Over the last year, Foellinger Foundation’s board of directors underwent strategic planning to evaluate our grantmaking and strategic direction and ensure it aligns with its donor intent: to build self-reliance in Allen County citizens, encouraging them to move from dependence to independence to interdependence.

We are pleased to share that the results of this process affirm the Foundation’s current operations, and no major changes to our mission, vision, strategic intent, or grantmaking will occur.

Mission

Foellinger Foundation supports and strengthens organizations that serve children and their families within Allen County, particularly those that serve individuals with the greatest economic need and the least opportunity.

Vision

Allen County residents increase their self-reliance by moving from dependence to independence, to helping build a vibrant community through recognition of their interdependence.

Strategic Intent

The Foundation identifies and supports organizations led by adaptive board and key staff members that promote self-reliance and build community. These organizations will meet the strategic intent criteria of mission-driven, well-governed, and results-oriented.

Family Values

The values and principles of our founders, Helene and Esther Foellinger, include integrity, accountability, responsibility, and results. Foellinger Foundation strives to model these values and principles in all its activities.

Areas of Impact

Through its grantmaking program, Foellinger Foundation seeks the following impact in three primary categories:

• Early Childhood Development: Children achieve developmental milestones; parents/providers engage in behaviors to support children’s health and well-being.

• Youth Development: Youth/parents engage in behaviors that promote positive social, emotional, and academic development and facilitate a successful transition to adulthood.

• Family Development: Adults engage in behaviors that support themselves and their families moving from dependence to independence.

Grantmaking

We accomplish our impact through the following core grantmaking categories:

• Community-Based

  • Early Childhood Development Grants

  • Youth Development Grants

  • Family Development Grants

• Foundation-Invited

  • Signature Grants

  • Special Opportunities

• Community Interests

Additional opportunities to support adaptive leaders are included in these categories.

Click here to learn more about our grantmaking.

Please direct questions to President and CEO Sarah Strimmenos at sarah@foellinger.org or 260 422-2900.