INITIATIVES THAT ADVANCE INNOVATION & COLLABORATION
Complex community challenges often require new ideas, additional resources and strong partnerships. Through our initiatives, the Community Foundation brings people and organizations together, invests in promising solutions and supports collaborative efforts that help Allen County thrive. Some initiatives are led by our team, while others are advanced alongside trusted community partners.
Childcare Bridge Fund
The Childcare Bridge Fund is a provider-led initiative facilitated by the Northeast Indiana Early Childhood Coalition (NEIECC), a 501(c)(3) organization, and funded by the Community Foundation of Greater Fort Wayne through a Community Support Grant from Lilly Endowment Inc. through its Giving Indiana Funds for Tomorrow initiative. The Bridge Fund helps Allen County families maintain access to child care while they wait for Child Care and Development Fund (CCDF) assistance. By helping children remain in care, the fund also strengthens child care providers and supports a reliable workforce.
Women’s Fund of Greater Fort Wayne
Launched on August 26, 2020 – the centennial anniversary of women’s right to vote – the Women’s Fund of Greater Fort Wayne was founded to focus specifically on the needs of women and girls in Allen County, Indiana. Investing in women has a ripple effect, benefiting not just her family, but the community.
Youth Empowered Philanthropy
Youth Empowered Philanthropy teaches youth about charitable giving while empowering our youth to make real decisions, with real money to create an 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.