Pathfinder dissolves foundation, membership

For years the Pathfinder Foundation has sought to bring inclusion and support to Huntington County and Northeast Indiana. However, a careful reevaluation of existing programs and a reshaping of our future path led the foundation board to dissolve as of December 31, 2022.

The decision was difficult, but the board felt its mission could be better carried on by the Community Foundation of Huntington County and voted to establish the Community Accessibility Fund at the Community Foundation of Huntington County with $500,000 from the Pathfinder Foundation. The Community Accessibility Fund will help our community become more inclusive of all people by funding solutions to accessibility barriers. Funding is available to individuals, families and businesses to take ownership of the physical barriers in buildings and infrastructure that prevent people with disabilities from fully accessing the use and benefits afforded to all. Accessibility needs must be considered from an individual and community perspective to make the changes necessary to be a welcoming community for all.

Another future-shaping change involves how we, as an organization, raise funds. For many years membership has been a quick and easy way for people to donate and, in theory, be involved with our organization more closely. Membership thrived for a time, and our members helped us build what we are today. However, the annual membership drive has declined over the last few years, and member engagement has been low. As a result, the board voted to end the membership program.

Each end has a new beginning. Membership was never intended to serve merely as a fundraiser. It was a way to have donors become active and engaged with Pathfinder Services, and that is where the disconnect began. The development team is still navigating new ideas for a better way. Still, they have a clear goal of switching to individual donor development and fostering closer relationships on a one-on-one level.

Kasey Davis, chief development officer, shared, “We are turning the page to really find the intersection of a donor’s passion and Pathfinder’s need.”

“We are honored to partner with the Pathfinder Foundation and keep their 40-year legacy of giving alive in our community,“ said Matt Ditzler, executive director of the Community Foundation. “Stay tuned as we roll out a new application process for the Community Accessibility Fund in 2023!”

Pathfinder’s new approach to development aims to better match individual donors with fulfilling opportunities within our organization that align with their passions. Our hope is that this approach will create a more meaningful connection between donors and what their donation supports.