VALPARAISO, IND. —The Porter County Community Foundation (PCCF) received a $600,000 contribution from Northern Indiana Public Service Company LLC (NIPSCO) with support from the NiSource Charitable Foundation to support disaster relief and long-term recovery efforts across Porter County following the severe storm system and extended power outages that began on Aug. 11. 

The contribution reflects NIPSCO’s commitment to helping northern Indiana communities rebuild and stabilize following major weather events. PCCF will steward and allocate the funds directly to 14 frontline organizations to provide immediate assistance to Porter County households.

Funding recipients include the following organizations: The Salvation Army of Porter County, Food Bank of Northwest Indiana, Hilltop Food Pantry, Portage Township Food Pantry, Family Promise of Porter County, Porter County Aging and Community Services and Meals on Wheels of Northwest Indiana. 

“In the wake of devastation like we experienced on Aug. 11, our role as a community foundation goes beyond just raising dollars—it is about deploying resources with speed, fairness and deep local trust,” said Bill Higbie, PCCF President and CEO. “By putting critical funds directly into the hands of organizations on the ground, we aren’t just funding immediate relief; we are laying the groundwork for a stronger, more resilient long-term recovery.” 

The grant allocation strengthens local recovery capacity across these essential areas: 

• Food Distribution & Delivery: Funding local food partners to restock non-perishable goods and deliver meals directly to homebound seniors and residents impacted by extended power loss.
• Immediate Financial Aid: Distributing grocery and fuel gift cards through organizations to relieve emergency household costs.
• Insurance & FEMA Navigation: Supporting case management services to assist residents in completing insurance claims and applying for federal disaster assistance.  
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“At NIPSCO, we are committed to partnering with the communities we serve, especially in times of need,” said Rick Calinski, NIPSCO Director of Public Affairs and Economic Development. “Working with the Porter County Community Foundation allows us to support local recovery efforts and provide resources that will make a meaningful difference for impacted residents.” 

Details regarding specific program availability and direct intake procedures will be announced in the coming days through the individual partner organizations. 

About PCCF
The Porter County Community Foundation collaborates with community members to support their favorite causes by creating and managing permanent endowment funds that make it possible for generosity to last forever. Since 1996, PCCF has awarded over $55 million in grants and scholarships to organizations and students in our community. To learn more about how you can make a lasting difference for your favorite causes, contact PCCF at 219-465-0294 or visit the Foundation online at pccf.gives.

About the NiSource Charitable Foundation
The NiSource Charitable Foundation is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization and serves as the charitable arm for NiSource Inc. and its companies operating under the NIPSCO and Columbia Gas brands. The Foundation’s mission is to create strong and sustainable communities where our employees and customers live and work. The Foundation lives up to its mission by providing charitable grants to nonprofit organizations and by encouraging employee volunteerism. Learn more at www.NiSource.com/Foundation. 

About NIPSCO
Northern Indiana Public Service Company LLC (NIPSCO), with headquarters in Merrillville, Indiana, has proudly served the energy needs of northern Indiana for more than 100 years. As Indiana’s largest natural gas distribution company and the second-largest electric distribution company, NIPSCO serves approximately 859,000 natural gas and 486,000 electric customers across 32 counties. It is one of six regulated utility companies of NiSource (NYSE: NI), one of the largest fully regulated utility companies in the United States. NiSource employees are focused on our mission to deliver safe, reliable energy that drives value to our customers, and guided by our vision to be an innovative and trusted energy partner. More information about NIPSCO and NiSource, including its goal of achieving net zero greenhouse gas emissions from its operations by 2040, is available at NIPSCO.com and www.NiSource.com. 

VALPARAISO, IND. — The Lilly Endowment Community Scholarship application is available in Porter County through the Porter County Community Foundation (PCCF). Three students will receive the scholarship beginning with the 2027-2028 school year.

Lilly Endowment Community Scholarship Program (LECSP) awards may be used for otherwise unreimbursed full tuition, required fees, and a special allocation of up to $900 per year for required books and equipment for four years of undergraduate study on a full-time basis leading to a baccalaureate degree at any eligible Indiana public or private nonprofit college or university.

The program, administered statewide by Independent Colleges of Indiana (ICI) and locally through PCCF, has benefited 106 Porter County students since its creation for the 1997-98 school year totaling more than $7 million in aid.

“This scholarship opens doors and helps students achieve their educational goals,” said Bill Higbie, PCCF President and CEO. “It is a privilege to support remarkable young people who have demonstrated excellence in and out of the classroom.”

