A release from the Northern Indiana Community Foundation shard that members of The Hive were buzzing with excitement as they awarded $8,000 in grants to local organizations during the Annual Social Gathering on Tuesday, May 20 at Chesapeake Run Golf Club.
The Hive is a women’s giving circle established in 2018 through the Starke County Community Foundation. The group brings together women from across the community to pool their annual dues and vote on how funds should be distributed. Since its inception, The Hive has awarded more than $65,500 in grants to nonprofit organizations making a difference throughout Starke County.
This year’s event featured updates from past grant recipients and presentations from five finalists: Kid’s Closet Ministry, Meals on Wheels of Northwest Indiana, Prairie Trails Club, Starke County Parks and Recreation, and Toyz for Kidz. Each paid member had the opportunity to cast a vote, making The Hive’s grantmaking process a true reflection of collective giving and community impact.
The 2026 grant recipients are:
• Starke County Parks and Recreation – $2,500
• Prairie Trails Club – $2,000
• Kid’s Closet Ministry – $1,500
• Meals on Wheels of Northwest Indiana – $1,000
• Toyz for Kidz – $1,000
Grant funding is made possible through member contributions and an annual distribution from The Hive Giving Circle Endowment Fund at the Starke County Community Foundation.
“I’m so grateful to all the organizations who submitted a video application and to all the members who helped us grant out a total of $8,000 this year,” said Jacque Ryan, SCCF Director of Development. “The Hive is a way for local ladies and women with ties to Starke County to make a direct difference that they can see. We had some former grantees and individuals who don’t live within the community join us this year because they care about Starke County and appreciate the opportunity to make an impact.”
Guests enjoyed a spaghetti dinner and crostatas from Papa Farm Pizza, along with custom cookies from Gert’s Country Cookies. Floral centerpieces were provided by Main Street Floral & Gifts, with guests having the opportunity to take home arrangements through a special drawing at the end of the evening. Members also received candles and honey sticks from Honney’s Bees Apiary as part of the evening’s local goodies. Chesapeake Run Golf Club served as a welcoming setting for the celebration of local impact and collective generosity.
The Hive welcomes any woman with a heart for giving back. Whether you live in Starke County or simply care about its future, you can become a member and help support local organizations making a difference throughout the community.
To learn more about The Hive or become a member, visit nicf.org or contact Jacque Ryan at 574.772.3665.
