A Legacy of Giving: John & Kathy Littler

Angola, IN— When Kathy and John Littler talk about why they give, they don’t overcomplicate it. As John puts it simply, “There is a need.” That mindset that has guided them for decades. 

John grew up fixing cars, which led to a career in manufacturing alongside his family, while Kathy dedicated her professional life to education as a school teacher. Together, they raised three children and developed a shared belief in hard work, learning, and helping others — values that continue to shape how they engage with the communities they call home. 

Long before Kathy and John made Steuben County their full-time home, it had already held a special meaning for them. Since purchasing a lake cottage in 1988, they spent summers returning here to slow down, reflect, and reconnect. But over time, the pull of the Steuben County community became unmistakable. When they decided to move here permanently in 2022, it wasn’t just a change of address; it was a commitment to their new community. 

During their years in Albany (Delaware County), the Littlers’ approach to philanthropy took shape through John’s service as Board Chair of the Community Foundation of Muncie & Delaware County.  The couple initiated a bold effort to revitalize the local library system and later a glass museum. At the start, success wasn’t guaranteed. “Let us fail,” John told others who were uncertain about the effort. But instead, it became a lasting success, transforming the library into a space now open seven days a week and fully run by volunteers. By leveraging local tradespeople and securing a major renovation grant from the George and Frances Ball Foundation, the project evolved from a risk into a true community cornerstone. Those moments affirmed what matters most to them: meaningful action, trusted leadership, and a commitment to the future. 

Now, as Steuben County residents, they bring that same philosophy to their giving through the Steuben County Community Foundation. Even as newcomers, they see SCCF as a trusted partner — one that understands local needs, maintains strong financial stewardship, and makes thoughtful, effective grant decisions. “We trust the Community Foundation to help target where support is most needed.” 

The Littlers’ chose to establish a permanent unrestricted fund — the most flexible and forward-looking type of charitable fund. For them, it’s about preparing for tomorrow, not just responding to today. They hope to support the kind of long-term growth that strengthens education, opportunity, and community for generations to come. 

Kathy and John Littler’s story is a reminder that meaningful philanthropy isn’t about knowing everything — it’s about trusting the right partners and caring deeply about the future of the place you call home. Through the Steuben County Community Foundation, donors like John and Kathy ensure that when needs arise, our community is ready to meet them.