To be eligible, an applicant must be a current high school student and a resident of Porter County; graduate from an accredited Indiana high school and receive their diploma no later than June 30, 2027; intend to pursue a full-time baccalaureate course of study at an eligible college or university in Indiana; and submit a complete application by noon central time on August 28, 2026. The application must be submitted online and is available at https://pccf.gives/scholarships/.

Due to the recent storms, the application deadline has been extended until 5:00 pm CT on August 31, 2026.

Applications will be narrowed down by each high school, and PCCF’s scholarship committee will interview finalists on October 27, 2026. Applications are evaluated on, but not limited to, the following criteria: academic excellence, leadership and engagement in school activities, and community involvement. Three finalists will be nominated, and their names will be submitted to ICI for final selection.  Scholarship recipients will be notified by PCCF in December.

The primary goals of the LECSP are: 1) to help raise the level of educational attainment in Indiana; 2) to increase awareness of the beneficial roles Indiana community foundations can play in their communities; and 3) to encourage and support the efforts of current and past Lilly Endowment Community Scholars to engage with each other and with Indiana business, governmental, educational, nonprofit and civic leaders to improve the quality of life in Indiana generally and in local communities throughout the state.

The Porter County Community Foundation collaborates with community members to support their favorite causes by creating and managing permanent endowment funds that make it possible for generosity to last forever. Since 1996, PCCF has awarded over $55 million in grants and scholarships to organizations and students in our community. To learn more about how you can make a lasting difference for your favorite causes, contact PCCF at 219-465-0294 or visit the foundation online at pccf.gives.

Lilly Endowment Inc. is an Indianapolis-based, private philanthropic foundation created in 1937 by J. K. Lilly and his sons, Eli and J.K. Jr., through gifts of stock in their pharmaceutical business, Eli Lilly and Company. While those gifts remain the financial bedrock of the Endowment, Lilly Endowment Inc. is a separate entity from the company, with a distinct governing board, staff, and location. In keeping with its founders’ wishes, the Endowment supports the causes of community development, education, and religion. Although the Endowment funds programs throughout the United States, especially in the field of religion, it maintains a special commitment to its hometown, Indianapolis, and home state, Indiana.

Since 1997, Independent Colleges of Indiana has administered the Lilly Endowment Community Scholarship Program statewide with funding provided by Lilly Endowment Inc. Founded in 1948, ICI serves as the collective voice for the state’s 28 private, nonprofit colleges and universities. ICI institutions employ over 22,400 Hoosiers and generate a total local economic impact of over $5.3 billion annually. Students at ICI colleges have Indiana’s highest four-year, on-time graduation rates, and ICI institutions produce 30 percent of Indiana’s bachelor’s degrees while enrolling 20 percent of its undergraduates. 

Photo Caption: Last year’s Porter County recipients of the Lilly Endowment Community Scholarship were Sophia Ho (left), Ashlyn Gentry, (center) and Katherine Newbanks (right).

VALPARAISO, IND. — The Porter County Community Foundation (PCCF) has selected six local nonprofit organizations to participate in Energize Porter County (Energize PC). This dollar-for-dollar matching opportunity will provide momentum to the participating organizations as they embark on transformational projects.

PCCF has committed $1 million to Energize PC. Eligible gifts will unlock matching funds up to each organization’s goal, helping leverage local support to complete significant capital projects.

The projects were selected through a competitive application process based on impact and fundraising potential. Together, they will expand access to the arts, recreation, family services, healthcare, disability support, and conservation resources throughout Porter County and Northwest Indiana.

Community members can maximize their impact by supporting one or more of the following:

