Avis Foundation Inc

Quick Stats

• Annual Giving: $2,700,317 (2023)
• Average Grant Size: $168,770
• Decision Time: 6 months (March LOI to September decision)
• Geographic Focus: Arkansas, Indiana, and Texas (specific cities: Anderson, Arkadelphia, Fort Wayne, Fishers, Huntington, Indianapolis, Longview, Muncie, Marion, Matthews, and Upland)
• Total Assets: $49+ million
• Number of Grants (2023): 16 awards

Contact Details

Address: 1909 S. Main Street, Upland, IN 46989

Website: www.avisfoundationinc.org

Email: loralee.songer@avisfoundationinc.org

Phone: 765-987-4299

Executive Director: Loralee Songer (765-987-4299)

Overview

Founded in 2006 by Leland and LaRita Boren, the Avis Foundation continues the philanthropic legacy established when the Borens created the Boren Foundation in 1982. With assets exceeding $49 million, the foundation awarded $2.7 million in grants to 16 organizations in 2023, with an average grant size of $168,770. The foundation's mission is to make impactful gifts to organizations devoted to improving quality of life in communities through their commitment to the arts, education, entrepreneurship, and autism. The foundation operates with core values of transparent leadership, transformational stewardship, and trustworthy partnership. Since 2015, the Avis Foundation has awarded 61 grants totaling over $7.3 million to organizations primarily in Arkansas, Indiana, and Texas.

Funding Priorities

Grant Programs

The Avis Foundation operates through an annual application cycle with a two-stage process: Letter of Inquiry (LOI) followed by full proposal invitation. Grant amounts vary significantly, with an average of $168,770. Applications are accepted via online form, email, or mail by March 1 annually.

Priority Areas

Arts: Support for fine arts, art therapy, and programs utilizing art for educational and enrichment purposes in communities. Recent examples include university art programs, museums, theaters, and art galleries.

• Anderson University (art programs)
• Eiteljorg Museum
• Indiana Repertory Theatre
• Boren Art Gallery remodeling and opening at Taylor University
• Visual and Performing Arts Atelier support
• Cinema and Media Arts programs

Education: Program support, building capacity, and development of special courses including vocational training, library programs, summer camps, and educational technology.

• Ball State University
• Conner Prairie
• Indianapolis Public Library Foundation
• High-tech classrooms and cybersecurity programs
• Graduate programs in Counseling
• Vocational welding training for individuals with disabilities
• Library books to represent student body diversity

Entrepreneurship: Encouraging creativity and innovation through educational program support.

• Purdue University Fort Wayne's Center for Innovation and Entrepreneurship
• Entrepreneurship programming support

Autism: Support for individuals, families, and communities addressing the needs of those affected by autism, including direct support, services, research, training, and building awareness.

• Ball State University (autism programs)
• Carey Services
• LeTourneau University
• Camp Achieve (summer camp for students on the autism spectrum)
• The Bridges Program (on-campus program supporting college students with ASD)
• Therapy room and observation space construction
• Hillcroft Services

What They Don't Fund

The foundation does not publicly list specific exclusions. As a private foundation that awards grants to 501(c)(3) public charities as determined by the IRS, applicants must have tax-exempt status to qualify.

Governance and Leadership

Leadership Team:

• Loralee Songer, Executive Director: Assumed the role on January 1, 2025, after serving as Administrative Director for seven months. She brings 15 years of experience in higher education with a specialty in music performance and holds a Certificate in Nonprofit Executive Leadership from Indiana University. Contact: loralee.songer@avisfoundationinc.org, 765-987-4299

• Angie Darlington, President

• Marty Songer, Vice President

• Susan Wilczynski, Director

• Marylou Habecker, Director Emeritus

• Norma Korporal, Secretary

Foundation History: The foundation was established by Leland E. Boren and LaRita R. Gibbs, who married in 1958 and embodied a spirit of generosity throughout their lives. Leland served as president of The Pierce Governor Company in Anderson, Indiana, while LaRita worked as a TWA Airlines stewardess based in Oklahoma. According to the foundation, "Leland and LaRita Boren dedicated their lives to philanthropy. Their personal generosity was transformational for many educational institutions, service organizations, and individuals."

Application Process & Timeline

How to Apply

The Avis Foundation operates a two-stage application process with a fixed annual deadline:

Stage 1: Letter of Inquiry (LOI) - Due March 1

Submit a Letter of Inquiry (maximum 3 pages) via:

• Online: Complete the form at www.avisfoundationinc.org/apply
• Email: loralee.songer@avisfoundationinc.org
• Mail: 1909 S. Main St., Upland, IN 46989

LOI Requirements:

• Maximum 3 pages in length
• On organization's letterhead
• Signed by chief executive officer
• Submitted by March 1

The foundation encourages organizations to review guidelines or contact them before applying to determine project fit.

