Bringing plans to reality for 50 years.
Established in July 1974 to help reverse the physical and social decline taking place in South Bend neighborhoods, South Bend Heritage Foundation, Inc. (SBH) is a 501(c)3 not-for-profit Community Development Corporation that is committed to the stabilization and empowerment of our neighborhoods.
Purpose: To enhance the beauty and value of neighborhoods and to empower residents, through collaboration, physical transformation, advocacy, and education.
Vision: A united community where diverse neighborhoods are considered choice places to live, as well as to operate a business, and where all residents have equitable and just opportunities to reach their full potential.
Working to make neighborhoods safe, attractive, and thriving.
LEARN MORE
South Bend Heritage has been rooted in community for over 50 years—growing partnerships, transforming neighborhoods, and advocating for equity every step of the way. SBH has an annual operating budget of $7 Million across our 4 lines of business. Dive deeper into who we are, how we operate, and the lasting impact we’re making across South Bend.
Awards & Recognition
Since its inception, SBH has been recognized for numerous awards such as:
Leighton Award - Community Foundation of St. Joseph County
Agency of the Year - Real Servies
State of Indiana Lieutenant Governor’s Office Award for Excellence in Affordable Housing (Oliver Apartments & South Bend Mutual Homes)
Spark Award - Salvation Army
Southold Preservation Award (3) - Indiana University Civil Rights Heritage Center, Historic Rushton Senior Apartments, and Historic Gemini Apartments
Special Recognition Leighton Award - Excellence in Permanent Supportive Housing
National League of Cities- Howland Gold Award
IACED Project of the Year - West Washington Homes
Human Rights Commission - Master Locksmith Award
·Department of Housing & Urban Development Certificate of National Merit - Monroe Park Redevelopment Project
State of Indiana - Employer Achievement Award
Department of Housing & Urban Development Certificate of National Recognition - Chapin Street Revitalization Project
Partner of the Year Award - Neighborhoods United South Bend
South Bend Heritage engaged spectrum nonprofit services in a six-month process to update its strategic direction in 2023. Previous planning efforts had focused the organization’s efforts resulting in increased impact and financial sustainability. This process, built upon those efforts informed by:
•An affirmation and update of the organization’s intended impact;
•Survey of critical community perspectives which surfaced the respect and programmatic strength South Bend Heritage has as well as the community needs for more housing and resident support; and
•An in-depth understanding of the organization’s business model.
To continue to achieve the organization’s mission and build sustainability, South Bend Heritage will focus on four broad strategic priorities moving forward (2024-2027):
•Increase real estate development;
•Expand partnerships to enhance address resident needs/strengths and neighborhood safety;
•Grow staff capacity and compensation; and
•Maintain focus on fund development
With the adoption of this strategic direction by the board, the focus now turns to implementation. Staff and board committees will build action steps for the strategic priorities into annual operating plans with metrics to monitor progress. On an annual basis, the staff and board will review the progress made and the changing environment in which the organization operates to evaluate, refine and adapt strategic priorities and strategies to meet its intended impact and build sustainability. In doing so, the organization exemplifies a learning organization and will keep the strategic direction relevant and alive.
NEIGHBORWORKS AMERICA
South Bend Heritage has been a chartered member of NeighborWorks America (NWA) since 2006. Through this membership, we are part of a national network of nearly 250 community-based organizations working to develop attainable housing and create thriving, healthy neighborhoods.
South Bend Heritage maintains a NeighborWorks “Exemplary” rating — the highest standard of performance awarded within the network. NeighborWorks America objectively evaluates each organization’s lines of business and key performance indicators to ensure operational excellence, strong governance, and responsible stewardship of resources. This designation reflects our commitment to accountability and high-quality community development work.
In addition to this distinction, South Bend Heritage has been honored to receive the Dorothy Richardson Award from NeighborWorks America on three separate occasions. This award recognizes board members and staff who demonstrate outstanding leadership and innovation in community development.
South Bend Heritage also participates in NeighborWorks Training Institutes held in major cities across the country. These opportunities provide access to expert-level education and certifications in areas such as board governance, property management, housing development, and community engagement — ensuring our team remains at the forefront of industry best practices.
Additionally, South Bend Heritage is a member of the National NeighborWorks Association (NNA). Through this membership, we join organizations across the country advocating for sound community development policies and sustainable funding at the national level.
Together, these partnerships strengthen South Bend Heritage’s operational excellence, accountability, and ability to effectively serve our community while meeting the expectations of our local, state, and national partners.