• Art Barn School of Art – Opening Doors to Art Accessibility – $200,000 goal
  This project supports critical renovation of Art Barn’s main structure, addressing longstanding barriers to accessibility, safety, and program capacity. Art Barn is a nonprofit visual arts organization serving Northwest Indiana from a 69-acre campus in Porter County.
• Chesterton Parks Foundation – Dogwoof Park – $100,000 goal
  Funding will support the development and construction of a dedicated community dog park within Dogwood Park. The Chesterton Parks Foundation works to support, enhance, and advocate for the development, maintenance, and improvement of Chesterton parks and trails.
• Family House – Relocation – $100,000 goal
  To better serve clients and meet the needs of the community, Family House is relocating. The organization provides a safe, comfortable environment for supervised visitation and custody exchanges. Child-centered services allow children access to their families, while promoting safety and appropriate interactions.
• Opportunity Enterprises (OE) – Inclusive Healthcare – $200,000 goal
  OE is building a disability-inclusive health clinic that will be open to the community and offer medical and dental services through HealthLinc. OE will also provide physical and occupational therapy in the renovated building. The organization works to create inclusive and equitable opportunities for people of all abilities.
• Reins of Life – Accessible Classroom and Carriage House – $200,000 goal
  This project will expand the services of Reins of Life in Northwest Indiana by constructing an accessible classroom with adjacent therapy rooms and a sensory gym, as well as a dedicated equipment building. The organization improves the quality of life for children and adults with disabilities through equine-assisted therapy.
• Shirley Heinze Land Trust (SHLT) – Regional Conservation Center – $200,000 goal
  SHLT will create a Regional Conservation Center developing its headquarters and community hub for conservation, education, and engagement. SHLT preserves and restores natural lands and waters in northwestern Indiana and engages people in nature and conservation.
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“PCCF is committed to supporting organizations that are addressing important needs in our community,” said Bill Higbie, PCCF President and CEO. “Energize PC is an opportunity to inspire generosity and advance impactful and innovative projects.”

Individuals interested in supporting these efforts can learn more or donate at pccf.gives/energizepc through December 31, 2027. Gifts must be made directly to PCCF during the campaign period to be eligible for matching.

The Porter County Community Foundation collaborates with community members to support their favorite causes by creating and managing permanent endowment funds that make it possible for generosity to last forever. Since 1996, PCCF has awarded over $55 million in grants and scholarships to organizations and students in our community. To learn more about how you can make a lasting difference for your favorite causes, contact PCCF at 219-465-0294 or visit the Foundation online at PCCF.gives.

Photo Caption: Representatives from the organizations and PCCF recently gathered to kick-off the Energize PC initiative.

VALPARAISO, IND. — First Things First Porter County (FTF), a leadership initiative of the Porter County Community Foundation, has been selected for The Stanford Center on Early Childhood (SCEC) 2026 RAPID Community Voices cohort. First Things First is the first organization in Indiana to be selected to participate with RAPID. The Porter County Community Foundation is the first community foundation in the country to lead a RAPID project.

RAPID Community Voices collaborates with local organizations to co-design and implement surveys to deeply listen to caregivers of young children in their communities. Collaborators then use these data and insights to inform local decision-making, action, and advocacy.

First Things First Porter County plans to harness RAPID data to better understand families’ experiences in Lake and Porter Counties, particularly amid recent childcare funding cuts, to strengthen advocacy efforts, and create a more complete and compelling narrative to share with local and state legislators.

Organizations partnering with FTF across Northwest Indiana to co-design and implement surveys include Boys and Girls Clubs of Greater Northwest Indiana, Crossroads YMCA, Duneland Family YMCA, Duneland School Corporation, Geminus Corporation, Help Me Grow Porter County, Merrillville Community School Corporation, One Region, Portage Township YMCA, and Valparaiso Family YMCA.

“First Things First is honored to be selected for this important data gathering and storytelling project that will accelerate our communities’ efforts to understand the needs of families with very young children,” said Dr. Mary Jane Eisenhauer, FTF Executive Director. “We cannot do this work alone, and we are eager to collaborate with partners who are critical to the success of our RAPID surveys.”

Following a tremendous response to the 2026 call for applications and a rigorous review process, the SCEC selected FTF alongside five other organizations to join this growing network of RAPID Community Voices collaborators: United Way of West Alabama, Early Matters San Antonio, Wisconsin Early Childhood Association and Waupaca County, THRIVE Family Health & Education Center (Durham County, NC), and Oneida Reads.

Now in its third cohort, RAPID Community Voices aims to collaborate with local organizations and leaders to implement place-based surveys over two years. The purpose of Community Voices is to (1) promote data-informed programs, advocacy, and policymaking at a community level and (2) build the capacity of public, private, and nonprofit community-based organizations to efficiently and effectively gather and act on the voices of and data from parents, families, and/or child care providers.

First Things First Porter County empowers the community to ensure every child has a healthy, thriving start to life through a seamless connection with the prenatal to 3 ecosystem that prioritizes brain development, language, & early relational health. Together with more than 70 community partners, First Things First Porter County is changing the culture around prenatal – 3 by developing a community-wide agenda, building a seamless ecosystem of support, and advocating for polices that support babies. Learn more at www.firstthingspc.org.

