John W. Anderson Foundation

Quick Stats

Annual Giving: $13,359,000 (2023)
Total Assets: Over $270 million
Grant Range: $500 - $4,300,000
Typical Grant: $10,000
Number of Awards: 224 grants (2023)
Decision Time: 10-15 days after board meeting
Geographic Focus: Primarily Lake and Porter Counties, Northwest Indiana

Contact Details

Address: 402 Wall Street, Valparaiso, IN 46383 (or 1351 Silhavy Road Suite 200, Valparaiso, IN 46383)

Phone: 219-462-4611

Note: The foundation does not have a website

Overview

The John W. Anderson Foundation was established in 1967 by the late John W. Anderson, a manufacturing executive and inventor who served as president of the Anderson Company, which produced windshield wiper parts and other automotive accessories. The foundation was created to support charitable, religious, scientific, literary, or educational purposes within the United States, with particular emphasis on promoting the mental, moral, intellectual, and physical improvement, assistance, and relief of inhabitants, especially youth who reside in and near Lake and Porter Counties in Northwest Indiana.

With assets exceeding $270 million and annual giving of approximately $13-15 million, the foundation is one of the most significant funders in Northwest Indiana. In 2023, the foundation made 224 awards ranging from $500 to $4.3 million, though the most common grant amount is $10,000. The foundation has maintained consistent support for its priority areas, with the Boys & Girls Clubs being one of the principal recipients since the foundation's inception.

Funding Priorities

Grant Programs

The foundation operates on a rolling application basis with no specific grant programs, but awards grants across multiple categories:

Youth Programs: The foundation's primary focus, with largest grants typically going to youth-serving organizations. The Boys & Girls Clubs of Greater Northwest Indiana received $4.3 million for operating support plus an additional $600,000 for capital projects in 2023.
Higher Education: Major support for Indiana universities and colleges, including Indiana University Foundation ($510,000 in 2023), Purdue University, Valparaiso University, Indiana State University, Ivy Tech Community College, and Indiana State University Northwest (each receiving at least $550,000 in recent years).
Human Services: Support for organizations addressing food insecurity, family services, child welfare, domestic violence shelters, and homeless services. Catholic Charities Gary received $300,000 for operating support in 2023.
Arts and Culture: Grants for performing arts organizations including Northwest Indiana Symphony Society, Memorial Opera House Foundation, and Theater at the Center.
Medical and Scientific Research: Limited support for disease-specific research and health services.
Community Development: Support for community needs and development in Northwest Indiana.
Youth Sports: Grants for organizations like Indiana Golf Foundation, Girls On the Run of Northwest Indiana, and YMCA of Valparaiso Indiana.

Grant amounts typically range from $5,000 to $75,000, with occasional larger grants for major capital projects or operating support of key partner organizations.

Priority Areas

Youth development and services (particularly in Lake and Porter Counties)
Higher education in Indiana
Human services for vulnerable populations
Arts and humanities
Medical and scientific research
Community needs in Northwest Indiana
Youth sports and recreation

What They Don't Fund

The foundation explicitly excludes:

Elementary, secondary, and charter schools (K-12 education)
Business or for-profit organizations
Supporting organizations classified as 509(a)(3)
Grants to individuals
Endowment funds
Multi-year grants
Fundraising events
Advertising
Seed money
Deficit financing
Loans
Private foundations under Section 509(a)
Organizations outside of Lake and Porter Counties (except rare occasions in Illinois, Michigan, and Minnesota)

Governance and Leadership

Board of Trustees

The foundation is governed by a board of trustees located at 1351 Silhavy Road Suite 200, Valparaiso, IN 46383:

William N. Vinovich - Chairman
Clyde D. Compton - Vice Chairman
John J. Diederich - Secretary
Bruce W. Wargo - Trustee
Charles W. Conover - Trustee

The board manages the foundation's assets and makes all grant decisions at bimonthly meetings.

