Porter County Community Foundation

Women’s Fund of Porter County Invests $65,000 in Programs Strengthening Women and Families

Lauren Varga — Thu, 10 Sep 2026 13:00:31 +0000

VALPARAISO, IND. — The Women’s Fund of Porter County, a giving circle of the Porter County Community Foundation (PCCF), is awarding $65,000 in grants to three local organizations whose programs address critical needs facing women and children in our community.

The Northwest Indiana (NWI) Food Council and Parents as Teachers of Porter County will each receive $25,000 and the Society of St. Vincent de Paul will receive $15,000 for high-impact programs.

NWI Food Council’s FarmHer to Mama program connects pregnant and postpartum women with monthly boxes of fresh, locally grown food, nutrition education, and community support while creating reliable markets for women farmers. This grant will allow the program to expand its reach and provide more Porter County mothers with access to resources they need during a critical stage of life.

Parents as Teachers of Porter County is dedicated to strengthening families and promoting healthy child development. This award will enable the organization to serve more children through the EXTEND program, which provides individualized kindergarten and beyond support to strengthen foundational developmental skills, build confidence, and reduce the need for future academic intervention.

The Society of St. Vincent de Paul aids community members in need of resources including food, clothing, rent, and utilities. Recognizing the financial barriers that women and children face when seeking to transition from shelters to permanent housing in Porter County, the Society requested funding to establish a program that will assist these individuals with resolving outstanding utility bills or paying deposits to secure stable housing.

“Through the power of collective giving, the Women’s Fund makes a meaningful difference in the lives of women and families in our community,” said Bill Higbie, PCCF President and CEO. “These grants help strengthen the work of dedicated community partners by expanding access to nutritious food, early childhood support, and stable housing.”

Since its inception, the Women’s Fund of Porter County has granted more than $1 million to local organizations to fund essential programs that support women and children throughout Porter County. To learn more or make a gift to the Women’s Fund, visit pccf.gives/womensfund.

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.

NIPSCO and the Porter County Community Foundation Partner to Deliver $600,000 in Disaster Relief Across Porter County

Lauren Varga — Fri, 04 Sep 2026 09:00:59 +0000

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.

“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 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.

Lifetime

Lauren Varga — Thu, 03 Sep 2026 13:00:56 +0000

Dave Milligan loved this community. He grew up in Northwest Indiana and returned to his roots in his retirement years. In between, he attended Louisiana State University on a boxing scholarship, served in the Korean War, and built a life in Northern California with his wife of thirty-eight years, Marion.

In 2014, Dave established an endowment fund benefiting VNA Hospice of Northwest Indiana, an organization that brought comfort at the end of Marion’s life. Over the next five years, he established four more funds that provide ongoing support to local nonprofits that serve children and adults. He also created the Dave and Marion Milligan Community Endowment Fund, which benefits many local organizations through PCCF’s Community Fund grant program.

Dave spent time talking with our staff about the benefits of starting endowment funds, and he ensured his estate plan included gifts to each of the funds he established. In this way he made a lasting commitment to his community.

These philanthropic gifts will forever benefit the local causes Dave cherished. “I’m grateful for the opportunity to support my community in a special way,” he reflected during a visit to PCCF.

We are honored to steward endowment funds like the ones Dave created and contributed to during his lifetime and through his charitable estate plan. Because of his generosity, the causes that were closest to Dave’s heart will continue to benefit forever.

At Ease

Lauren Varga — Thu, 13 Aug 2026 13:33:24 +0000

Sarah participated in therapeutic riding lessons at Reins of Life for years. She loved being at the barn and around the horses, but lessons on horseback were a struggle because of her fear of heights. She required additional support and encouragement to get through each lesson.

Reins of Life improves the quality of life for children and adults with disabilities through equine-assisted therapy. Since 1978, the organization has provided a safe and enriching environment for individuals with a wide variety of diagnoses to participate in fun, educational, and therapeutic programs.

“During lessons, participants work with their equine partners, building horsemanship and practical skills for living and leading healthy lives,” said Dorota Janik, Executive Director. “Carriage driving gives our students a riding alternative, which opens up the world of horses to those who may be unable to ride.”

Sarah became the first to participate in the therapeutic carriage driving program when Reins of Life introduced it after years of preparation and training. Her experience transformed when she transitioned to carriage driving, where she was much more at ease. While instructors had previously negotiated with her to ride a little further, the opposite became true when Sarah drove a carriage, asking for more time at the end of the lessons.