VALPARAISO, IND. — The Porter County Community Foundation (PCCF) awarded $257,479 in grants to 33 local nonprofit organizations as part of the 2026 Spring Community Fund grant cycle.

The following organizations and programs are receiving funding:

• The Caring Place – $10,000 to increase survivor safety through trauma-informed partnership with local law enforcement
• Daybreak Shelter – $10,000 to expand a volunteer‑driven transportation program
• Dunes Learning Center – $10,000 to support hands-on environmental STEAM activities (Science, Technology, Engineering, Arts, and Mathematics)
• Hebron Country Pantry – $10,000 to replace aging refrigerators and freezers
• Humane Indiana – $5,000 to help establish a Wildlife Resource and Intake Center
• Humane Society of Hobart – $5,000 to support care costs for Porter County animals
• Lakeshore Public Media – $8,484 to improve radio broadcast delivery capabilities
• LaSalle Council, Scouting America – $5,000 to increase access to scouting for Porter County youth
• Liberty Township Volunteer Fire Department – $10,000 to improve safety with the purchase of task-appropriate gear
• Living Hope Community Church – $10,000 to create a commissary kitchen for Community Change Center’s Fresh Starts Food Truck
• Memorial Opera House Foundation – $5,965 to enhance technology for a more seamless experience for patrons, donors, and team members
• Mental Health America (MHA) of Northwest Indiana – $10,000 to integrate mental health care and support into the Mothers & Babies program
• Moraine House – $4,500 to upgrade kitchen appliances
• Ogden Dunes Volunteer Fire Department – $4,570 to purchase specialized fire equipment for incidents involving electric and hybrid vehicles
• Opportunity Enterprises – $10,000 to support Camp Lakeside, a summer day camp designed for children of all abilities
• Pines Fire Department – $5,800 to enhance safety with the purchase of an Automated External Defibrillator (AED)
• Portage Recovery Association – $10,000 to support the transformation of their community-based 12-Step substance recovery and mental health facility
• Porter County Aging and Community Services – $10,000 to provide short-term support to Porter County residents facing unexpected crises
• Porter County Parks Foundation – $10,000 to support completion of a playground at Sunset Hill Farm County Park
• Porter County Public Library System – $10,000 to support safety with the addition of Automated External Defibrillators (AEDs) at all Porter County Public Library branches
• Porter County Special Olympics – $10,000 to expand access to year-round bowling for Porter County Special Olympics athletes
• Project Neighbors – $10,000 to increase organizational capacity and better serve residents with a secure maintenance shed
• Rebuilding Together Duneland – $5,000 to improve the safety and livability of homes for low-income residents
• Rebuilding Together Hebron – $5,000 to complete repair projects that help low-income homeowners stay in their homes
• The Salvation Army of Northwest Indiana – $10,000 to support food pantry equipment upgrades
• Shirley Heinze Land Trust – $1,160 to support professional development and training
• Sleep in Heavenly Peace – $4,000 to build beds for 25 children who do not have one
• South Shore Performing Arts – $8,000 to replace essential South Shore Brass Band equipment
• St. Agnes Adult Day Service Center – $5,000 to replace leaking and corroded sinks and faucets
• United Way Northwest Indiana – $10,000 to support volunteer mobilization for high-impact service projects and enhance year-round engagement
• Valparaiso Parks and Recreation Foundation – $10,000 to support creation of an infant and toddler play zone at Kirchhoff Park
• Valparaiso Police Department – $5,000 to provide car seats and child passenger safety education
• VNA Hospice NWI – $10,000 to expand and strengthen support for grieving children, teens, young adults, and their families through the VNA Phoenix Center
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These grants are possible because of the support of philanthropic community members who have given to the Porter County Community Fund or made unrestricted gifts to the Foundation since 1996.

The application for the next grant cycle will open July 1. The deadline to apply is August 15, 2026, at noon. More information is available online at PCCF.gives.

25 Nonprofits Benefit from the Philanthropy of Community Members

VALPARAISO, IND. — The Porter County Community Foundation (PCCF) awarded $203,453 in grants to 25 local nonprofit organizations as part of its fall Community Fund grant cycle.

