Blog post written by Amrithasai Gussenhoven, Canterbury High School Class of 2024, who interned with Foellinger Foundation in the spring of 2024.

Leading Art for Hope for three years gave me a glimpse into the philanthropic world, and my time as an intern at the Foellinger Foundation showed me new dimensions of how philanthropic organizations operate. I remember the kindness I was greeted with on my first day. Everyone on the Foundation’s staff went out of their way to visit me, personally introduce themselves, and welcome me to the Foundation. I think it was this genuine warmth and building of community that emanates throughout the Foellinger Foundation’s mission—in addition to the amazing atmosphere and how beautiful the building is—that made my time truly a joy.

Not only did I appreciate the wisdom and generosity of the staff, but I also had the privilege of learning from incredible individuals from different nonprofit organizations that give back to Fort Wayne. From sitting in on lively book club meetings to speaking one-on-one with nonprofit leaders, everyone I met wasn’t afraid to be vulnerable, open, and honest about their experiences. They had such great care and passion in their hearts, which they extended to me by sharing their stories and taking the time to help me learn from them.

I was pleasantly surprised that, in such a sophisticated and dedicated work environment, there were many times when I would hear laughter ringing through the halls of the Foundation. I had an idea of professionalism that suffocates authenticity, and it’s remarkable that despite all the pressure and difficult decisions that nonprofits have to make, people still laugh openly and loudly.

My biggest takeaway from my time at the Foundation is the power of authentic and honest connection. When we are able to be authentic, we can start asking difficult questions and move toward genuine and sustainable growth. Many of the nonprofits I became familiar with had small but impressively effective teams. I witnessed first-hand that, while balancing all the moving parts of a nonprofit organization, there is power and leadership in humility and letting each member of the team be a leader in their own way. This allows everyone to grow and learn from each other. In Program Officer meetings, nonprofits empowered each other by sharing their experiences and giving each other advice. It showed me the strength of the network of nonprofits in our community working to create greater change for others and among themselves as people.

Through seeing the ins and outs of a philanthropic organization, I learned about the meticulousness of marketing, grant writing, and giving and how having business and financial acumen is essential for maintaining nonprofit organizations—despite the seemingly opposing goals of the corporate and nonprofit world. With each organization in Fort Wayne I visited, I learned how the anatomy of each organization is fundamentally different in their history and aspirations. I learned that none of these organizations can do everything, but they do their best in the sectors where they can make change.

I also learned that no one I talked to had a direct path to philanthropy. Their careers had changed many times in their lives before they found themselves in the philanthropic field. As I move on to college, I also have faith that through the twists and turns of life, I will find myself where I need to be, and I’m forever grateful that the Foellinger Foundation was part of my journey.