(STURGIS) - The Sturgis Area Community Foundation is going through a transformation.
The Foundation is proud to announce its transition to a county-wide foundation and Board of Trustees serving all of St. Joseph County. The move marks an important step in the Foundation's continued growth and reflects its expanding role in county-wide philanthropy and community leadership.
Over the past several years, the Foundation has experienced significant growth, increasing from $34 million to $54 million in assets through strong community support and strategic partnerships. A major milestone in this evolution was the 2025 merger with the Three Rivers Area Community Foundation, which expanded collaboration and strengthened the Sturgis Foundation's reach across the county.
Erin Melchi-Baker, Chair of the Sturgis Foundation Board of Trustees says with the merger between the Sturgis and Three Rivers Foundations, the next step is the creation of a county-wide foundation. She says serving the whole county allows the Foundation to deepen its impact and invest in the future of all who live here.
The transition to a county-wide foundation will strengthen regional collaboration, improve coordination of grantmaking and scholarships, expand partnerships with local organizations and municipalities, and continue building relationships with donors throughout St. Joseph County.
Importantly, the Sturgis Area Community Foundation remains committed to honoring the unique identity and priorities of each community it serves. Local funds and initiatives will continue supporting community-specific needs while benefiting from a broader, more coordinated approach.