07 Aug Fund Focus: The State Representative Ethan Manning and Dr. Bridget Kennedy Community Fund
NICF Intern Delaney Strasser interviewed State Representative Ethan Manning about the State Representative Ethan Manning and Dr. Bridget Kennedy Community Fund.
DELANEY STRASSER: When and why did you establish the State Representative Ethan Manning and Dr. Bridget Kennedy Community Fund?
STATE REP. ETHAN MANNING: Last year, when we learned about the matching opportunity, we decided to start the fund. It’s something I had thought about doing before—being born and raised in Miami County and seeing the incredible work the Community Foundation does here. Bridget and I talked about it and agreed this was the right time.
The biggest draw for us is that it’s forever. No matter how long I’m in the legislature or how long Bridget is seeing patients at the Logansport Hospital, the fund will always be here. Our impact will last far longer than we will.
I also like the idea of general, unrestricted money. As a donor, I want the flexibility to let the Foundation support the causes that are most important at the time, because priorities can change and new needs arise. I know the Foundation offers scholarships and so many other programs, so I wanted to generally support that mission.
DS: You’ve been involved in government since your twenties. How has your view of community support evolved over the years?
EM: I’ve realized how important the whole team is. There are some things only government can do on the scale needed, like Medicaid, and we have to make sure those things are done efficiently and effectively. But there are also many needs that government either can’t or shouldn’t address—and that’s where the private sector and charitable foundations step in.
That’s why I felt comfortable creating a general fund. I trust the Foundation to identify needs and help meet them.
DS: Growing up and continuing to live in a rural community, how has that shaped your understanding of local needs and your approach to giving back?
EM: Rural areas are unique. Larger cities and their suburbs often have more resources—health care, shopping, dining—but they can’t function without rural areas. In the legislature, there’s always a push and pull between urban, suburban, and rural needs.
For rural areas, our biggest challenge is a flat or slowly changing population. That means we need to focus on quality-of-life projects, strong education for our kids, and opportunities that bring young people back home—like remote work. There’s no simple answer, but those programs and opportunities are key.
DS: What advice would you give to someone considering starting a fund?
EM: Just get started. Even if you can only begin with $1,000 or $2,000, with matching opportunities you can create a fund that will last forever and grow over time. You’ll also receive tax benefits.
There are so many reasons to get involved, but for me it’s as simple as showing up. It’s easy to sit at home, scroll through your phone, and think someone else will take care of things. But maybe they won’t—and maybe it needs to be you.
I was never once told I was too young to do something. We have a community that supports young people if they’re willing to put in the time and effort. My advice is to start somewhere and get involved.