Sturgis Area Community Foundation and Three Rivers Area Community Foundation Announce Merger to Strengthen Local Philanthropy

Sturgis Area Community Foundation and Three Rivers Area Community Foundation Announce Merger to Strengthen Local Philanthropy

Posted on December 6, 2024
Categories
Impact, Partners
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~2.4 Minutes

Sturgis, MI & Three Rivers, MI – The Sturgis Area Community Foundation (SACF) and the Three Rivers Area Community Foundation (TRACF) are excited to announce their formal merger. Effective January 1, 2025, Three Rivers Area Community Foundation will legally join Sturgis Area Community Foundation as its newest affiliate foundation. This strategic partnership marks a new chapter in local philanthropy, combining resources, expertise, and passion to better serve St. Joseph County and surrounding communities.

Since 1997, SACF has helped other communities in St. Joseph County to inspire philanthropy and address their unique needs through its geographic affiliate program which currently includes the communities of White Pigeon and Constantine. Three Rivers Area Community Foundation will be SACF’s third affiliate foundation. 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.

“This merger reflects our shared commitment to making a greater impact together,” said Lindsay Aguilar, Executive Director of the Sturgis Area Community Foundation. “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 builds on years of collaboration between the two foundations and will enable streamlined operations, expanded services, and greater financial sustainability. Donors and stakeholders will benefit from a larger network, innovative programs, and enhanced support for local causes.

“We are thrilled to take this step forward with SACF,” said Christy Trammell, Board Chair of the Three Rivers Area Community Foundation. “This merger aligns with our shared vision of creating vibrant, thriving communities and positions us to have an even greater impact.”

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.

Open houses for the public will be planned in both Sturgis and Three Rivers after the new year.

For more information about this exciting partnership, please visit contact SACF Executive Director Lindsay Aguilar at (269) 659-8508 or sacf@sturgisfoundation.org or TRACF Executive Director Melissa Bliss at threeriversfoundation@gmail.com.

About Sturgis Area Community Foundation
Established in 1962, the Sturgis Area Community Foundation is a $33M foundation committed to making a positive, lasting, impact in local communities through charitable giving, leadership and action. Through philanthropic services, strategic investments, and community leadership, Sturgis Area Community Foundation helps people support the causes they care about now and for generations.

About Three Rivers Area Community Foundation
TRACF has served the Three Rivers community since 1974 fostering local philanthropy to address pressing community needs and support nonprofit organizations. Since its incorporation, TRACF has funded a variety of projects, programs, and scholarships benefiting the Three Rivers community.

Together, SACF and TRACF are embarking on a bold journey to empower communities and create lasting change.

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