The Community Foundation offers many different grant programs whose goal it is to bring about positive change and impact while making our community the best place to live, work, and play. The following grant programs provide support to projects and organizations that enhance the lives of residents within Allen County and Northeast Indiana.
With the help of donors, nonprofits and volunteers, the Community Foundation is committed to making lives better in every corner of our community.
Community Foundation grants are as varied as our community. Some are awarded through an open, competitive grant application process, while others reflect an advised fund donor’s recommendation or are part of an estate gift. However, they all have a single goal: improving our community.
The Community Foundation accepts grant requests year-round from nonprofit organizations serving residents of Allen County, Indiana. Grant recommendations are approved by the Community Foundation’s Board of Directors four times a year and applicants are notified immediately after the Board determinations. Find out more!
For more than thirty years, Barbara Burt demonstrated outstanding commitment to and leadership of Allen County charitable and philanthropic organizations. To celebrate the contributions Mrs. Burt made to the leadership of nonprofit organizations, both public charities and private philanthropy, the Foellinger Foundation Board of Directors established the Barbara Burt Innovative Leader Fund. Find out more!
The purpose of the Fund is to:
- Encourage exceptional nonprofit board governance
- Support adaptive thinking within nonprofit organizations
- Promote exchanges about best leadership styles and practices within nonprofit organizations
The Knight Foundation supports transformational ideas that promote quality journalism, advance media innovation, engage communities and foster the arts. The Knight Foundation supports Fort Wayne’s city vibrancy through supporting projects around entrepreneurship, the arts, and smart design. Find out more!
The Luminous Fund is proud to partner with the Community Foundation of Greater Fort Wayne. The Luminous Fund is a donor advised fund and uses the Community Foundation to streamline the investment process and the distribution of their grants. The Luminous Fund is interested in funding specific programs and innovative new efforts. They will not fund general operating expenses. Find out more!
Since 1955, the Frank L. and Laura L. Smock Foundation has helped countless needy Indiana Presbyterians. The foundation has grown in worth as well as in the scope of how its funds can help others. Find out more!
The August Tomusk Foundation, established in 1990, is dedicated to the advancement of patient care, teaching and research in cardiothoracic surgery, vascular surgery, cardiovascular medicine, and transplantation. Find out more!
The Donald F. Wood and Darlene M. Richardson Foundation focuses on community assistance for health and welfare as well as supporting the arts and educational opportunities for specialized and at-risk individuals in Northeast Indiana. Find out more!
Youth Empowered Philanthropy (YEP), empowers youth to make real decisions with real money that creates real impact in Allen County. YEP strives to make our community a more vibrant place to live, work, and play while inspiring philanthropy as a habit for future generations. In addition to applying for grant dollars, nonprofits can also apply for volunteer time from YEP students. Find out more!
For questions about receiving a grant from the community foundation, please refer to our Grantseekers FAQ document.
To learn more, please contact:
Lisa Pickerman
Director of Grants and Scholarships
260-969-3304
lpickerman@cfgfw.org
You can also contact another member of our Grants and Scholarships team.