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Foellinger Foundation Inc

Annual Giving
$7.5M
Grant Range
$5K - $0.2M
Decision Time
4mo

Foellinger Foundation Inc

Quick Stats

  • Annual Giving: $7,550,000 (2024)
  • Assets: $207 million+
  • Success Rate: Not publicly disclosed
  • Decision Time: Awards announced in December, February, and May (3-4 months from deadline)
  • Grant Range: $5,000 - $200,000
  • Typical Grant: $10,000
  • Geographic Focus: Allen County, Indiana (primarily Fort Wayne)

Contact Details

Address: 520 East Berry Street, Fort Wayne, IN 46802
Phone: (260) 422-2900
Email: info@foellinger.org
Website: www.foellinger.org
Online Portal: Foundant system at grantinterface.com

Program Staff:

Overview

Founded in 1958 by Helene R. Foellinger and her mother Esther A. Foellinger, the Foellinger Foundation is a private charitable foundation with over $207 million in assets. Helene R. Foellinger served as The News-Sentinel's publisher from 1936 to 1980. The foundation's mission is to "champion opportunity by helping create a community where everyone has the chance to thrive" by investing in organizations serving Allen County residents with the greatest economic need and the least opportunity. In 2024, the foundation awarded $7.55 million in grants, with 80% of grantmaking directed to area nonprofits focused on children and families facing significant economic barriers. The foundation operates with core values of integrity, accountability, responsibility, and results, seeking to support mission-driven, well-governed, and results-oriented organizations.

Funding Priorities

Grant Programs

1. Early Childhood Development Grants ($5,000 - $200,000, typical: $10,000)

  • Applications open: June 9, 2025
  • Deadline: August 4, 2025
  • Awards announced: December
  • Supports nonprofits helping children reach developmental milestones and enabling parents/providers to support child health and well-being

2. Family Development Grants ($5,000 - $200,000, typical: $10,000)

  • Applications open: June 9, 2025
  • Deadline: August 4, 2025
  • Awards announced: December
  • Supports nonprofits helping adults engage in behaviors moving families from dependence to independence

3. Youth Development Grants ($5,000 - $200,000, typical: $10,000)

  • Applications open: September 8, 2025
  • Deadline: November 3, 2025
  • Awards announced: February
  • Supports nonprofits empowering positive social, emotional, and academic development facilitating successful transition to adulthood

4. Community Interests Grants ($5,000 - $200,000, typical: $10,000)

  • Applications open: December 8, 2025
  • Deadline: February 2, 2026
  • Awards announced: May
  • Supports Allen County-based nonprofits addressing community issues, activities, and/or needs that do not directly serve children and families with greatest economic need

5. Capacity Building Grants (rolling basis)

  • Applications accepted as developed
  • Review timeline: Up to 60 business days
  • Supports 501(c)(3) organizations interested in activities that promote board-driven organizational effectiveness, including financial sustainability, board governance, and succession planning

Priority Areas

The foundation focuses on organizations serving Allen County residents, particularly those with the greatest economic need and the least opportunity. Key funding areas include:

  • Early childhood development and school readiness
  • Youth programs promoting positive development
  • Family support services moving families toward self-reliance
  • Organizational capacity building and governance
  • Community benefit initiatives with measurable impact

What They Don't Fund

The foundation restricts funding to Allen County organizations and nonprofits. Specific exclusions are not publicly detailed, but the foundation's geographic limitation to Allen County is strictly enforced. Organizations outside Allen County are not eligible.

Governance and Leadership

Board of Directors

  • Samuel R. Graves (Chair) - President, Strahm Building Solutions
  • Matthew J. Smith, Ph.D. (Vice Chair and Secretary) - Chief Development Officer, Catholic Charities of the Diocese of Fort Wayne-South Bend
  • Judy K. Roy (Treasurer) - Executive Vice President for Finance and Administration, Indiana Tech
  • John D. Meyer (Director) - Portfolio Manager, Monarch Capital Management
  • Carrie B. Minnich (Director) - Partner, DWD CPAs & Advisors
  • John C. Snider (Director)
  • Sarah M. Strimmenos (Director and President/CEO)

Senior Staff

  • Sarah Strimmenos - President and CEO: Nearly thirty years in accounting and banking before joining the Foundation in 2024; connected to the organization for 25 years as a CPA auditor and board member
  • Amanda Jamison - Chief Program Officer: Butler University graduate with over ten years of community foundation experience; promoted from Senior Program Officer in September 2024
  • Darryl Olson, CPA - Chief Financial Officer: Working in philanthropy since 2005

The foundation values organizations "led by adaptive board and key staff members that promote self-reliance and build community."

