Photo submitted to the Times Observer Pictured is a historical marker explaining how Sugar Grove got its name. Community projects in Sugar Grove will get some help through the newly created Sugar Grove Community Fund at the Community Foundation of Warren County.

A group of Sugar Grove residents are starting a community fund through the Community Foundation of Warren County.

The Sugar Grove Community Fund will be a component fund of the Community Foundation of Warren County and benefit from the foundation’s 501(c)(3) tax-exempt status. Income generated from the fund will be distributed as charitable grants, supporting community projects as recommended by the Sugar Grove Community Fund Advisory Committee.

Operating under the same guiding principles as the Community Foundation of Warren County, the Sugar Grove Community Fund’s initial focus is on growing its principal investment. The goal is to build long-term value, ensuring sustainable income for future community initiatives. The principal will remain intact to generate income for years to come. An example of this model is the Community Foundation of Warren County itself, which started 75 years ago with just $25,000 and today holds more than $100 million in assets while distributing more than $4.3 million annually to charitable causes across Warren County.

The Advisory Committee for the Sugar Grove Community Fund will be composed of members of the newly formed Sugar Grove Community Development Association. Their role includes attracting donations and recommending distributions to support local projects. Members of the Advisory Committee include Gene Wilston, president; Tyler Briggs, vice president; Randy Tack, secretary; Joe Spess, accounts officer; and advisors Dru Freeborough, Ryan Hoffman and Terri Hoisington.

Wilston said the fund’s creation demonstrates Sugar Grove’s long-term commitment to its future and to the well-being of its residents.

Tim Huber, chairman of the Community Foundation of Warren County, shared his excitement, noting that the foundation is proud to support Sugar Grove in this endeavor. To help the fund grow, Huber announced that the foundation will match the first $25,000 in donations to the Sugar Grove Community Fund, dollar for dollar.

Residents will have their first opportunity to contribute through Warren Gives, happening this year on Wednesday, May 14, from 6 a.m. to 10 p.m. Donations can be made online at WarrenGives.org, or by contacting the Community Foundation at 814-726-9553 for instructions on donating by check. Contributions made through Warren Gives are eligible for both the foundation’s matching funds and additional match pool dollars, making every donation go further.

The Sugar Grove Community Fund joins a growing list of similar funds established under the CFWC, including the Tidioute Area Community Fund, the Brokenstraw Valley Community Fund, and the Sheffield Area Community Fund – each one dedicated to building long-term financial support for their communities. For more information on how to donate to the Sugar Grove Community Fund, or to any of the community funds, contact the Community Foundation office at 814-726-9553, or stop in to the office at 310 Second Ave., Warren.