Debt free: Elkhart aquatic and community center will be fully paid for before opening

The $65 million project, which includes a $10 million endowment, is mainly funded through private donors and between collaborations with community organizations. Beacon Health System, who partnered with the Community Foundation of Elkhart County, is contributing the highest amount of money from a single entity, over $16.5 million. 

Shelley Moore, a member of the project's steering committee, said the goal is to open the facility debt free and that contributions are slated to pay for construction cost as they come in.

The community foundation is committing a $5 million grant towards the project, as well as a $5 million matching grant towards the $10 million endowment. Charitable pledges from some of the largest corporations in the county and from private individuals have totaled over $19 million.