In 1992, a group of concerned citizens created the Steuben County Community Foundation- a formalized and organized way to make charitable gifts that will work to address the emerging issues and concerns of Steuben County forever. To this day, its purpose is to promote and preserve the lifestyle and assets of our community for current and future generations. By partnering with our donors, we have helped strengthen education, support the arts, promote civic life, protect our environment, and ensure strong health and social services.

To date, the SCCF holds hundreds of endowed funds, over 16 million in assets, and have granted millions of dollars in grants back to the community. We are one of 94 Indiana community foundations that together hold assets of over $1 billion, and have made grants to communities of more than $50 million.

If charitable giving is an important part of your life, you understand the value of giving, and you want to be assured that your gifts will meet vital needs and improve our community.

You want to know that your gifts will achieve positive results and of course, maximize your tax deductions. You may want to involve your family in your giving. You want a tasteful level of recognition- or perhaps you want to be anonymous.

The Community Foundation is a simple way for you to make a difference and leave a lasting legacy in our community.

Organization of the Foundation
Community Foundations are one of the fastest growing areas of philanthropy. When charitable-minded people look for suitable ways to give, a community foundation can make a difference.

SCCF is a not for profit, § 501(c)(3) organization governed by a volunteer Board of Directors. The Board of Directors is selected to represent a broad spectrum of diversity in the area we serve, and are committed to looking for ways in which to identify emerging issues, stimulate resources to address those needs and help our region prepare for the future. The Board of Directors establishes the policies and procedures of the Foundation and ensures the Foundation has the funding, staff, facilities and equipment needed to fulfill its mission.

Ethics and Operational Standards

In 2003, the Foundation passed a resolution to comply with the National Ethical & Operation Standards governing community foundations. In 2004, the State of Indiana was awarded reciprocal privileges with our national affiliate, the Council on Foundations in Washington DC. Finally, in 2007 SCCF was deemed compliant with the standards which include: Governance & Management, Fiscal Administration, Grantmaking, Resource Development, and Community & Public Relations. We currently have on file all documents that support and prove our compliance. Our "approved" record book is on file at the office and at the Indiana Grantmakers Alliance office in Indianapolis.