The Valparaiso-based Porter County Community Foundation awarded grants to 18 local nonprofit organizations.
The funding is part of the foundation’s final Community Fund grant cycle of 2024.
The following organizations and programs are receiving funding:
- Art Barn School of Art – $5,000 to support organizational tools and training for growth
- Call-A-Ride – $6,000 to support fuel for two vans to provide transportation to Hebron residents
- Community Change Center: WeAreOne – $10,000 to support launch of the Fresh Starts Food Truck
- Dressed for School – $10,000 to support purchase of gym shoes for students
- Duneland Family YMCA – $7,400 to support pool safety equipment for the Duneland YMCA Healthy Living Campus
- Healing with Human Connection – $2,500 to support services and resources for people in recovery
- Hebron Country Pantry – $5,000 to support replacement of refrigerators and freezers
- Housing Opportunities – $3,000 to support Homelessness Diversion Advocacy program
- The Humane Society of Hobart – $5,000 to support care costs for Porter County animals
- Independent Cat Society – $5,000 to support feline spay and neuter procedures
- Moraine House – $9,967 to support bathroom remodel
- NeighborLink Porter County – $5,000 to support essential home improvements such as water heaters and furnaces for vulnerable residents
- Northwest Indiana Symphony Society – $5,000 to support Holiday Pops concert at Valparaiso High School
- Playact Theatre – $3,000 to support updated audio equipment
- Regional Performing Arts Company – $5,000 to support new flooring for the theater
- South Shore Arts – $2,500 to support art and literacy programming in Porter County
- Valparaiso Creative Council – $6,000 to support redevelopment of their website's Creative Portal
- VNA Hospice of Northwest Indiana – $10,000 to support strategic planning for the Reimagining Aging initiative
The Porter County Community Foundation aims to improve lives in Porter County by providing grants to youth programs, health and human services, animal welfare, arts and culture, education and the environment. The foundation awards about $350,000 to local nonprofits through its Community Fund grants program. The next Community Fund grant cycle will open in January with an application deadline of Feb. 15, 2025.