Unity Foundation of La Porte County is pleased to announce the successful completion of the Lilly Endowment Giving Indiana Funds for Tomorrow (GIFT) initiative, Phase VII match. The initiative tripled the impact of local donations to Unity’s Community Funds over the past two years with a two to one match. As a result, $500,000 in local donations became $1.5 million to support community needs.
GIFT is part of Lilly Endowment’s effort to strengthen Indiana communities and has been a priority of the Endowment since the first phase of GIFT in 1990. Lilly Endowment unveiled the latest phase, GIFT VII, in October 2018 to help Indiana community foundations grow their financial resources and help meet current needs in their communities. Thanks to many generous donors, La Porte County has reached its goal ahead of the December 2021 deadline.
“The GIFT VII match came when our community needs it the most. When GIFT VII was announced, we never could have imagined the COVID-19 pandemic and the unprecedented challenges we would face. The generosity of our donors and the Lilly Endowment helps us strengthen our communities, react to current needs, and improve the quality of life in our county for years to come,” said Jon Gilmore, Unity Board Chairman.
Community Funds are used to support charitable programs and organizations in La Porte County and can meet changing community needs as they occur. These funds also help fuel Unity’s annual Power for Good Community Grant Program which awards over $150,000 to local projects and charities.
“The impact of these donations stretches far and wide across our community -- providing focused resources to our workers and volunteers dedicated to creating a safe, healthy and fun La Porte County. Thank you to all who donated,” said Maggi Spartz, Unity Foundation President.
Please visit uflc.net to learn more about grants, scholarships and charitable giving ideas.