The Grossnickle Family Foundation was formed in 1988 as a private foundation by the Grossnickle family to support charitable organizations that were important to them. Over the years, their grant support ranged from medical research to recreational and cultural opportunities to human services. Recently, the Grossnickle Family Foundation transferred its assets into two newly created funds at the Kosciusko County Community Foundation. The Steve and Lori Grossnickle Family Foundation Fund is a donor-advised endowment fund. As an endowment, the fund’s principle will be preserved and income from the fund’s investments will be used to award charitable grants. Steve and Lori Grossnickle will make grant recommendations to the Community Foundation’s Board of Directors, according to the announcement from the KCCF. The Bruce and Jeanne Grossnickle Family Foundation Fund is also a donor-advised endowment fund. Bruce and Jeanne Grossnickle will make grant recommendations to the Community Foundation’s Board of Directors that align with their charitable goals and values, and because the fund is an endowment, it will continue to award grants in the future, the announcement states. Transferring assets from a private foundation to an advised fund at a public charity like the KCCF has administrative and tax benefits while allowing the donors to continue to set grantmaking priorities, advise grants and assess grant success with the support of a professional staff, according to the announcement. Nonprofits who are interested in funding opportunities through the community foundation can call 574-267-1901 or visit www.KCFoundation.org for more grant seeker information. The Grossnickles may not be solicited directly through the community foundation, but the foundation regularly makes all donor advisors aware of needs that come to its attention through grant applications to its community funds. “We are thrilled to be able to steward the Grossnickle Family’s gifts and help them continue to do the good work they have been doing for more than 25 years,” said Suzie Light, KCCF executive director.