Application Process & Timeline

How to Apply

The foundation accepts applications on a rolling basis with no official application form. Organizations interested in applying should submit six copies of a Letter of Inquiry (LOI) by mail to:

John W. Anderson Foundation 402 Wall Street Valparaiso, IN 46383

The LOI should include:

Organization details and background
Purpose of the grant and how funds will be used
Officer information
Financial information
Proof of tax-exempt status (501(c)(3) documentation)

Eligibility: Awards are restricted to tax-exempt, nonprofit organizations which are not classified as private foundations under Section 509(a). Organizations must primarily serve Lake and Porter Counties of Northwest Indiana.

Decision Timeline

The foundation's board meets bimonthly in February, April, June, August, October, and December. While there are no strict submission deadlines, applications are reviewed at these regularly scheduled board meetings.

Application deadlines (for consideration at subsequent board meetings):

January 20 (February meeting)
March 20 (April meeting)
May 20 (June meeting)
July 20 (August meeting)
September 20 (October meeting)
November 20 (December meeting)

Applicants will receive written notice of acceptance 10-15 days after the board meeting at which their application was reviewed. Each application is reviewed on a timely basis.

Success Rates

While specific success rate percentages are not published, the foundation made 224 awards in 2023, 229 awards in 2022, and 238 awards in 2021, demonstrating consistent grantmaking activity. The foundation is described as "accessible" and accepts unsolicited Letters of Inquiry.

Reapplication Policy

Information about reapplication policies for unsuccessful applicants is not publicly available. Organizations should contact the foundation directly at 219-462-4611 for guidance.

Application Success Factors

Based on the foundation's grantmaking patterns and priorities, the following factors appear to influence application success:

Geographic Alignment: The foundation has a strong commitment to Lake and Porter Counties in Northwest Indiana. Organizations serving these specific counties should emphasize their local impact and community presence.

Youth Focus: Given the foundation's mission to particularly support "youth who reside in and near Lake and Porter Counties," organizations with strong youth programming have a clear advantage. The foundation's largest grants consistently go to youth-serving organizations, particularly the Boys & Girls Clubs.

Operating Support Priority: The foundation awards significant operating support grants (as evidenced by the $4.3 million operating support grant to Boys & Girls Clubs and $750,000 to United Way), suggesting they value organizational sustainability and ongoing programs rather than just project-specific funding.

Established Organizations: Recent grant recipients include well-established institutions like Indiana University Foundation, Purdue University, Catholic Charities, and United Way, suggesting the foundation values organizational track record and stability.

Broad Impact Areas: The foundation supports a diverse range of causes including education, human services, arts, medical research, and community development. Organizations should clearly articulate how their work aligns with one or more of these areas.

Clear Mission Alignment: Applications should explicitly connect to the foundation's stated purpose of "promoting the mental, moral, intellectual and physical improvement, assistance and relief of inhabitants" of Northwest Indiana.

No Website Limitation: Since the foundation does not maintain a website, applicants cannot access detailed guidelines online. This means the initial LOI is critical for making a strong first impression and clearly communicating organizational fit with the foundation's priorities.

Key Takeaways for Grant Writers

Geographic specificity is critical: Your organization must primarily serve Lake and Porter Counties in Northwest Indiana. Clearly demonstrate your local presence and community impact in these specific counties.
Youth programs receive priority: If your organization serves youth, emphasize this prominently. The foundation's mission specifically highlights youth, and the largest grants consistently support youth development.
Submit six copies of your LOI: This is a specific requirement that should not be overlooked. Mail all six copies together to the foundation's address.
Time your submission strategically: While rolling applications are accepted, aligning your submission with the bimonthly board meeting schedule can help you predict when you'll receive a decision.
Operating support is available: Unlike many funders, this foundation awards substantial operating support grants, not just project-specific funding. Don't hesitate to request general operating support if needed.
Build relationships through phone contact: Without a website, the foundation relies on phone communication. Don't hesitate to call 219-462-4611 with questions before submitting your LOI.
Expect relatively quick decisions: With notification coming 10-15 days after board meetings, the foundation operates on a faster timeline than many funders. Be prepared to move forward quickly if approved.

References

All sources accessed December 2025.