The K21 Foundation board of directors has made a subtle change to the organization's name.
The foundation now will be known as K21 Health Foundation. The change also will be reflected in its logo.
"This foundation has long had a focus on health and wellness for Kosciusko County, but you wouldn't know it by our name," said George Gilbert, board chairman.
Gilbert said the organization felt it was important to provide clarity to the organization and community it serves.Formed in February 1999 from the proceeds of the sale of Kosciusko Community Hospital, K21 is now approaching its 10th anniversary. In those 10 years, $18 million has been committed to non-profit organizations for Kosciusko County residents. This year, K21 will complete its most significant contribution to the community with the construction of the K21 Health Services Pavilion, which is scheduled to open in April.
Because the funds came from a health organization, which originated from local donors concerned with health in the county, the original directors set the course to focus on health issues.
As a private foundation, grants can only be made to non-profit organizations seeking opportunities to assist in health services, wellness initiatives and community efforts to improve healthy lifestyles for county residents.
"We have a great working relationship with two other major grantmakers in the community, United Way of Kosciusko County and Kosciusko Community Foundation," said K21 President Rich Haddad.
"Because their missions are more broad than ours, it is important that organizations and the community understand K21's opportunities to assist and support which are more focused on the improvement of health and addressing health needs," Haddad said.
K21 Health Foundation exists for the benefit of Kosciusko County citizens to ensure health care services are provided and to advance prevention and healthy lifestyles.
