Simply put, the Community Foundation of St. Joseph County is a charitable endowment that improves the quality of life for the citizens of St. Joseph County and their succeeding generations, now and forever. How? We receive gifts from people who care about the St. Joseph County community, we invest these gifts forever, and we use the investment earnings to make grants each year to local charities. We also create and lead initiatives that benefit the community—in early childhood education, senior issues, and other areas. Individuals may also set up funds with the Community Foundation to benefit specific charities or to serve a field of charitable interest, such as the arts, educational scholarships, youth, or the environment. Several local corporations have set up funds as part of their strategy to support the local community. In this way, the Community Foundation connects people who care with causes that matter—right here in St. Joseph County.