The Sturgis Area Community Foundation (SACF) 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, SACF 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 SACF’s reach across the county.

“With the recent merger of the Three Rivers Area Community Foundation with the Sturgis Area Community Foundation, the next step is the creation of a county-wide foundation,” said Erin Melchi-Baker, Chair of the Board of Trustees. “Serving the whole county allows us to deepen our impact and invest in the future of all who live here — stronger together. I’m excited to see the county-wide foundation take shape.”

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, SACF 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.

“This progression allows us to think bigger, work more strategically, and create lasting impact across St. Joseph County,” said Anna Brand, Interim Executive Director of SACF. “We remain deeply committed to supporting the communities we serve while building stronger connections and opportunities county-wide.”

The transition supports SACF’s broader vision of serving as a comprehensive community foundation that connects generosity with opportunity and leads collaborative efforts around key issues including housing, childcare, education, and community development.

As SACF looks to the future, the county-wide Board of Trustees will play a critical role in guiding the Foundation’s next phase of growth — ensuring it remains a trusted partner, a responsive leader, and a driving force for positive change throughout St. Joseph County.

The Sturgis Area Community Foundation is a $54M foundation committed to serving the charitable needs of our community and enriching the quality of life for all people in the Sturgis area. Through philanthropic services, strategic investments, and community leadership, the Sturgis Area Community Foundation helps people support the causes they care about now and for generations.

For more information on grants or donor services, email sacf@sturgisfoundation.org.