“Connecting people with causes they care about is one way the Porter County Community Foundation serves our community,” said Barbara Young, President of the Porter County Community Foundation. “We are thrilled to announce that this spirit of philanthropy has allowed the Foundation to award over $250,000 in grants from the Foundation’s community funds in 2009.”
In anticipation of National Philanthropy Day and Community Foundation Week, the Porter County Community Foundation recognized its 2009 grant recipients at a special reception on October 29 at Strongbow Inn. Through an open grant process, the Foundation awarded 25 grants this year to local nonprofit organizations to help fund programs and equipment.
“The Foundation grant will help us expand the ability of Rebuilding Together to provide safe access to homes for those who are disabled through our ramp program,” noted Rev. John Albers, Ramp Committee Chairman for Rebuilding Together - Valparaiso. “We can now provide more ramps at no cost to low-income homeowners who otherwise would not be able to safely access their homes.”
The special reception also provided an opportunity for the Foundation to thank members of its giving societies and demonstrate what their financial support has made possible for the community. “We thought one of the best ways we could acknowledge and celebrate our generous donors was to show how their gifts are working through our nonprofits to build a stronger community for all,” said Young. “This is what philanthropy is all about.”
Created in 1996, the Porter County Community Foundation has enabled more that 2,300 philanthropists to compound their gifts – ranging in size from $2 to $3.1 million – into more than 200 funds to support charitable organizations.
The Porter County Community Foundation joins the more than 700 community foundations across the nation in helping create stronger communities. These foundations are at the heart of cities and towns, providing a vital link between generous citizens and worthwhile nonprofit organizations. “We know the places of need in our area and we can help direct resources to solve those problems,” said Young. “The Foundation is here to help nonprofits enhance their capacity and fulfill their missions.”
To learn how you can make a difference and the many ways to contribute through the Foundation, visit online at www.portercountyfoundation.org or contact the Porter County Community Foundation at 219-465-0294.
Recipients of 2009 grants from the Porter County Community Foundation include American Red Cross—Porter County Chapter, College Mentors for Kids, Inc., Community Theatre Guild, Inc., First Contact Inc., Gabriel's Horn Corporation, Harold "Hal" Kelley Respite Foundation dba Respite House, HealthLinc, Hilltop Neighborhood House, Inc., Jacob's Ladder Pediatric Rehab Center, Moraine House, Inc., Morgan Township PTO, NorthShore Health Centers, Opportunity Enterprises, Inc., Portage Township YMCA, Porter County Association for Handicapped Children and Adults, Inc., Porter County Council of Church Women d/b/a/ Whispering Pines Health Care Center, Porter Township Volunteer Fire Department, Inc., Porter-Starke Services, Inc., Rebuilding Together – Duneland, Rebuilding Together – Portage, Rebuilding Together – Valparaiso, South Shore Arts, The Caring Place, Inc., Valparaiso Family YMCA, and Visiting Nurse Association of Porter County, Inc.