Your philanthropy has helped Reins of Life expand and strengthen its therapeutic carriage driving program by supporting the purchase of a four-wheeled carriage. Thank you for being a part of this life-changing work.

Photo: Dorota Janik, Reins of Life Executive Director

Summer Message

Lauren Varga — Thu, 06 Aug 2026 13:00:29 +0000

In the thirty years since the creation of the Porter County Community Foundation, you have demonstrated generosity in ways we never could have predicted. As we celebrate this milestone, we are taking a moment to reflect on the past, look ahead to the future, and, most importantly, thank you for your role in transforming our community.

Porter County is a better place today than it was thirty years ago because of you. Together, we are building a strong and vibrant community where babies receive the best possible start in life, a robust network of mission-driven organizations work to support our neighbors in a variety of ways, and residents of all ages benefit from all that our community has to offer.

I hope you will join us for an open house on October 8 celebrating thirty years of generosity and partnership. Come see the history that we’ve built together. Meet other philanthropic individuals, past and present board members, staff, special guests, and community members with a common vision to build a stronger Porter County.

Whether you are part of our past, present, or future, I look forward to celebrating with you.

-Bill

Porter County Residents May Apply for Lilly Endowment Community Scholarship

Lauren Varga — Mon, 27 Jul 2026 13:29:00 +0000

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).

Porter County Community Foundation Launches Energize Porter County Initiative

Lauren Varga — Tue, 21 Jul 2026 13:00:44 +0000

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.

“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.

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

Recovery

Lauren Varga — Thu, 09 Jul 2026 13:00:31 +0000

After losing a close friend and mentor to cancer, John turned to alcohol to cope. It became an addiction that compounded his problems and led to isolation. Seeking support and a way forward, John learned about Three20 Recovery Community from his godmother and decided to explore further.

Three20 Recovery empowers individuals recovering from substance use and mental health disorders through holistic support, creative programming, and peer mentorship. Through five core pathways— art, music, nutrition, fitness, and faith— the organization combines creativity with practical tools and applications to support individuals in their recovery journeys. A 2025 Porter County Community Fund grant for $8,683 is supporting Bringing Arts to Life, an initiative that provides new avenues for expression through music, culinary arts, and 3D design.

“A big part of recovery is connecting people with their passions,” said Allen Grecula, Executive Director. “There is a critical need for recovery programs that extend beyond abstinence, offering opportunities for skill-building, self-expression, and social connection. Bringing Arts to Life responds to this need by creating a safe, welcoming space where participants can rebuild confidence, discover new talents, and take pride in what they create.”

John started participating in Three20’s programming and connected with staff and others in recovery. “I started feeling like the old John again,” he said. “I was personable and outgoing, but I lost it for a long time. After getting involved with Three20, I started to see that guy again. It probably saved my life.”

Your support of the Porter County Community Fund helps provide impactful opportunities for individuals in recovery. Thank you for being part of this work.

Stewardship

Lauren Varga — Thu, 18 Jun 2026 13:00:34 +0000

Myrna Newgent learned the power of generous acts from her father. A World War II veteran, he continued his public service after the war by joining the volunteer fire department and helping to build the local firehouse and establish the rescue service. Born and raised in Virginia, Myrna and her husband, John, moved to northwest Indiana when he was hired as a civil engineer with American Bridge Company.

Inspired by a botany class she took at Indiana Dunes National Park, Myrna became curious about the local environment. When she retired from her job with the Social Security Administration, she had time to enjoy nature, walking around Miller Beach and looking for the plants she learned about in class.

Myrna soon became involved with Shirley Heinze Land Trust, an organization that preserves and restores natural areas in northwest Indiana. She joined the board and served as president for thirteen years. Myrna’s dedication to this work was fueled by her belief in the mission, her love of being outdoors, and the generous spirit passed on to her by her father. John supported her work, volunteering alongside her and offering his engineering skills.

After John passed, Myrna decided to establish the John and Myrna Newgent Stewardship Program Endowment Fund through the Porter County Community Foundation to provide perpetual support for the stewardship of Shirley Heinze Land Trust properties. “My involvement and commitment to Shirley Heinze Land Trust is my way of making the world a better place,” Myrna said. “Endowment giving provides the opportunity for me to help protect the biodiversity we have here for generations to come.”

PCCF is proud to manage this fund and ensure that Myrna’s efforts to support the long-term health and restoration of natural land in northwest Indiana will continue forever.

First Things First Porter County Selected for The Stanford Center on Early Childhood 2026 RAPID Community Voices Cohort

Lauren Varga — Wed, 10 Jun 2026 13:31:43 +0000

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.