Community Foundation Announces More than $200,000 in ArtsEverywhere Grants
Grants to Acting Ensemble, South Bend Lyric Opera, and many more
The Community Foundation of St. Joseph County has announced more than $200,000 in ArtsEverywhere funding that will support the missions of ten local nonprofits:
Major Venture Support
South Bend Youth Symphony Orchestras: $93,200
Building on the success of past summer camps, funds will help support SBYSO’s three-year “Summer of Rock” Collaborative Project with Saint Mary’s College, The Music Village and Windborne Music. They are planning an initiative that will provide an unprecedented opportunity for young musicians in Michiana, backed with a sustainable model that can provide funding for future growth. Approximately sixty students will be served each year, 2026-2028, with room for growth after the initial year.
The Acting Ensemble: $43,000
Funds will help support The Acting Ensemble professionalize theater lighting for improved production value, audience experience, and mentorship of production staff. The project will comprehensively upgrade the space by removing the drop ceiling, replacing ductwork, installing a lighting grid, purchasing an LED light board, adding insulation and fire safety paint, building a lighting platform, and relocating the entry door. Key objectives include improving audience experience, enhancing production quality, providing technical skills development, and increasing overall theater safety and efficiency.
Annual Program Support
WNIT Channel 34: $15,000
Funds are intended for 2026 annual sponsorship funding in support of multiple programs WNIT airs supporting the arts in St. Joseph County. As a PBS station, they bring the highest-quality arts performances to local audiences to inspire and entertain as well as featuring local arts through weekly episodes of Experience Michiana and a strong line-up of local performances like Live from ND, Arts at IUSB series, local holiday performances, the Fischoff National Chamber Music Competition and more.
The Music Village: $10,000
Funds will support TMV’s 2026 programs, which include opportunities to learn about, experience, and participate in music and dance programming. TMV’s offerings include music lessons, dance classes, group programs, jams, concerts, camps, after school programs, and more. The Music Village continues to expand programming. TMV currently has 240 students enrolled in private lessons and music classes. In 2026, TMV plans to launch their audio/video recording studio and recording arts classes.
Patchwork Dance Company: $3,500
Funds will support Patchwork Dance Company’s (PDC) 2026 season which includes two major concerts. PDC will produce a spring concert March 2026 and their holiday concert, “Greta’s Gift” December 2026, which has a cast of over 60 dancers. Every elementary school in St. Joseph County is invited to the holiday performances.
Additional Program/Project Grants
WVPE: $10,000
WVPE Public Radio is receiving support for The Sauce, a locally produced radio and podcast series hosted by Dawn Burns that amplifies diverse voices and fosters cultural connection through the arts. Produced in South Bend, the show features local and global artists through interviews, performances, and storytelling. The 2026 season includes 12 monthly broadcasts, 24 live venue recordings, and 52 weekly podcasts, sustaining creativity and access to the arts across St. Joseph County and beyond.
United Youth Theatre: $10,000
United Youth Theatre (UYT) is receiving funds to support its 2026 season, featuring five full-scale productions for K-12th grade performers, including James and the Giant Peach, Spongebob, Little Shop of Horrors, The Outsiders, and the first regional production of Six: Teen Edition. The organization aims to help kids develop confidence, creativity, and mutual respect through arts. UYT projects serving over 1,000 youth next season.
Wild Rose Moon: $10,000
Funds will help support Wild Rose Moon’s 2026 Programming, including Moon Rise, a creative ecosystem project focused on arts education and community development, set to culminate in a March 2026 show at the South Bend Civic Theatre. Wild Rose Moon broadcasts their performances on WVPE and WNIT, reaching 26,000 viewers and 72,000 listeners in the past year, featuring local performers and music/spoken word content.
IU South Bend: $5,000
Funds will be used to help support local community integration of the July 2026 Louise E. Addicott Summer Chamber Music Festival. The Festival will welcome world-class quartets and 24 students from across the country to a 10-day chamber music festival at IUSB. Participants will enjoy an immersive experience on campus and beyond: rehearsals and coachings, activities on and off campus, performances at IUSB and community spaces like the St. Joseph County Public Library, Howard Park, and the Civil Rights Heritage Center. The community will be able to enjoy many public events by renowned artists.
Capacity Building
South Bend Lyric Opera: $10,000
Funds will help support a new part-time Executive Director position, which will allow SBLO’s visionary founder, Emanuel Caraman and SBLO’s dedicated Board of Directors, to receive the administrative leadership necessary to develop their ongoing contribution to local arts and culture. The new position will provide operational management, spearhead development initiatives, strategic leadership, and financial oversight necessary for SBLO to fulfill its mission.