The Studebaker National Museum has been named the recipient of the 2025 Leighton Award for Nonprofit Excellence, one of the highest honors a nonprofit organization in northern Indiana can receive. The Leighton Award is presented every other year by the Community Foundation of St. Joseph County and recognizes organizations that demonstrate extraordinary achievement, sound management, and innovative programming.

For the Studebaker National Museum, this honor acknowledges years of dedicated stewardship, creative exhibition design, and meaningful community engagement. From preserving Studebaker’s storied legacy to creating hands-on programming for all ages, the Museum has become one of the region’s cornerstones of culture and education

The Leighton Award comes with a transformative financial opportunity. The award includes a $100,000 endowment challenge grant, for which the Community Foundation will match 2:1.   

Endowment growth is vital, and the doubling of every grant contribution will significantly strengthen the Museum’s long-term sustainability.  Endowed funds provide a secure financial foundation, and expanding this permanent fund ensures that Studebaker’s legacy—and the unique stories of innovation, craftsmanship, and resilience it represents—remain accessible for generations to come.

We ask that you join us in celebrating the award by helping the Museum fulfill this grant opportunity.  Every dollar given will be doubled to provide long-term sustainable funding.

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