Garrett Junior Achievement board of directors in February 2003 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.
Greater Garrett Area Community Tennis Association Fund Established in October 1999 by the board of directors of the Greater Garrett Area Community Tennis Association. The fund provides support to promote tennis as a life sport among adults and children.
Matthew A. Harger Memorial Fund Established in September 2000 by Dennis and Joy Harger in memory of their son, Matthew. The fund supports the Eastside High School science department’s biennial marine biology trip to Florida, a favorite of Matthew’s.
HOPE., Inc. Fund Established in October 2009 to support the H.O.P. E. literacy mentoring program.
*International Monster Truck Museum and Hall of Fame, Inc. Fund Established in November 2010. The fund will provide support for the International Monster Truck Museum and Hall of Fame.
Junior Achievement Serving Eastside Fund Established by the Junior Achievement Serving Eastside board of directors in February 2003 to provide general support for Junior Achievement programs in DeKalb Eastern schools.
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, creating leaders who will go on to engage our community and our world for Christ.
Lilly Endowment Scholarship Promotional Fund Established in August 1997 to promote the scholarship program and the value of higher education in the community. It also supports the foundation’s administrative responsibilities for the program.
Northeastern Center Child and Adolescent Project Fund Established by the board of directors of the Northeastern Center in December 1998 to provide support for construction and maintenance of Northeastern Center facilities.
Northeastern Center Community Mental Health Endowment Fund Established by the Northeastern Center board of directors in June 1998 to provide general support to the center.
Saint Joseph River Parks Fund Established in September 2001 by the board of directors of Saint Joseph River Parks, Inc. It provides support for improvements and maintenance of the Saint Joseph River Greenway.
St. Martin’s Healthcare, Inc. Endowment Fund Established by St. Martin’s Healthcare, Inc. board of directors in November 2007 to provide general support for the program.
Shelter Ministries, Inc. Endowment Fund Established by the board of directors of Shelter Ministries in February 1998 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 Building Stronger, Healthier Lifestyles Fund Established in November 2007 to provide support YMCA facilities.
Ronald E. Ball Charitable Gift Annuity Fund Established in October 1998.
Ronald E. and Wilma J. Ball Charitable Gift Annuity Fund Established in October 1998.
YMCA of DeKalb County, Inc. Capital Campaign Fund Established in March 2008 by the YMCA of DeKalb County board of directors to support a capital campaign.
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, Inc. of Northeast Indiana.
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.
*Betty J. Zern Endowment Fund Established in April 2010 to provide general support to the Garrett Public Library.
Field of Interest Funds
With a field of interest fund, you can provide regular support to your favorite area of charitable interest without naming a specific charity. You choose the area you care about, and the community foundation awards grants from your fund to nonprofit organizations that address that field.
Agricultural Education Fund for DeKalb County Established in March 2008 to provide agriculture-related education for DeKalb County youth and adults.
Auburn Mausoleum Association Fund Established in September 2007 to beautify, restore and preserve the Auburn Mausoleum, focusing on areas open to the public or to the public’s view.
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.
Childcare Provider Fund Established by the DeKalb County Community Foundation board of directors in October 1998 with the goal to improve the quality of childcare by educating the providers. Grants are awarded to childcare workers as they reach specific levels of education, for other training opportunities and for memberships and conference fees for childcare organizations.
DeKalb County Learning Link Fund Established in 2008 to continue the community foundation’s leadership in helping to raise the the level of educational attainment for people of all ages.
DeKalb County Literacy Fund Established by the DeKalb County Community Foundation board of directors in January 2004 and supported by the Mother Goose on the Loose Literacy Giving Circle. Income from the fund is granted for programs that develop lifelong learners in DeKalb County.
DeKalb’s VOICE Established in December 1996 to provide charitable grants to nonprofit organizations as suggested by DeKalb’s VOICE members and directed by the DeKalb County Community Foundation’s board of directors. The fund also supports administrative costs associated with DeKalb’s VOICE.
Friends of Animals Fund Established in October 2006 by the DeKalb County Community Foundation with a gift from an anonymous donor. The fund will provide general support for the DeKalb Humane Society, Inc. for the care, well-being and management of DeKalb County animals.
Donna Martin-Boseker “Loa’s Fund” Established by Donna Martin-Boseker in November 2006 in memory of her mother Loa Whitacre. The fund will support programs for children or adults with disabilities and for the community’s changing needs.
Quentin K. and Gladys F. Mavis Music Fund Established in December 2006 by Imogene Mavis in memory of her parents. The fund provides support for musical entertainment and fine arts events at the DeKalb County Outdoor Theater and other public venues.
McIntosh Arts and Community Collaborative Fund Established in November 2009 to provide support for countywide historic preservation and revitalization and the promotion of artistic, cultural, and intellectual efforts for the community.
Wyatt Memorial Endowment Fund Established in June 2001 by the Wyatt Memorial Foundation board of trustees. The fund annually supports Boy Scouts/Anthony Wayne Council, Howe Military School, Alliance Industries and the City of Garrett (for exclusively public purposes).
Administrative Funds
Your gift to the community foundation’s administrative fund helps the foundation do all its good work: We gather contributions from donors to create permanent funds that will grow and give back to the community.
DeKalb County Community Foundation Operating Endowment Fund Established in December 1999 by the board of directors to provide permanent operational support for DeKalb County Community Foundation.
Operating Fund of DeKalb County Community Foundation Established in September 1996 by the board of directors to support the day-to-day operation of the DeKalb County Community Foundation.
Unrestricted Funds
An unrestricted fund allows the community foundation’s board of directors to respond to the current and future needs of the charitable organizations that serve DeKalb County residents. You can create your own named unrestricted fund or contribute to the community foundation’s unrestricted funds. Income from unrestricted funds is returned to the community each and every year in the form of grants.
Community Grantmaking Fund Established by the DeKalb County Community Foundation’s board of directors in August 1996 to support our community’s ever-changing charitable needs.
*Kenneth A. Boseker Memorial Fund Established in June 2010 from the remainder of the Kenneth A. Boseker Gift Annuity Fund. The memorial fund will support our community’s ever-changing charitable needs.
Great Idea Fund Established by the DeKalb County Community Foundation’s board of directors in September 2001 to make small, proactive grants.
Immediate Response Fund Established by the DeKalb County Community Foundation’s board of directors in November 2007 to fund charitable needs that arise between the Community Grantmaking Fund’s grant cycles or during a community disaster.
*New Funds in 2010
