About Us

What We Stand For

Our Mission

To inspire donor generosity and transform it into meaningful, lasting impact through charitable gifts.

Our Vision

To be the primary partner for donors who want to advance the community’s quality of life and capacity for excellence.

Core Values

  • Stewardship – We will support and preserve donor intent.
  • Collaboration – We will act as a catalyst and partner with others to build a better tomorrow.
  • Excellence – We will meet or exceed expectations in all we do.
  • Integrity – We will act ethically in every relationship.
  • Respect – We will honor the dignity and worth of all.
Young female digging in the dirt to plant a tree and another image of adults with their arms around each other facing away from the camera
Diverse small group of intergenerational people posing for a picture together

Inclusion Statement

Community foundations have the unique ability to work with donors of diverse backgrounds and interests. Diversity includes people of different ethnicities, races, genders, sexual orientations, identifications, ages, classes, circumstances, religions, abilities, geographies, and philosophies.

The Community Foundation of Shelby County welcomes all who wish to start or give to a charitable fund for the betterment of our region and beyond. We seek donors and partners who are individuals of diverse backgrounds, beliefs, and perspectives.

We offer our services, resources, and knowledge to diverse organizations and donors and commit our resources to help support diverse cultures, philosophies, and experiences.

As the people’s philanthropy, we believe anyone at any income level can be a philanthropist.

What Does a Community Foundation Help Me Do?

We help you carry out your charitable wishes during your lifetime and into the future.

The Community Foundation of Shelby County is here to help you give repeatedly to causes and charities you value. You can create a charitable fund with as little as $25,000 that will be invested to annually grant money to your favorite causes and valued charities. The more you place into the charitable fund, the more it can award every year to support those organizations that matter to you.

Establishing a fund is easier than you think.

Here’s how it works:

  • We work with you to create a written fund agreement that guides what the fund will support (scholarships, a cause, community project or charity). You place a tax-deductible gift in the fund.
  • Grants or scholarships are issued in the name of the Fund according to the agreement.
  • Or, you could ask us to receive grant proposals that will award a grant in a competitive process.
  • Or, you could maintain involvement of you, your family, or a representative group who will recommend grant amounts and a changing list of charities.
Hands holding a pile of dirt with a seedling and another image of three adults sitting together

The Community Foundation of Shelby County’s role is to keep your process rolling like a well-oiled machine, following the written path you have laid out. We provide the administrative structure for funds including gift acceptance, asset investment, grant disbursement, and tax filing. Most funds are intended to be perpetuating endowments, but some have a defined life span such as the completion of a community project or a milestone event. Template agreements are available to get the conversation started.

Board of Trustees

Mike Lochard, Chair

Kurt Barhorst, Vice Chair

Dr. Karen Fortman, Secretary

Dave Monnier, Treasurer

Devon Beer

Mark Goubeaux

Cindy Helman

Matt Hoying

Diane Reiss

Lisa Ruhenkamp

Amy Zorn

Staff

Marian Spicer

Executive Director

mspicer@commfoun.com

Jordan Knepper

Donor Relations Director

jknepper@commfoun.com

Jeanne Hoying

Accounting Manager

jhoying@commfoun.com

Sandy Kinney

Accounting Administrator

skinney@commfoun.com

Juli Smith

Scholarships & Grants Manager

jsmith@commfoun.com

 Our History

The organization’s history began in 1952 as the Sidney Community Foundation. In 1997, the name was changed to The Community Foundation of Sidney and Shelby County to reflect a broader service area. In 2002, the name was modified to The Community Foundation of Shelby County.

1952

 The Sidney Community Foundation was incorporated and 300 shares of Monarch Machine Tool Company given by Wendell Whipp was given at a value of $5,136.

Whipp gave another 100 shares of Monarch stock to establish what is now the Community Impact Fund, an undesignated community granting fund.

1960s

Camp Brookside was donated by the Sidney and Shelby County Girl Scouts, Inc.

1962

Upon the recommendation of board president Dr. H.E. Crimm, the Sabine Oral Vaccine Fund is established and sponsors two oral polio vaccine clinics.

1968

Grant to support a study that led to the establishment of the Sidney-Shelby County YMCA.

1976

First scholarship fund established by the estate of Lola Detrick Carmony.

1997

The Community Foundation of Sidney and Shelby County becomes the legal name, reflecting the service area of the entire county.

1999

First staff member, Marian Spicer, was hired. Local attorneys Leo McFarland, Jack Garmhausen and Eugene Elsass had administered the Community Foundation from 1952 until 1999.

2000

The Community Foundation administers 29 Funds, valued at $3.8 million.

2002

First Project Fund, the Sidney Memorial Stadium Fund, was established.

2003

The Community Foundation of Shelby County is the legal name.

2009

Camp Brookside is donated to the City of Sidney and becomes part of Tawawa Park.

2010

The Community Foundation administers 136 Funds, valued at $16.4 million.

2017

Match Day celebrates the Community Foundation’s 65th anniversary by giving away $65,000 in matching gifts to 13 participating charities. It exceeded expectations, with more than $235,000 given.

2020

The Community Foundation administers more than 200 Funds, valued at $35 million.

2022

In its 70th year, asset value is at $49 million.

Have Questions?