Just as it founders Helene and Esther Foellinger consistently encouraged organizations to better serve Allen County, Indiana, the Foellinger Foundation offers this grant opportunity to continue that tradition.

Based on over 50 years of experience, we’ve learned that investing in strong leaders is among the most effective long-term uses of Foundation grants. While there are always immediate issues to be met, the future of our community depends on having a pool of energetic, motivated nonprofit leaders who have the ability to think deeply about the issues of the people they serve.

That was true when Helene and Esther Foellinger started the Foundation in 1958. And it is especially true today, when our economy places enormous demands on local nonprofits. Today’s nonprofit leaders must adapt to constant change, manage to do more on limited funds, and confront never-ending demands on their time and resources.

As a way to commemorate the Foundation’s 50th Anniversary in 2008, the Inspire grant was developed to equip leaders dealing with these challenges. Nineteen grants were awarded to support the personal and professional development of these leaders and an investment was made in the organizations that will pay dividends for years to come.

The good news is the Inspire grants far exceeded the Foundation’s expectations by validating the value of reflection time for leaders. Therefore, the Foundation offers this opportunity to qualified Allen County nonprofits on a competitive basis.

Inspire Grant Opportunity Application

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An Uncommon Approach to Grantmaking

For Foundations and Grantees:
This publication was written to share the Foellinger Foundation's experiences with the Inspire Grant withother foundations. Allen County grantees may find it useful, too. You'll find case stories of numerous Inspire Grant experiences from local nonprofits. This may help to spark your own creative thinking on how an Inspire Grant might help to strengthen your organziation. The Case Stories begin on Page 7.

The Foellinger family encouraged their daughters to pursue an education, at a time in history when very few when to college. Helene is pictured here at the University of Illinois in 1931.