By DEB GRUVER

Staff writer

MB Foundation is building a $2.6 million, 9,300-square-foot two-story addition to its headquarters in Hillsboro to accommodate growth.

Its current 8,700 square-foot building on D St. went up in 2017. Since then, its staff has increased more than 50%. MB Foundation is the stewardship side of the Mennonite Brethern denomination. It manages more than $311 million in assets.

“We serve in some ways like a financial institution or bank,” president and CEO Jon Wiebe said.

A sign just inside the foundation’s front door expresses its values:

• Trust in God who richly provides us with everything
• Be rich in good works
• Be willing to share
• Take hold of real life

The foundation has had office space in Hillsboro since 1948. The build five years ago and the expansion, likely to be completed by spring, is a manifestation of its commitment to Hillsboro, Wiebe said.

With growth, “we’ve been filling up every desk and cubicle, and the need became more and more important,” Wiebe said of additional space.

The foundation’s current building provides conference rooms and a mezzanine that can be configured for training sessions and larger groups. That space is open to charitable organizations, including churches outside the Mennonite Brethern faith, that need a place to meet.

The addition’s first floor will accommodate space for meetings and workshops. Its second floor will provide offices and workspace for staff as the foundation continues to grow.

The blueprint by Shelden Architecture shows event space, a conference room, catering area, and restrooms.

“We want to serve the community,” Wiebe said. “That’s an important element of our ministry. There’s a desire to lean into those things more.”

Staff members are looking forward to the expansion.

“An addition always brings a sense of excitement,” he said. “This allows us to expand a little more gracefully.”