During the week of November 12-18, 2014, the Porter County Community Foundation will join more than 700 community foundations across America celebrating Community Foundation Week. For 25 years, the effort has raised awareness about the increasingly important role of these philanthropic organizations in fostering local collaboration and innovation to address persistent civic and economic challenges.
“Community foundations impact lives, solve problems, and improve futures,” said Porter County Community Foundation President Barb Young. “Community foundations are in many ways the “hub” around which incredible things are happening to make life better for everyone.”
The Porter County Community Foundation has joined together with other community leaders and stakeholders to help address the most pressing issues facing Porter County including homelessness, substance abuse and literacy. Over the past year, the collaborations have resulted in helping to provide permanent housing for single women with Project Neighbors, developing strategies to prevent and reduce substance abuse with Empower Porter County, and expanding opportunities for early childhood education through Parents As Teachers.
“As many residents grapple with limited resources and a growing need for services, we are more determined than ever to bring our community partners together to find innovative and effective solutions for some of our most challenging problems,” said Young. “The Foundation is encouraged by the various community groups working together to address Porter County’s critical needs.”
Community foundations are independent, public entities that steward philanthropic resources from institutional and individual donors to local nonprofits that are the heart of strong, vibrant communities. Community foundations represent one of the fastest-growing forms of philanthropy. Every state in the United States is home to at least one community foundation; Indiana has one serving every county.
Established in 1996, the Porter County Community Foundation inspires giving and engages the community to improve lives in Porter County now and forever. The public is invited to learn more and join the staff for the next Foundation Hour tour on December 2, 4 p.m. Preregister by contacting the Foundation at (219) 465-0294.