Foellinger Foundation is excited to share that 48 nonprofit leaders have been nominated for the Leadership Awards. These individuals demonstrate exceptional vision, integrity, innovation, and impact—both within their organizations and across Allen County. The recipients of the Nonprofit Board Member Leadership Award, Nonprofit Executive Leadership Award, and the Nonprofit Staff Leadership Award will be announced at Foellinger Foundation’s Annual Meeting on January 22, 2026.

Legacy & Beyond: The History Center

As part of our 2025 annual report, we challenged four nonprofit leaders to answer this question in a statement that describes the impact they hope their organizations will have on the community through their leadership.

Legacy & Beyond: Alive Community Outreach

As part of our 2025 annual report, we challenged four nonprofit leaders to answer this question in a statement that describes the impact they hope their organizations will have on the community through their leadership.

Legacy & Beyond: Turnstone

As part of our 2025 annual report, we challenged four nonprofit leaders to answer this question in a statement that describes the impact they hope their organizations will have on the community through their leadership.

Legacy & Beyond: Lutheran Social Services of Indiana

As part of our 2025 annual report, we challenged four nonprofit leaders to answer this question in a statement that describes the impact they hope their organizations will have on the community through their leadership.

Foellinger Foundation announces changes to its 2026 Board of Directors.

Nonprofit organizations play a vital role in strengthening the social fabric of a community. And even the most mission-driven organizations need strong internal systems, effective leadership, and reliable infrastructure to thrive. That’s where capacity building comes in.

Foellinger Foundation’s Capacity Building grants support Allen County nonprofits at critical moments in their organizational development. These grants help organizations improve governance, upgrade technology, develop staff, refine strategy, improve program impact, and ultimately, serve their communities more effectively and sustainably. Capacity Building grants provide the resources needed to turn thoughtful planning into meaningful, lasting improvements.

Where we live influences nearly every aspect of our lives: the schools our children attend, the resources we have access to, and our sense of connection and belonging. That’s why strong neighborhoods are the foundation of a strong community.

The Northside Neighborhood Association brought neighbors together to celebrate its 50th anniversary with its long-running fall concert, an annual tradition made even better through support from a Neighborhood Engagement Grant. The grant, funded through a Special Opportunity Grant from Foellinger Foundation and managed by the City of Fort Wayne’s Department of Neighborhoods, helped the association expand the event’s reach and impact while continuing a beloved neighborhood celebration.

Each year, Great KIDS Make Great COMMUNITIES hosts the Annual Conference on Youth, Families & Communities, a gathering designed to strengthen those who serve children, teens, and families across Allen County. It’s a day of learning, connection, and inspiration—intended to give anyone working with youth the tools and ideas they need to make a difference.

At Foellinger Foundation, we believe that strong nonprofit boards are essential to vibrant communities. We know that board members aren’t just figureheads—they steer strategy, ensure accountability, and champion the mission. They act as ambassadors and fundraisers for the organizations they serve. Investing in the development of board leaders is investing in the long-term health of Allen County nonprofits.

Join us in celebrating Darryl Olson’s contributions to Foellinger Foundation! After over 20 years of service to the Foundation, Darryl will retire in early 2026.

Foellinger Foundation is accepting applications for a new Chief Financial Officer (CFO). This search is underway as our current CFO, Darryl Olson, prepares to retire after 20 years of service to our organization. The CFO is responsible for the strategic leadership and oversight of the Foundation’s financial, investment, and administrative operations. This role ensures fiduciary integrity, operational excellence, and alignment with Foellinger Foundation’s mission and long-term sustainability.

At Foellinger Foundation, our work is rooted in the passions and values of the Foellinger family. Oscar and Esther Foellinger instilled in their daughters, Helene and Loretta, a deep commitment to civic involvement and active concern for the well-being of their community. Together, Helene and Esther co-founded Foellinger Foundation in 1958 to ensure those values would live on.

Foellinger Foundation is pleased to welcome Jenny Crump as our Events & Communications Coordinator. In her role, Jenny will support and execute Foundation-sponsored programs, events, and meetings, while also assisting with the implementation of our marketing and communications strategy.

Since 1972, Big Brothers Big Sisters of Northeast Indiana (BBBS NEI) has been helping children reach their potential through professionally supported one-to-one relationships between adult volunteers, known as "Bigs," and young people, called "Littles," ranging in age from 6 to 22. Serving communities across 10 counties in northeast Indiana and two in southern Michigan, their programs foster positive relationships that have a direct and lasting impact on the lives of young people, particularly those from disadvantaged socioeconomic backgrounds.

Foellinger Foundation is pleased to welcome Andrew Busch as the Grants Administrator. Andrew will provide staff support for the program operations and the centralized administrative function of the grantmaking process.

Nonprofit CEOs dedicate themselves to being champions of opportunity, stewarding their organizations for the benefit of Allen County residents. This work is intellectually, emotionally, and physically demanding. That’s why Foellinger Foundation created the CEO Retreat, to pour back into our community’s leaders—so they can continue to pour into those with the greatest economic need and least opportunity.

The Allen County Public Library (ACPL) Summer Learning Program celebrates science, play, arts, reading, and more by inviting youth, adults, and families from Allen County to compete in reading challenges and participate in activities to win prizes. This year’s program runs from June 1 to July 31, 2025.  

Foellinger Foundation is hiring an Events & Communications Coordinator to provide project management support for all Foundation-sponsored programs, events, and meetings, ensuring a smooth experience for all participants. It also includes coordinating communications projects and assisting with the execution of the Foundation’s marketing and communications strategy by managing related projects and timelines, and ensuring consistency with the Foundation’s brand and messaging.