Don Wood Foundation (formerly 8020 Foundation Tr)

Quick Stats

EIN: 82-3518678
Annual Giving: $9.5 million (2023)
Assets: $211.9 million (2022)
Grant Range: $5,000 - $1,000,000+
Geographic Focus: Primarily 12 counties in northeast Indiana, with secondary impact in Ohio and Michigan
Number of Grants: 62 grants awarded (2023)
Application Method: Rolling basis (currently updating strategic plan - reopening March 2026)

Contact Details

Address: P.O. Box 25537, 10315 Dupont Circle Drive West, Fort Wayne, IN 46825

Phone: (260) 212-1235

Email: [email protected]

Website: www.donwoodfoundation.org

Note: By appointment only

Program Officer Contacts:

Youth-serving nonprofits/PK-12 schools: Nadine Baker, Program Officer for Youth Engagement
CTE programs, higher education, adult learning centers: Lisa Smith, Program Officer for Post-Secondary Attainment
Community foundations, economic development, workforce development, other nonprofits: Susan Mendenhall, Vice President of Programs

Overview

The Don Wood Foundation, formerly known as the 80/20 Foundation Trust, was established in 2018 by the late Don Wood, founder of 80/20 Inc., a supplier of modular T-slot aluminum components. Founded on Don Wood's philosophy of "packing your own chute" - helping individuals obtain certifications, jobs, and skillsets needed to support themselves and their families - the foundation has grown into a significant regional funder with over $211 million in assets and approximately $9.5 million in annual giving.

The foundation partners with nonprofit organizations and educational institutions across 12 counties in northeast Indiana (Allen, Adams, DeKalb, Elkhart, Huntington, Kosciusko, LaGrange, Noble, Steuben, Wabash, Wells, and Whitley), with additional impact extending into Ohio and Michigan. The foundation's mission centers on "transforming the industrial workforce in the Midwest region" by providing sustained investment that supports the development of a diverse workforce through exposure, education, and training. Led by President and CEO Laura Macknick, the foundation has recently adopted a new strategic plan with updated application processes launching in early 2026. In 2024, the foundation was named an ACTE Business-Education Partnership Award Winner for its contributions to career and technical education.

Funding Priorities

Grant Programs

1. Rolling Grant Program (Currently closed - reopening March 2026)

Grant range: $25,000 - $1,000,000+
Focus on larger institutional grants for significant programmatic or capital needs
Recent examples:
- $1,050,000 to Ohio Northern University for advanced metals laboratory
- $1,000,000 to OrthoWorx for talent development initiatives
- $300,000 to 16 Tech Community Corporation for manufacturing talent pipelines
- $150,000 to Grace College Department of Engineering for industrial-grade robotics
- $96,036 to Grant Regional Career Center for advanced manufacturing program expansion

2. Camps, Clubs, and Competitions Program (Mini Grant Program)

Grant range: Typically $5,000 - $6,000
Applications accepted year-round, decisions made monthly
Supports STEM camps, robotics clubs, entrepreneurial pitch competitions, and STEM classroom programming
Preschool through high school focus
In Q1 2024, 13 organizations received $72,000 (averaging approximately $5,500 per grant)
No limit on number of grants awarded to a single organization annually
Organizations with Rolling Grant awards remain eligible

3. CTE Career Ready Grant

Focus on career and technical education readiness

4. Ignite Your Future

Specific initiative supporting career exploration and workforce development

5. Scholarships

Including $50,000 to SME Education Foundation for manufacturing students in northeast Indiana, northwest Ohio, and southern Michigan

Priority Areas

Core Strategic Pillars:

Advanced Manufacturing - Industrial technology, machine tool technology, engineering technology, computer science, and skilled trades training
Leadership Development - Programs supporting leadership skills aligned with Don Wood's philosophy of servant leadership
Entrepreneurship - Entrepreneurism education, sales training, and improving entrepreneurs' access to community, skill-building, and capital

Eligible Organizations:

