Three Rivers, Sturgis area community foundations merging on January 1
“By uniting our foundations, we can amplify our resources and reach, ensuring that we continue to meet the evolving needs of the communities we serve,” SACF Executive Director Lindsay Aguilar said.
Two of St. Joseph County’s community foundations are merging in the new year.
Effective January 1, 2025, the Three Rivers Area Community Foundation (TRACF) will legally join the Sturgis Area Community Foundation (SACF) as SACF’s newest affiliate foundation.
“This merger reflects our shared commitment to making a greater impact together,” SACF Executive Director Lindsay Aguilar said. “By uniting our foundations, we can amplify our resources and reach, ensuring that we continue to meet the evolving needs of the communities we serve.”
The merger begins what the foundations call a new chapter in local philanthropy.
“(We are) combining resources, expertise, and passion to better serve St. Joseph County and surrounding communities,” the foundations stated Friday, December 6.
Melissa Bliss currently serves as TRACF’s executive director. Beginning January 1, she will serve as a member of the larger foundation’s board.
“We will operate under their EIN (employer identification number) and their umbrella,” Bliss said. “But we will keep our same identity as far as branding, our contact information for now, and our website. All of those will be updated.”
TRACF will be SACF’s third affiliate foundation. Earlier affiliates were established in White Pigeon and Constantine.
“As an affiliate of SACF, Three Rivers Area Community Foundation will benefit from cost-effective, centralized professional services including financial and investment management, grant and scholarship administration, programming and fund development,” SACF and TRACF stated.
The foundations call their merger part of “a bold journey to empower communities and create lasting change.”
“I do believe that the public will be positively impacted, with improved service and response times,” Bliss said.
SACF was established in 1962, followed by TRACF in 1974. The foundations are proud of their years of collaboration and excited about anticipated streamlined operations, expanded services, and greater financial sustainability.
“All existing funds, grants, and commitments will remain intact, ensuring continuity for donors and grantees. Leadership from both organizations will collaborate in the transition, guided by their mutual dedication to transparency and community-focused solutions,” the foundations stated.
Friday’s announcement included the reveal of a fact sheet with more information on the merger. TRACF Board Chair Christy Trammell reiterated the enthusiasm for the foundations’ pact.
“This merger aligns with our shared vision of creating vibrant, thriving communities and positions us to have an even greater impact.”
Frank Stanko is a staff writer for Watershed Voice.
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