During Unity Foundation’s annual celebration luncheon Oct. 28, staff, board members and community partners shared highlights from the past year.

They also announced $240,000 in community grants awarded through Unity’s annual Power for Good Community Grant program.

Maggi Spartz, outgoing Unity president, opened the program by reflecting on Unity’s 2025 accomplishments and the foundation’s focus on community betterment projects. She highlighted two initiatives: the Open the Doors to Housing attainable housing project and NWI Thrive, a regional collaboration among four Northwest Indiana community foundations to enhance connectivity, culture and wellness through creative placemaking. Both initiatives are supported by Lilly Endowment through GIFT VIII Implementation Grants.

“Together, these efforts will strengthen and connect La Porte County and transform Northwest Indiana,” Spartz said in a press release.

Laura Francesconi, Unity board member and grant committee chair, recognized 60 local organizations receiving Power for Good Community Grants, emphasizing the importance of Unity’s donors.

“We appreciate the generous and visionary donors who have created or contributed to our Power for Good Fund and other Community Funds,” Francesconi said. “Their foresight makes these grants—and so many other community projects—possible.”

Unity has invested over $2.5 million in small grants to La Porte County nonprofits through its Power for Good Community Grant program since its inception.

The event concluded with Spartz welcoming incoming president and CEO Jeri Pat Gabbert.

“It is truly an honor to serve as the next president and CEO of the Unity Foundation of La Porte County,” Gabbert said. “I am inspired by Unity’s long-standing commitment to collaboration, bringing people and resources together to solve problems and create opportunity. Together, we will continue to grow our impact, ensuring that La Porte County remains a thriving, connected and compassionate community for generations to come.”