Our Founders

Foellinger Foundation was created in 1958 by Helene and Esther Foellinger to carry forward their family’s tradition of civic involvement and active concern for the well-being of their community. Our funding comes from lifetime gifts from Helene, proceeds from Helene and Esther’s estates, and contributions from The News Publishing Company until The News-Sentinel was sold in 1980. Helene was publisher of The News-Sentinel from 1936-1981.

Our grantmaking continues to reflect the Foellinger family’s interest in encouraging a community of self-reliant citizens, with a commitment to the founders’ values and principles: integrity, accountability, responsibility, and results.