Comments from the Board Chair
Foellinger Foundation Board Chair Michael Moellering shares his reflections and insights.
Reflecting on 2021, what significant moments stand out to you as the Foundation continues to evolve?
From the enduring COVID-19 pandemic to the unrest surrounding social justice, the Foundation continues to not only respond to our community’s needs, but also proactively seek out ways to create more opportunities for its citizens. In all of our planning, programming, and grantmaking, I’m proud that staff and board have remained committed to our Resiliency Statement, and have brought those values to life through special initiatives such as the Thrive Initiative.
Why are special initiatives like the Thrive Initiative so important to our community?
The way the Thrive Initiative was developed is crucial to our ability to respond to community needs. As a foundation, our interactions with the individuals receiving programming funded by our grant dollars are limited. We convened the Thrive Initiative Committee to engage with those front-line, boots-on-the-ground individuals that are a part of or directly serving neighborhoods in our communities. They were able to tell us what parts of our community demonstrate the greatest economic need and least opportunity and directed us to the organizations serving them. From this initiative, we’ve learned more about Allen County citizens, and created partnerships with new grantees we may have otherwise not taken the opportunity to engage.
What are you looking forward to for the Foundation in 2022?
First, it is important to affirm our commitment to provide substantial support to our existing grantees. These organizations provide essential services to meet the needs of individuals and families, empowering meaningful and sustainable movement from crisis and dependence to thriving independence and interdependence. Second, the Foundation will continue to build upon the groundwork laid through the Resiliency Statement and Thrive Initiative. We will continue to engage the Thrive Initiative Committee to plan for future phases of the Initiative, and we hope to make some exciting initiative announcements in 2022.