Vocational schools and trade schools
Community colleges and technical colleges
Four-year universities
Career academies
K-12 schools
Youth-serving nonprofits
Community foundations
Economic development organizations
Workforce development agencies

Key Evaluation Criteria for Camps, Clubs, and Competitions:

Age-appropriate, hands-on curriculum related to technology, engineering, or entrepreneurship
Integration of noncognitive skill-building including leadership, teamwork, collaboration, communication, agency, self-determination, problem-solving, and creative process
Inclusivity ensuring participation is affordable and accessible

What They Don't Fund

Individuals (grants only to 501(c)(3) organizations)
For-profit companies
Organizations primarily operating outside the 12-county northeast Indiana service area (though exceptions made for regional/statewide impact)

Governance and Leadership

Leadership Team

Laura M. Macknick - President & CEO

Joined the foundation to lead its mission of transforming the industrial workforce
Key quotes:
- "We must drive awareness of opportunities, change outdated perceptions, and address the skills gap."
- "We want to change the narrative that exists around manufacturing" - emphasizing the need to replace "dark, dingy, antiquated" images with realistic depictions of innovative technologies and high-paying careers
- "Don Wood believed that anyone could succeed as an entrepreneur, if they have the mindset of tenacity, perseverance, and salesmanship, along with access to the skills and coaching they need to help them start and grow their business."
- On supporting youth: "The problem we are trying to solve is two-fold: one is basic economics, and the other has to do with elevating the value of helping youth discover what they love to do."

Susan Mendenhall - Vice President of Programs

Joined in January 2023 as Director of Programs, promoted to Vice President in September 2023
Contact for community foundations, economic development, workforce development, and other nonprofits

Lisa Smith - Program Officer for Post-Secondary Attainment

Contact for CTE programs, higher education, and adult learning centers

Nadine Baker - Program Officer for Youth Engagement

Joined August 2022 as Grants and Scholarships Manager, promoted to Program Administrator in September 2023, then to Program Officer for Youth Engagement in November 2024
Contact for youth-serving nonprofits and PK-12 schools

Board of Trustees

The foundation is closely connected to 80/20 Inc., with board leadership including:

John Wood - Board member and one of the original co-founders of 80/20 Inc. (Don Wood's son)
Patrick Buesching - President and CEO of 80/20 Inc.
Other trustees including Brian Emerick and Gary Gatman

Application Process & Timeline

How to Apply

Current Status (as of December 2025): The Don Wood Foundation has recently adopted a new strategic plan and is streamlining its application process. The Rolling Grant Program is currently closed and will reopen in March 2026. Applications submitted on or before September 15, 2025, are not affected by these changes.

During Transition Period: Rather than a standard application process, the foundation invites prospective grantees to contact program officers directly to discuss potential support:

Youth-serving nonprofits/PK-12 schools → Contact Nadine Baker
CTE programs, higher education, adult learning centers → Contact Lisa Smith
Community foundations, economic development, workforce development, other nonprofits → Contact Susan Mendenhall

Camps, Clubs, and Competitions Program:

Applications accepted year-round via online Grant Portal
Submit proposals anytime at: donwoodfoundation.givingdata.com/portal/campaign/grants

General Application Approach: The foundation values relationship-building and encourages nonprofit leaders who believe their programming aligns with the foundation's strategic funding pillars in advanced manufacturing and entrepreneurship to initiate conversations with program officers before submitting formal applications.

Decision Timeline

Camps, Clubs, and Competitions: Monthly grant decisions

Rolling Grant Program (when active): Applications reviewed and approved by the Grants Committee and Board of Trustees every other month (bimonthly cycle)

Success Rates

Success rate data is not publicly disclosed. The foundation awarded 62 grants totaling $9.5 million in 2023, indicating selective but substantial grantmaking.

Reapplication Policy

The foundation does not limit the number of grants that can be awarded to a single organization in any given year. Organizations that have received Rolling Grant Program funding remain eligible to apply for the Camps, Clubs, and Competitions Program.

