In 2014, Ginny Clark opened a donor advised fund at the Community Foundation of Greater Fort Wayne with a simple but powerful vision: that every child deserves to grow up surrounded by books and a love of reading.
Research shows that children who are read to regularly in their earliest years hear up to one million more words by kindergarten, giving them a stronger foundation for learning, language development, and lifelong success.
Through a creative partnership, Ginny worked closely with Iris Family Support Center (formerly SCAN), who served as the fund’s fiscal agent, while the Community Foundation provided the charitable framework and investment support to help the fund grow and operate successfully. Ginny personally selected and ordered books, directed grants, and tirelessly fundraised to expand the effort each year.
In 2021, Ginny and her husband established the BookStart Endowment Fund with a generous stock gift to ensure the program’s future. Together, the donor advised fund and the endowment have raised more than $700,000, distributing over 78,500 books—reaching an estimated 6,000 to 7,000 families through partner agencies, including: Associated Churches Journey Beside Mothers, Brightpoint Early Head Start, Children First Center, Healthier Moms & Babies, Iris Family Support Center, Just Neighbors Homeless Network, The Rescue Mission’s Charis House, Vincent Village, and the YWCA Women’s Shelter.
Reflecting on this milestone, Ginny shared, “My hope is that those early, joyful moments with books help children grow into confident readers—and successful adults.”
Now, with the endowment surpassing $500,000, Ginny is retiring from fundraising and passing leadership to Iris, who will continue her extraordinary legacy of literacy and love.
Turn your passion into a legacy.
Ginny Clark’s story shows how one person’s vision can create lasting change. If you’ve ever wondered how to make your own impact, the Community Foundation can help. Contact us today!