Thanks to the incredible generosity of our donors, partners, and community members, the Community Foundation of Greater Fort Wayne and the Women’s Fund of Greater Fort Wayne have successfully met our GIFT VIII Mission Match goals from Lilly Endowment Inc. Together, we unlocked $1,100,000 in matching funds, doubling the resources available to strengthen Allen County for generations to come. Meeting this match is more than a fundraising milestone, it’s a testament to our community’s beliefs that:
Bold dreams matter, proactive solutions are necessary, and a strong convener can help move our region forward.
We are deeply grateful for everyone who joined us in rising to this moment.
CAMPAIGN RESULTS
community foundation
• Fundraising Goal: $600,000 – Met
• Total Impact with Match: $1.2M
Women’s Fund
• Fundraising Goal: $500,000 – Met
• Total Impact with Match: $1M
Please note: Per GIFT VIII guidelines, gifts from existing charitable endowments, trusts, foundations, and similar accounts were not eligible for the match.
A MESSAGE FROM OUR LEADERSHIP
“This community showed up for itself in an extraordinary way. Meeting the GIFT VIII match isn’t just an achievement — it’s an investment in the kind of future we all want to build. Thank you for believing in what’s possible when we come together.”
— Brad Little, President & CEO, Community Foundation of Greater Fort Wayne
Your Generosity at work
Your support strengthens the Community Foundation’s ability to lead, convene, and connect resources across the five pillars of our Let’s Rise! Vision Plan:
• Connected Community – Creating a stronger sense of belonging.
• Inspiring Places – Growing vibrant spaces that energize residents and visitors.
• Everyone’s Economy – Supporting pathways to upward mobility.
• Lifelong Learning – Encouraging curiosity, skills, and learning at every stage of life.
• Healthy Mind and Body – Advancing mental and physical well-being.
Mission Match dollars enhance our capacity, sustainability, and ability to respond to emerging community needs.
ADVANCING THE WOMEN’S FUND’S STRATEGIC PRIORITIES
Women’s Fund Mission Match support fuels program development across three core focus areas:
• Economic Security
• Personal Safety
• Young Women & Girls
These resources help drive long-term solutions that create a more equitable path for women and families in Allen County.
WHAT’S NEXT
With the match now complete, both organizations are moving into the next phase:
• Expanding programs and convenings
• Investing in research and partnerships
• Enhancing support for nonprofits
• Continuing to lead on issues that shape Allen County’s future
Your generosity ensures this momentum continues.
CONTINUE SUPPORTING THIS WORK
While the matching opportunity has ended, your partnership remains essential. If you’d like to support our ongoing mission and help our community rise, you can make a gift anytime:
Your support fuels meaningful, lasting change — today and for generations.