The South Haven Area Community Foundation has established a series of new endowments designed to provide long-term financial stability for four organizations that play a major role in the community’s cultural life.
Organizers say the endowments will benefit SHOUT for South Haven, the South Haven Performance Series, the South Haven Speakers Series and the South Haven Theatre Series, according to an announcement from Foundation Executive Director Jim Marcoux.
The concept for the endowments was initiated by Robert “Bob” Copping, founder of SHOUT for South Haven and the driving force behind the three performance and lecture series.
“Generous donors have supported the operational needs of these organizations over the years and that will need to continue,” Copping said. “My hope is that income from these new endowments will allow each Series to continue to enhance their offerings to the community while maintaining affordable admission fees.”
Copping recently received the 2025 Governor George Romney Lifetime Achievement Award for his community advocacy.
One of the funds, the Jane Goldwood Copping Endowment for the South Haven Performance Series, honors Copping’s wife. Her appreciation of classical music helped inspire the series’ founding.
Founded in 2011, the South Haven Area Community Foundation manages more than $7.1 million in assets. In 2025, the foundation distributed more than $142,000 to 25 local nonprofit organizations. Its mission is to strengthen the quality of life in the greater South Haven area by building permanent endowments.
“For many decades Bob Copping has dedicated his life to making a difference — in his community, his state, his nation, and the world — so creating these endowments is fitting,” Marcoux said. “They are another example of his vision for the future of our community.”
Marcoux said the foundation hopes supporters of the various series will consider legacy gifts, which can be made through direct donations, planned gifts or estate planning. The foundation offers assistance to donors exploring those options.