Stage 2: Full Proposal - Invited applicants only

• Full grant proposals are due July 31
• Only organizations invited after LOI review will be asked to submit full proposals
• Successful proposals should present a compelling case, align closely with foundation priorities, leverage engagement with other donors (potential for matching), and support clear, measurable outcomes achievable within 1-3 years

Decision Timeline

• March 1: Letter of Inquiry (LOI) deadline
• April: Foundation reviews LOIs and decides which organizations to invite for full proposals
• July 31: Full grant proposals due (invited applicants only)
• September: Grant funding decisions made
• October: Funding of approved proposals typically completed

Total process from LOI submission to decision: approximately 6 months

Success Rates

The foundation awarded 16 grants in 2023. Specific success rates (percentage of applications accepted versus rejected) are not publicly disclosed.

Reapplication Policy

The foundation does not publicly disclose a specific reapplication policy for unsuccessful applicants. Organizations interested in reapplying should contact Executive Director Loralee Songer at loralee.songer@avisfoundationinc.org for guidance.

Application Success Factors

Based on the foundation's stated priorities and application guidance, successful applications demonstrate:

Close Alignment with Foundation Priorities: The foundation explicitly states that successful proposals show "close alignment with the Avis Foundation's priorities" across arts, education, entrepreneurship, and autism. Review the specific examples of funded projects in each focus area to understand what types of programs resonate with the foundation.

Thoughtful Narrative: The foundation emphasizes the importance of a "thoughtful narrative addressing key sections" in the full proposal. This suggests they value well-crafted, compelling storytelling that clearly articulates the problem, solution, and impact.

Potential for Donor Matching: Applications that demonstrate "engagement with other donors" and leverage the foundation's support to attract additional funding appear to be favored. This indicates the foundation values being a catalyst for broader fundraising success.

Clear, Measurable Outcomes: Proposals must "support clear, measurable results" that are "achievable within 1-3 years." This suggests the foundation wants to see specific metrics and realistic timelines for impact.

Strategic Organizational Planning: The foundation values organizations that demonstrate thoughtful strategic planning and capacity building, particularly in education-focused grants.

Connection to the Boren Legacy: The foundation's vision is "to improve the quality of life in communities by connecting growth-minded grantees with the resources needed to thrive," continuing the legacy of Leland and LaRita Boren. Applications that demonstrate growth mindset and community impact align with this vision.

Geographic Focus: Priority is given to projects in Arkansas, Indiana, and Texas, particularly in the cities of Anderson, Arkadelphia, Fort Wayne, Fishers, Huntington, Indianapolis, Longview, Muncie, Marion, Matthews, and Upland.

Recent Grantee Feedback: John S. Pistole, President of Anderson University, stated: "We are honored to receive this generous grant... to help us expand and improve our award-winning dance program." Debbie Bennett, President & CEO of Hillcroft, said: "Hillcroft Services is thrilled to partner with the Avis Foundation... to positively impact children on the autism spectrum." These quotes suggest the foundation values partnerships and programs with demonstrated excellence.

Key Takeaways for Grant Writers

• Early contact recommended: The foundation encourages organizations to review guidelines or contact them before applying to determine project fit—reach out to Executive Director Loralee Songer before investing time in a full LOI.

• Focus on one of four areas: Ensure your project clearly fits within arts, education, entrepreneurship, or autism—the foundation has a tight focus on these four areas.

• Geographic alignment is critical: Your project must serve communities in Arkansas, Indiana, or Texas, with preference for the specific cities listed (Anderson, Arkadelphia, Fort Wayne, Fishers, Huntington, Indianapolis, Longview, Muncie, Marion, Matthews, and Upland).

• Think big: With an average grant size of $168,770, the foundation makes substantial awards—don't be afraid to request significant funding for transformational projects.

• Demonstrate leverage and matching potential: Show how the foundation's grant will catalyze additional funding and create broader impact beyond their investment.

• Plan for 1-3 year outcomes: Structure your project timeline and measurable outcomes within this timeframe to align with the foundation's expectations.

• Only one shot per year: With a March 1 deadline and decisions in September, you have one opportunity annually—make your LOI count by ensuring strong alignment before applying.

References

• Avis Foundation official website: www.avisfoundationinc.org (accessed January 21, 2026)
• Avis Foundation Application Process page: https://www.avisfoundationinc.org/process (accessed January 21, 2026)
• Avis Foundation Apply page: https://www.avisfoundationinc.org/apply (accessed January 21, 2026)
• Avis Foundation Focus Areas: https://www.avisfoundationinc.org/focus-areas (accessed January 21, 2026)
• Avis Foundation About page: http://www.avisfoundationinc.org/about (accessed January 21, 2026)
• Avis Foundation Leadership - Loralee Songer: https://www.avisfoundationinc.org/team/loralee-songer (accessed January 21, 2026)
• Instrumentl 990 Report for Avis Foundation Inc: https://www.instrumentl.com/990-report/avis-foundation-inc (accessed January 21, 2026)
• Grantable.co Avis Foundation Profile: https://www.grantable.co/search/funders/profile/avis-foundation-inc-us-foundation-205063209 (accessed January 21, 2026)
• Cause IQ Avis Foundation Profile: https://www.causeiq.com/organizations/avis-foundation,205063209/ (accessed January 21, 2026)