The Porter County Community Foundation leads, unites and supports giving to make a difference in Porter County today, tomorrow and forever. 
The foundation receives most of its money in endowments, which are then invested. The goal is to help build long-term financial security for as many non-profits as they can and to provide grants to enrich the lives of those who need help. Porter County Community Foundation was started in 1996 in response to a Lilly Endowment. Their vision was that Porter County non-profits should have the funds they need to succeed and achieve their goals. After starting with $0 in 1996, the foundation ended 2009 with just under $30 million.
The focus however is not on how much money is in the bank but rather about what can be done with that money. "What we're able to invest back in the community is most important," stated President Barb Young. The foundation accepts grant applications twice a year but is still turning down 2 out of 3 applications, as they do not have enough funds to help more than that. The foundation's goal is to double the amount of money they give back to the community and are working hard to achieve that purpose.
The Porter County Community Foundation receives donations of all sizes. "It isn't the size of the gift that is important," said Carol Costakis, Community Resource Director, "It's what we can do collectively." Over 2,300 people have financially supported the foundation and their gifts have helped many people. To see an example of how the foundation has worked to help someone in the community, check out Michael’s story.
Every month, the Porter County Community Foundation offers a Foundation Hour, 
a tour of the office and an overall explanation of what the foundation does and how their work supports the community, as well as feature one of the non-profits they support. It is also a way to introduce people to the idea of charitable giving, and the ways they can get involved. June 9th’s Foundation Hour featured Opportunity Enterprises. Linda Hazen, the Director of Business Development at OE spoke, from the perspective as an employee and as a client of OE. Her son, Jeff, is autistic and currently employed by Opportunity Enterprises. She spoke on how welcoming OE was and the great services they offer. Jeff is extremely happy with the organization, as it is a place he feels accepted and understood. The work Opportunity Enterprises is doing in the community was made evident by their testimonies today and the Porter County Community Foundation helps them to achieve their goals.
To learn more about the Porter County Community Foundation, click here.