The Mission Match

Show Your commitment to our community’s success.

Do you envision a community where even our boldest dreams come true?
Do you think a proactive approach is necessary to solve our community’s challenges?
Do you believe our community can reach its goals with a strong convener leading the way?


If so, you’re a Mission Match!
The Community Foundation of Greater Fort Wayne and the Women’s Fund of Greater Fort Wayne are looking for individuals and organizations whose values and beliefs align with our missions and work. By making a gift to either the Community Foundation or the Women’s Fund, you’ll support our community’s success for years to come.

Double Your Impact!   

As part of GIFT VIII, Lilly Endowment Inc. will provide a 1:1 matching opportunity for all donations toward Community Foundation organizational impact and Women’s Fund program development. That means if the Community Foundation secures $600,000 in donations, we’ll have raised $1.2M; if the Women’s Fund secures $500,000 in donations, we’ll have raised $1M! Please note that gifts from existing charitable endowments, trusts, foundations, and similar accounts may not be eligible for the match.

Use Your IRA! 

Are you 70 ½ or older? You can use your IRA to double the power of your generosity!

If you’re at least 70 ½, you can make a Qualified Charitable Distribution (QCD) from your IRA. If you’re 73 or older, you can fulfill your Required Minimum Distribution (RMD) by donating. Every dollar you give through December 31, 2025 will be matched dollar-for-dollar, doubling your impact.

Contact Alison Gerardot at agerardot@cfgfw.org or 260-969-3313 to take advantage of this opportunity.

Let’s Rise! Vision Plan Pillars

The Community Foundation works in five areas to affect change and move us toward a stronger, more vibrant community.

  • Connected Community
  • Inspiring Places
  • Everyone’s Economy
  • Lifelong Learning
  • Healthy Mind and Body

Help Us Reach Our Goal!

Fundraising Goal: $600,000
14%

Mission Match gifts will support our operations, providing us with valuable resources to increase our impact on Allen County.

Please note that gifts from existing charitable endowments, trusts, foundations, and similar accounts may not be eligible for the match.

Women’s Fund Focus Areas

The Women’s Fund works in three areas to make Allen County more equitable for women, their families, and our community.

  • Economic Security
  • Personal Safety
  • Young Women and Girls 

Help Us Reach Our Goal!

Fundraising Goal: $500,000
36%

Mission Match gifts will support our program development to advance our focus area strategic initiatives.

Please note that gifts from existing charitable endowments, trusts, foundations, and similar accounts may not be eligible for the match.

Don’t Wait!

This matching opportunity is only available through December 31, 2025. Your support means a stronger, more vibrant community for each of our neighbors.

Your Gift in Action

Your support will help our community progress in the areas vital to its success!

Creating a greater sense of belonging through initiatives such as Welcoming Fort Wayne.

Learn About the Connected Community Pillar

Supporting the development of inspiring spaces that engage, connect, and energize residents and visitors, like Riverfront Fort Wayne and The Landing.

Learn About the Inspiring Places Pillar

Assessing and creating strategies that support an economy where every citizen has the potential for upward mobility, like through the Entrepreneurial Ecosystem Study.

Learn About the Everyone’s Economy Pillar

Cultivating a culture of lifelong learning to help people flourish, like through the Lilly Endowment Community Scholarship Program.

Learn About the Lifelong Learning Pillar

Developing tools and resources that support mental and physical health, like through the Women’s Fund’s No Matter What sexual assault awareness campaign.

Learn About the Healthy Mind and Body Pillar

Learn About the Personal Safety Focus Area

To learn more about these stories and to become a Mission Match, contact us!

Alison Gerardot, CFRM
Chief Impact Officer
Community Foundation of Greater Fort Wayne
260-969-3313
agerardot@cfgfw.org

Cassie Beer
Women’s Fund Director
Women’s Fund of Greater Fort Wayne
260-969-3312
cbeer@cfgfw.org