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 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.

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. 

The Neighborhood Engagement Grants, managed and administered by the City of Fort Wayne’s Department of Neighborhoods, support registered neighborhood projects that engage their residents. With funding provided by a Special Opportunity Grant from Foellinger Foundation, these grants reflect a shared commitment to building a vibrant and interconnected community.

What skills does it take to build a thriving life? Catholic Charities of the Diocese of Fort Wayne-South Bend (CCFWSB) sought to answer this question and enhance its programs, services, and operations as part of its strategic plan, “Building Roads to Hope.”

At Foellinger Foundation, we champion opportunity.

Introduced in 2022, “We Champion Opportunity” is our brand platform—a succinct statement that encapsulates our vision, mission, and strategic intent.

When we’re developing strategies that help us achieve our vision—when we’re working alongside our grantees and community partners on mission-centered work—you’ll find us championing opportunity for the citizens of Allen County.

Foellinger Foundation is hiring a Grants Administrator. The Grants Administrator is responsible for providing staff support for the program operations and the centralized administrative function of the grantmaking process. This position also provides staff support for the Foundation’s Leadership & Thrive Committees.

Foellinger Foundation’s board of directors has always sought to assemble a board committed to our donor intent and prioritizes serving through our founders’ values of accountability, responsibility, integrity, and results.

The first five years of a child’s life are so important to their development. That’s why the quality of early childhood care and education during this time is critical—it shapes how their brains grow and helps them develop life-long learning skills.

Brightpoint Head Start helps children prepare for the transition to kindergarten—and academic and social success beyond that—by providing the quality preschool experience children need. Every classroom follows a routine that includes meals, reading, playtime, and more.

Andrea Noble, Board Chair of MLK Montessori School, was recognized as the 2024 David A. Bobilya Excellence in Nonprofit Leadership Award recipient at an award ceremony on October 23, 2024!