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 (which Helene was publisher of from 1936-1980) until The News-Sentinel was sold in 1980.

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.