President and CEO Reflections on the Year
By Sarah Strimmenos, President and CEO, Foellinger Foundation
Each year offers its own reminders of why this work matters. As I reflect on Fiscal Year 2026, I find myself thinking about the people behind our milestones—our staff members who bring dedication and determination to their work each day, our grantee partners who continue to champion opportunity for Allen County residents, our board and committee members who generously share their time and expertise, and our neighbors who work together to make their own communities stronger.
These efforts reflect a collective commitment to creating opportunities for all individuals to thrive by helping Allen County become an even stronger, more vibrant community.
I am grateful to be a small part of that shared work. Looking back on the year, a few moments stand out.
Investing in Our People and Leadership
At the heart of Foellinger Foundation’s work are the people who bring our mission to life every day.
This year, we welcomed new board and staff members and celebrated the remarkable contributions of leaders whose service helped to shape the Foundation. At the end of Fiscal Year 2025, we welcomed Andrew Busch, Grants Administrator, and Jenny Crump, Events & Communications Coordinator. In spring 2026, Tyler Sipe took over as Chief Financial Officer following the well-earned retirement of longtime CFO Darryl Olson, who served for over 20 years. We also expressed our sincere gratitude to two retiring members of our Board of Directors and welcomed a new board member, Greta McKinney.
Investing in our board and staff's professional development strengthens not only our team but also our ability to thoughtfully steward resources in service of our community. Throughout the year, our team participated in conferences, workshops, one-on-one coaching, and collaborative learning opportunities that helped us better serve our grantee partners.
Upholding Our Commitment to Grantee Partners
We continued to create opportunities to support Allen County nonprofit organizations that are mission-driven, well-governed, and results-oriented—with a particular emphasis on those who serve individuals with the greatest economic need and least opportunity. To date this fiscal year, we’ve approved grants totaling over $9 million to Allen County nonprofit organizations, including Special Opportunity Grants to the Boys & Girls Clubs of Fort Wayne to help fund the 2026 Summer Learning Labs program, and Brightpoint Development Fund. More detailed information regarding grants awarded in Fiscal Year 2026 will be reported in the Annual Report, available at the Annual Meeting on January 28, 2027.
This past fiscal year included several special initiatives to support our grantees outside of our grants cycle. We expanded our Leadership Awards to include additional recognitions for CEOs and staff members. We partnered with Indiana Youth Institute to present the 2026 IYI’s State of the Child event to better understand where Allen County is making progress on child well-being in our community and where more focus is needed. We also hosted our second CEO Retreat, which fostered meaningful peer learning and connection among nonprofit leaders.
Strengthening the Fabric of Our Neighborhoods
A community is only as strong as its neighborhoods, and real transformation often starts right outside our front doors. We know that true community vitality is woven together by neighbors who connect, collaborate, and care for one another.
This past fiscal year, that spirit came to life through our Neighborhood Engagement Grants and the Neighborhood Conversation event. Through our strategic investments and our relationship-driven approach, we are working hand in hand with residents to foster pride, connection, and resilience in every corner of our community.
Looking Ahead
As we prepare to share our 2026 Annual Report later this year and gather once again with our grantee partners, community partners, and local leaders for our 2027 Annual Meeting, I find myself filled with gratitude and optimism.
Every grant awarded, every partnership strengthened, and every conversation held throughout the year represents individuals working toward something greater than themselves. Even with different areas of focus, we are all united by a shared purpose: a strong, resilient, and vibrant community where every individual has the opportunity to thrive.
Thank you to our staff, board of directors, committee members, grantee partners, and community collaborators for the passion and determination you bring to this work each day. I look forward to continuing this journey together and celebrating all that we can accomplish in the year ahead.
Save the date for our 2027 Annual Meeting on January 28, 2027. We look forward to gathering with our partners and grantees to celebrate leadership, impact, and a shared commitment to Allen County.