Limited Asset Improvement (LAI) grants awarded for 2019

Foellinger Foundation recently announced recipients of the Limited Asset Improvement (LAI) grant for 2019. Nonprofit organizations that receive this grant use funds for the improvement or replacement of current assets, or to purchase new assets.

The key measurement of success for this special grant opportunity is effectiveness. LAI grants provide solutions to systemic operational issues, helping each organization achieve their overall mission.

Twenty-four organizations received funding for projects in 2019:

• Amani Family Services—$18,013

• American National Red Cross—$25,000

• Arts United of Greater Fort Wayne—$17,592

• Community Harvest Food Bank—$25,000

• Erin’s House for Grieving Children—$16,110

• F.A.M.E.—$24,673

• Fort Wayne Astronomical Society–$12,434

• Fort Wayne Trails—$10,930

• Girl Scouts of Northern Indiana Michiana—$25,000

• GiveHear—$16,111

• Healthier Moms and Babies—$949

• Dr. Bill Lewis Center for Children—$16,750

• Lutheran Life Villages—$25,000

• Mad Anthonys Children’s Hope House—$20,000

• McMillen Center for Health Education—$15,000

• Miss Virginia’s Food Pantry—$12,403

• Northeast Indiana Innovation Center—$25,000

• Northeast Indiana Public Radio—$25,000

• SCAN—$13,919

• Science Central—$21,012

• SCORE Chapter 50—$5,547

• Soarin’ Hawk Raptor Rehabilitation—$4,940

• Vincent Village—$25,000

• Volunteer Center RSVP—$5,200

2018 LAI grant testimonials

The following organizations that received LAI grants in the 2018 grantmaking cycle completed projects including significant structural repairs and technology upgrades.

Easterseals Arc of Northeast Indiana

The organization received $35,000 for one-year limited asset improvement support for technology upgrades.

“Keeping organizational technology up-to-date has the greatest impact on organizational efficiency and staff productivity. Easterseals Arc staff are required to enter daily notes, report medication administration and complete other governmental reports, as well as communicate with co-workers, caregivers, community partners and stakeholders. To maintain efficiency, it’s important that computers are replaced on a regular basis.” – Donna Elbrecht, President/CEO

Fort Wayne Children’s Choir

Fort Wayne Children’s Choir was initially approved for $38,150 one-year limited asset improvement support to use toward the purchase of a new Bradford System music storage unit. Through collaboration with another local nonprofit who had similar storage units no longer in use, FWCC reduced their request and were approved for $1,848 to move and install the units.

“As the oldest children’s choir in Indiana, and one of the oldest in the country, the Fort Wayne Children’s Choir has an extensive music library. The FWCC had outgrown its previous storage space, and the new storage system helped significantly with organization in the new storage room at the university. The new system makes the task of filing and pulling music an actual joy!” – Jonathan Busarow, Executive Artistic Director, Director of Concert Choir & Chamber Singers

Fort Wayne Dance Collective

Fort Wayne Dance Collective received $41,170 of one-year limited asset improvement support toward the purchase of a new portable wood sprung floor.

“The project to install a new sprung floor has positively impacted Fort Wayne Dance Collective’s organizational effectiveness in programming and financial security. Specifically, the impact in programming aligns with one of the goals in FWDC’s Strategic Plan – strengthen programming at the On-Site School.

The new sprung floors enabled FWDC to rent the studios to private groups, increasing earned revenue and adding to the organization’s overall future sustainability. The new sprung floor has significantly reduced annual costs for maintenance and will for 15 years. As a result, FWDC can invest operating dollars in other areas.” – Elise Alabbas, Executive Director

Harlan Christian Youth Center

Harlan Christian Youth Center received $19,150 of one-year limited asset improvement support to replace the server and aging computers used in daily programs and activities.

“Our computers are used by children every day to complete homework and school projects, and our after school programs teach word processing, PowerPoint, and basic level graphic arts. Staff use their computers for all aspects from grant writing to research and lesson preparation. The old computers have been given away, free of charge, to youth participants that do not have a computer at home.” – Debi Knoblauch, Youth Services Director

To learn more about Foellinger Foundation grants and our grantmaking schedule, click here.