Application Success Factors

Foundation-Specific Priorities

1. Alignment with Strategic Pillars The foundation seeks clear connections to advanced manufacturing, leadership development, or entrepreneurship. Successful applicants demonstrate how their programs directly develop skills in industrial technology, engineering technology, entrepreneurship, sales, or leadership that translate to career opportunities in manufacturing sectors.

2. Regional Impact in Northeast Indiana Priority given to organizations operating within the 12-county service area: Allen, Adams, DeKalb, Elkhart, Huntington, Kosciusko, LaGrange, Noble, Steuben, Wabash, Wells, and Whitley counties. Exceptional regional or statewide programs with clear impact on this area may also be considered.

3. Hands-On, Skills-Based Programming The foundation values experiential learning. Successful programs feature age-appropriate, participant-driven curriculum with tangible skill development outcomes rather than purely theoretical education.

4. Noncognitive Skill Development Beyond technical skills, the foundation prioritizes programs that build leadership, teamwork, collaboration, verbal and nonverbal communication, agency, self-determination, problem-solving, and creative process skills.

5. Accessibility and Inclusivity Demonstrate how programming is affordable and accessible to diverse participants. The foundation is committed to developing a diverse workforce and values programs that remove barriers to participation.

6. Connection to Workforce Opportunities Articulate clear pathways from program participation to career opportunities, whether through certifications, job placements, postsecondary enrollment, or entrepreneurial ventures. The foundation's philosophy of "packing your own chute" emphasizes helping individuals obtain the skills and credentials needed for self-sufficiency.

7. Relationship-Based Approach The foundation conducts business by "proactively developing relationships with nonprofit organizations and educators." Organizations that engage in preliminary conversations with program officers before applying tend to submit stronger, better-aligned proposals.

Recent Successful Projects

The foundation has funded diverse initiatives including:

Advanced manufacturing laboratories at universities (Ohio Northern: $1.05M)
Talent development pipelines for medical device manufacturing (OrthoWorx: $1M)
Manufacturing innovation centers (16 Tech: $300K)
Robotics and automation programs at career centers
CAD/CAM technology for dental technology programs ($25K to IU School of Dentistry)
Small-scale developer programs connecting entrepreneurship to community development ($260K to City of Fort Wayne)
Manufacturing scholarships through the SME Education Foundation ($50K)
Youth robotics clubs and STEM camps through mini-grants

Application Tips Based on Foundation Values

Emphasize outcomes over activities: Focus on how participants will develop specific, measurable skills and how those skills translate to career opportunities or entrepreneurial success
Connect to manufacturing narrative: Address how your program challenges outdated perceptions of manufacturing and highlights modern, technology-driven career pathways
Show partnership potential: The foundation values collaboration with educational institutions, workforce development agencies, and industry partners
Demonstrate sustainability: Indicate how grant funding will create lasting impact beyond the grant period
Include data on postsecondary attainment: If applicable, show how your program supports pathways to certifications, degrees, or industry credentials

Key Takeaways for Grant Writers

Initiate conversation before applying: The foundation operates on a relationship-based model - contact the appropriate program officer to discuss fit before investing time in a full application, especially for Rolling Grants
Target the right program: Mini-grants ($5K-$6K) are ideal for discrete youth programs, camps, clubs, and competitions; Rolling Grants (up to $1M+) are for significant institutional investments in facilities, equipment, or major programmatic expansions
Align with all three pillars when possible: The strongest applications connect to advanced manufacturing AND leadership development AND/or entrepreneurship, not just one pillar in isolation
Geographic focus matters significantly: Being located in or primarily serving the 12-county northeast Indiana region is critical for most grants
Plan ahead for timing: With the Rolling Grant Program reopening in March 2026, organizations should engage in preliminary conversations with program officers in early 2026 to be ready when applications reopen
Demonstrate inclusivity: Show specific strategies for making programs accessible and affordable, particularly for underserved populations
Connect to Don Wood's legacy: Understanding the foundation's origins in 80/20 Inc. and Don Wood's philosophy of entrepreneurial tenacity, self-determination, and "packing your own chute" can help frame proposals in language that resonates with foundation values

References

Accessed: December 25, 2025