The following organizations and programs are receiving funding:

• 4th Street Theater – $10,000 to upgrade projection capacity
• American Legion Post 94 – $10,000 to support building repairs and essential upgrades
• Art Barn School of Art – $5,000 to support an engaging arts program for adults 65 and over
• Center of Workforce Innovations – $2,500 to strengthen outreach and increase access to resources for educators and families
• Chesterton Art Center – $10,000 to purchase essential components for ceramics studio and support educational program expansion
• Dressed for School – $10,000 to purchase new clothing for elementary and middle school children
• Duneland Family YMCA – $5,000 to support technology upgrades and a community lecture hall
• Food Bank of Northwest Indiana – $10,000 to support comprehensive, multi-year strategic planning
• HealthLinc – $10,000 to support the establishment of a clinic at Opportunity Enterprises
• Hilltop Neighborhood House – $10,000 to support 24/7 meal access through the Hilltop Hunger Hub
• The HUB Creative Fund – $7,500 to support a community kiln and expand accessible arts programming
• Independent Cat Society – $10,000 to support the final phase of shelter renovation
• Junior Achievement of Chicago – $5,000 to support economic education programming for Porter County students
• Meals on Wheels of Northwest Indiana – $10,000 to support the delivery of nutritious meals to seniors and vulnerable neighbors in Porter County
• NWI Food Council – $10,000 to support healthy food access for older adults through a fresh, locally-grown produce box program
• Parents as Teachers of Porter County – $10,000 to expand a kindergarten readiness intervention program
• Playact Theatre – $2,270 to support preservation and storage of production assets and resources
• Portage Township YMCA – $10,000 to support implementation of Mental Fitness Curriculum in K-6 childcare programs
• Porter County Health Department – $10,000 to support HEARTSafe Porter County and improve the survival rates from sudden cardiac arrest
• Porter-Starke Services – $10,000 to support a safe and stable living environment for women in recovery from substance misuse
• Regional Performing Arts Company – $5,000 to support the creation of an arts annex to expand programming and opportunities for students to rehearse, build, and grow
• Three20 Recovery – $8,683 to support an initiative that brings creative recovery programs to life through music, culinary arts, and 3D design
• Union Volunteer Fire Department – $10,000 to increase firefighter safety through the purchase of self-contained breathing apparatuses for a new firetruck
• Valparaiso Family YMCA – $7,500 to replace the pool lift chair, ensuring safe and inclusive access to aquatic programs
• VNA Hospice NWI – $5,000 to build outreach and fundraising capacity

These grants are possible because of the support of philanthropic community members who have given to the Porter County Community Fund or made unrestricted gifts to the Foundation since 1996. Through December 31, every dollar donated to the Community Fund up to a $1.5 million goal will be matched with $2 by Lilly Endowment Inc.

The next Community Fund grant cycle will open in January with an application deadline of February 15, 2026. More information is available online at PCCF.gives.

VALPARAISO, IND. —  The Women’s Fund of Porter County, held at the Porter County Community Foundation (PCCF), is awarding $57,500 in grants to local organizations that meet the needs of women and children. 

The Caring Place and Porter County Aging and Community Services will receive $25,000 each to support high-impact programs. Dressed For School, Our Greater Good, and Parents As Teachers of Porter County will each receive $2,500 for general support. 

The Caring Place provides inclusive services, shelter, and ongoing support for people experiencing domestic violence. This grant will support The Caring Kitchen, which provides daily, nutritious meals to survivors in shelter, reducing waste and costs while creating a welcoming space for nourishment and healing.

Porter County Aging and Community Services extends a helping hand to seniors, people with disabilities and low-income residents by providing compassionate services to improve their quality of life while maintaining their dignity and independence. The organization is receiving grant support for the Hardship Assistance Program, which provides immediate, compassionate support to Porter County women and children facing financial crises. The program’s primary goal is to stabilize families by addressing urgent needs such as housing, utility disconnections, transportation barriers, and access to necessities like food and hygiene items.

“The Women’s Fund of Porter County brings together philanthropically minded individuals who make impactful grants in our community each year. Through the power of collective giving, the Women’s Fund is creating positive change and improving lives in our community,” said Jeri Pat Gabbert, PCCF Executive Vice President & Chief Philanthropic Officer. “Everyone is welcome to join this effort.”

Annually, the Women’s Fund supports local organizations through a competitive grant process. Since inception, the Fund has awarded 66 grants totaling over $950,000. To learn more or make a gift to the Women’s Fund, visit pccf.gives/womensfund.

The Porter County Community Foundation collaborates with community members to support their favorite causes by creating and managing permanent endowment funds that make it possible for generosity to last forever. Since 1996, PCCF has awarded over $50 million in grants and scholarships to organizations and students in our community. To learn more about how you can make a lasting difference for your favorite causes, contact PCCF at 219-465-0294 or visit the foundation online at PCCF.gives.