Investing in Leadership for a Healthier Kosciusko County
When nonprofit and community leaders have the skills, connections and resources they need to lead effectively, their organizations are better equipped to serve our community. That’s why we believe that investing in leaders is an important part of building a healthier Kosciusko County.
K21 Health Foundation’s commitment to leadership development takes several forms. We volunteer our time to causes that advance health and quality of life in our community. We invest in leadership development programs, and we provide special grant opportunities for individual leadership development needs.
Staff Board and Committee Service
K21 staff members participate in committees and coalitions throughout Kosciusko County. These roles give us opportunities to listen, learn and work alongside other local leaders on issues that affect the health and wellbeing of our residents.
Our team currently serves with organizations and groups including All IN Kosciusko, Community Action Council, Community Amenities Program, Breathe Well Kosciusko, Cancer Care Fund Committee, Physical Wellbeing Committee and many others.
Leadership Development Programs
K21 invests in opportunities that help nonprofit and community leaders build skills, develop relationships and become more effective in their roles.
CEO Roundtable
One way we support local nonprofit leadership is through the CEO Roundtable, offered in partnership with the Kosciusko County Community Foundation (KCCF). K21 and KCCF provide equal financial support to bring the program to Kosciusko County. The Community Foundation of Elkhart County facilitates the roundtable sessions.
The CEO Roundtable sessions create a trusted space where leaders can connect, reflect on big decisions and share ideas in a confidential setting. The sessions serve as a sounding board for new strategies and offer encouragement and connection that strengthen both the leader and their organization.
Fall 2026 marks the third year the CEO Roundtable has been offered to local community leaders. Nonprofit CEOs and executive directors, many of whom are K21 grantees, can participate alongside peers who understand the challenges and rewards of leading a nonprofit organization.
The Learning Center
Financial support from K21 and the KCCF for the CEO Roundtable sessions also provides Kosciusko County nonprofit leaders with access to workshops and training offered through the Community Foundation of Elkhart County’s The Learning Center. The program provides topical trainings, hands-on workshops, an annual nonprofit CEO retreat at Oakwood Resort, and peer learning opportunities to strengthen skills and build relationships.
New Investments in Local Leadership
K21 Health Foundation is excited to announce two new opportunities focused on building nonprofit leadership capacity in our county.
Kosciusko Leadership Academy Board Service Program
Through a new Board Service Program, K21 is encouraging Kosciusko Leadership Academy (KLA) graduates to put their leadership skills to work in the nonprofit community. Any KLA graduate who joins a Kosciusko County nonprofit board within three years of graduation will be eligible for a $1,000 donation to that nonprofit organization in the graduate’s name.
“A healthy community needs bright, diverse leaders bringing their skills and perspectives to our nonprofit sector,” shared Rich Haddad, K21 Health Foundation President & CEO. “The idea is to motivate new community leaders to take their next step—from learning about the community to actively serving it.”
By encouraging more local leaders to serve, K21 hopes to strengthen nonprofit organizations while giving emerging leaders a meaningful way to contribute.
“Our mission is to develop informed and innovative leaders who will serve our community by skillfully leading it into the future,” added Nathan Conley, Kosciusko Leadership Academy Board President. “The Board Service Program from K21 Health Foundation will encourage recent KLA graduates to put their skills to use as philanthropic leaders in our community.”
Nonprofit Executive Leader Training Fund
Stepping into a nonprofit leadership role can be a big transition. Many new executive directors and CEOs come to their positions from program or service roles, or from outside the nonprofit sector. They bring valuable experience but may face a learning curve when leading a nonprofit organization.
Through K21’s new Fund offering, recently hired nonprofit executive leaders in Kosciusko County can apply for up to $5,000 to support a training and development plan during their first year in the role. The goal is to help new leaders get the knowledge and support they need to better prepare them to lead their organizations and serve Kosciusko County residents.
“Taking on a nonprofit leadership role comes with a lot of responsibility,” said K21 Health Foundation Board Chair Jessica Bricker. “We want to make sure leaders have the tools they need to succeed. When we invest in leadership development, we’re helping to strengthen the organizations that serve our community.”
To learn more about our Board Service Grant or Training and Development Fund, contact Angie Summers, Operations Manager, at angie@k21healthfoundation.org.
Building a Stronger Community
K21 Health Foundation will continue looking for ways to participate in and support leadership across Kosciusko County. When we engage in the important work of developing our community and invest in the people leading our nonprofits and community organizations, we also invest in the health and future of our community—supporting wellness for generations.