Application Process & Timeline

How to Apply

Step 1: Check Eligibility Review the eligibility chart on the foundation's website to confirm your organization qualifies. Only Allen County-based 501(c)(3) nonprofit organizations are eligible.

Step 2: Attend Q&A Workshop Before submitting, participate in a foundation-hosted question-and-answer session. The foundation hosts grant application workshops prior to each deadline, which can be accessed via their Events page.

Step 3: Submit Online All applications must be submitted through the Foundant system at grantinterface.com. New applicants create accounts; existing grantees use their login credentials.

Step 4: Submit Evaluation Plan Include a completed Evaluation Plan Template (PowerPoint format) using the foundation's framework based on the "Independence Continuum" - emphasizing movement from dependence to independence to interdependence.

Decision Timeline

  • Early Childhood and Family Development: Deadline August 4, awards announced in December (approximately 4 months)
  • Youth Development: Deadline November 3, awards announced in February (approximately 3 months)
  • Community Interests: Deadline February 2, awards announced in May (approximately 3 months)
  • Capacity Building: Rolling review requiring up to 60 business days (approximately 3 months)

The board of directors reviews grant proposals in February, May, and November.

Success Rates

Specific success rates are not publicly disclosed. However, with approximately $7.55 million distributed annually and a typical grant size of $10,000, the foundation awards roughly 100-150 grants per year, though actual numbers vary based on grant sizes.

Reapplication Policy

The foundation does not publicly disclose a specific reapplication policy for unsuccessful applicants. Organizations are encouraged to contact the grants team directly at info@foellinger.org or (260) 422-2900 to discuss reapplication possibilities and receive feedback on declined proposals.

Application Success Factors

Based on the foundation's stated priorities and grant-making approach, successful applications demonstrate:

1. Mission Alignment with Independence Continuum The foundation uses the "Independence Continuum" as its evaluation framework, emphasizing movement "from dependence to independence to interdependence." Applications should clearly articulate how programs move participants along this continuum.

2. Focus on Greatest Need The foundation explicitly seeks to support organizations serving "children and their families within Allen County, particularly those that serve individuals with the greatest economic need and the least opportunity." Applications must demonstrate service to economically disadvantaged populations.

3. Strong Governance and Results Orientation The foundation supports "mission-driven, well-governed, and results-oriented organizations that are led by adaptive board and key staff members." Applications should showcase board engagement, organizational effectiveness, and measurable outcomes.

4. Clear Evaluation Plans Applicants must submit detailed evaluation plans using the foundation's PowerPoint template. The foundation provides a "Guide to Program Outcomes" presenting outcomes and indicators for each strategic funding area, and applicants should align their evaluation plans with this guidance.

5. Allen County Geographic Focus Organizations must be based in Allen County and serve Allen County residents. This geographic restriction is strictly enforced.

6. Participation in Foundation Workshops The foundation hosts Q&A workshops before each deadline, and attendance demonstrates commitment and allows applicants to align their proposals with foundation expectations.

Key Takeaways for Grant Writers

  • Geographic restriction is absolute: Only Allen County-based 501(c)(3) organizations are eligible; ensure your organization meets this requirement before applying
  • Attend pre-deadline workshops: The foundation hosts Q&A sessions before each deadline - attendance provides valuable insights and demonstrates engagement
  • Frame programs using the Independence Continuum: Structure your proposal to show how services move participants from dependence toward independence and interdependence
  • Emphasize service to economically disadvantaged: 80% of funding goes to organizations serving those with "greatest economic need and least opportunity" - make this population focus explicit
  • Most grants are around $10,000: While the range extends to $200,000, typical grants are $10,000 - calibrate your request accordingly
  • Strong evaluation plans are mandatory: Use the foundation's templates and frameworks; reference their "Guide to Program Outcomes" to align with expected indicators
  • Board engagement matters: Demonstrate strong governance and board-driven organizational effectiveness, particularly for Capacity Building grants
  • Contact staff proactively: The foundation encourages questions and provides multiple staff contacts - use these resources to strengthen your application

References

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