SOUTH BEND, Ind. -- The South Bend Education Foundation and South Bend Alumni Association are proud to announce their official merger, creating a united organization committed to transforming lives through education, connection, and community pride.

The two trusted institutions bring a shared legacy of impact. 

While the Alumni Association has celebrated 40 years of honoring extracurricular enrichment and student leadership, the Education Foundation has marked over 30 years of championing innovation and classroom excellence.

“Discussions of a merger between these two organizations have occurred on and off again for more than a decade,” said Jory Fitzgerald, Board Chair, South Bend Education Foundation.

"After a year and half of strategic discussions and planning by a task force comprised of members of both nonprofits board of directors, we’ve succeeded. There’s never been a time when public schools, students and teachers have more needed our support and we are unified in our determination to do just that." 

The merger streamlines operations, deepens community engagement, and focuses energy on a single, shared mission which involves supporting South Bend’s public schools with purpose and unity.

"Our students succeed when our community stands behind them,” said Mansour Eid, Superintendent, South Bend Community School Corporation.

“This merger is a powerful example of collaboration in action, uniting to ensure every student has the support, opportunities, and encouragement they deserve." 

The newly combined South Bend Education Foundation will debut its refreshed identity and expanded programming this fall.

Support the merged organization here.