Historic Investment Fuels Growth, Enhances Programs, and Increases Access for Young People in Elkhart County & Beyond
Elkhart, Ind. (April 10, 2025) – With thanks to the support of a $30 million grant from Lilly Endowment through its Strengthening Youth Programs in Indiana initiative, Boys & Girls Clubs of Elkhart County, as well as Boys & Girls Clubs across the state, has experienced unprecedented growth and impact, providing more opportunities for young people in Elkhart and its surrounding counties.
In 2022, Boys & Girls Clubs of America (BGCA) received a historic $30 million grant from Lilly Endowment to enhance support for Indiana’s youth through safe spaces, caring mentors, and life-changing experiences. This grant, the largest single foundation gift in BGCA’s history, helped BGCA work with 31 Boys & Girls Clubs in Indiana to develop a five-year strategic plan. Also, the grant provided support for high-quality programs at 117 Clubhouses, staff training and renovation projects to better serve kids and teens in communities across the state.
"This investment is about building a stronger future for Indiana’s youth right here in our local communities,” said Dr. Tami Hicks, President & CEO of Boys & Girls Clubs of Elkhart County. "We are serving more kids than ever before and also setting them up for long-term success by providing safe spaces, guidance, and life-changing experiences that will shape their futures."
Since receiving support through the grant, Boys & Girls Club organizations in Indiana have significantly expanded their presence and services. Standout achievements at Boys & Girls Clubs of Elkhart County include:
- The Boys & Girls Clubs of Elkhart County now serve 4,080 youth, ages 6-18, marking an increase of more than 1,400 over the past two years.
- Teen membership continues to grow. In just two years, the number of registered teens has more than doubled to 815.
- Boys & Girls Clubs of Elkhart County has expanded its reach with six new locations, including two school-based sites in Steuben and Noble Counties. This marks our first presence in these new service areas. We now have 22 Club locations actively delivering impactful youth programming.
- Over the past two years, Boys & Girls Clubs of Elkhart County has prioritized trauma-informed care, providing specialized training to better support our members and their families, benefiting more than 150 staff members.
In addition to expanded programs and access, Boys & Girls Club organizations across Indiana participated in a statewide day of service in May 2024 as part of a national initiative with BGCA. More than 160 Club locations took part in this effort, including Boys & Girls Clubs of Elkhart County, where we planted trees at each of our Club locations.
The impact of Lilly Endowment’s generosity will continue to shape the future of Boys & Girls Club organizations in Indiana, ensuring that more youth have access to safe, supportive environments where they can learn, grow, and thrive.
For additional information on Boys & Girls Clubs of Elkhart County, visit www.greatfutures.club. To learn more about the resources provided to Indiana youth, visit www.indianabgc.org/resources.
About Boys & Girls Clubs of Elkhart County: Opened as The Goshen Boys Club in April of 1956 on Crescent Street, Boys & Girls Clubs of Elkhart County has been a force for good in the lives of youth for more than 65 years. Our team of skilled, caring professionals is experienced in youth development. We see potential in every child and teen that walks through our doors. We are here to elevate the youth of our community and let them know that they are capable, worthy and important.
About Boys & Girls Clubs of America :
For more than 160 years, Boys & Girls Clubs of America (BGCA.org) has provided a safe place for kids and teens to learn and grow. Clubs offer caring adult mentors, fun and friendship, and high-impact youth development programs on a daily basis during critical non-school hours. Boys & Girls Clubs programming promotes academic success, good character and leadership, and healthy lifestyles. Over 5,400 Clubs serve more than 3 million young people through Club membership and community outreach. Clubs are located in cities, towns, public housing and on Native lands throughout the country, and serve military families in BGCA-affiliated Youth Centers on U.S. military installations worldwide. The national headquarters is located in Atlanta. Learn more about Boys & Girls Clubs of America on Facebook and X.
For more than 160 years, Boys & Girls Clubs of America (BGCA.org) has provided a safe place for kids and teens to learn and grow. Clubs offer caring adult mentors, fun and friendship, and high-impact youth development programs on a daily basis during critical non-school hours. Boys & Girls Clubs programming promotes academic success, good character and leadership, and healthy lifestyles. Over 5,400 Clubs serve more than 3 million young people through Club membership and community outreach. Clubs are located in cities, towns, public housing and on Native lands throughout the country, and serve military families in BGCA-affiliated Youth Centers on U.S. military installations worldwide. The national headquarters is located in Atlanta. Learn more about Boys & Girls Clubs of America on Facebook and X.
