“In 1992, an opportunity presented by the Indianapolis-based Lilly Endowment Inc. to start a community foundation grew into a thriving and impactful organization. Building the Unity Foundation from scratch and transforming La Porte County and the region has been the honor of my lifetime,” said Spartz. “I am so proud of what we have accomplished together!”

Spartz’s passion for La Porte County and the region over 33 years has been unmatched. She is known for closely listening to donors and uncovering people’s passions for causes they care about. She invested time and energy unifying the county and region and being a champion for innovation, leadership and entrepreneurship.

Jon Gilmore, Chairman of the Unity Foundation board of directors, said, “Maggi has been the heart and soul of our foundation for over 33 years. Under her extraordinary leadership, Unity has grown exponentially, touching countless lives in our community. Her unwavering dedication and visionary guidance have established a lasting legacy. While we will deeply miss her day-to-day presence, we celebrate her much-deserved retirement and wish her all the best in this next adventure of her life.”

Spartz’s key achievements since 1992:

Raised $55 million in Unity directly plus $23 million in indirect grants.

Awarded nearly $29 million in grants and scholarships, benefiting residents, non-profits, colleges and employers.

Strengthened local nonprofits by building endowment funds and providing grants.

Founded and nurtured numerous collaborations that have impacted housing, prevented homelessness, enhanced community leadership, promoted youth development, protected the environment, and supported education and arts and culture.

Inspired donors and professional advisors to understand the “miracle of Endowment,” think long term and make planned gifts, founded the Gold Key Society.

Represented La Porte County on the regional, state and national stage.

Managed 350 funds that reflect the goals and values of the donors who started them, forever connecting them with causes they care about now and for generations to come.

Improved educational attainment through scholarships and initiatives that supported students and families, attracting $18 million from the Lilly Endowment for education and literacy programs that reached over 67,000 learners in La Porte, Lake, and Porter Counties.

Manage the Lilly Endowment Community Scholarship program awarding full tuition scholarships to 73 students for more than totaling $6 Million since 1998. Many students call La Porte County and Indiana home.

Acted as an essential connector for projects such as Unity Park, Vibrant Communities of La Porte County and Michigan City, pandemic responses, the STAR Center coworking space for nonprofits, the Trail Creek Watershed Partnership, NWI BIZHub, the Home Team, the Society of Innovators, and Ignite the Region economic development efforts.

Successfully met all seven challenge matches presented by the Lilly Endowment, Inc.

Grew Unity’s staff from one to six full-time members. Hosted several interns.

Cultivating and mentoring aspiring leaders through Leadership La Porte County and providing effective facilitation for complex problems toward workable solutions.

The Unity Foundation’s board of directors will initiate a succession plan and comprehensive search for the next president starting in January 2025. The goal is to celebrate Spartz’s legacy and have a new leader on board by the end of 2025. The board is dedicated to sustaining momentum and honoring Spartz’s legacy, ensuring a smooth and transparent leadership transition.

The post Unity Foundation Planning for Retirement of Founding President Maggi Spartz appeared first on Unity Foundation of La Porte County.

“Bailey and Colton embody the spirit of community, true leadership, and perseverance that the Lilly Endowment Community Scholarship seeks to honor. Colton impressed the Scholarship Committee with his dedication to community service, particularly with his role in the Shine the Light Project, which creates inclusive opportunities in theater for people of all abilities, and his leadership in various school organizations like Robotics and National Honor Society. His passion for nursing and serving others reflects his commitment to making a meaningful impact in the world.  Meanwhile, Bailey showcased extraordinary leadership as a student government officer, class president, and athlete across multiple sports. Her work as a student commissioner for Michigan City’s Sustainability Commission and as a volunteer at Tannehill Soup Kitchen highlights her dedication to improving her community and addressing critical issues like food insecurity. Both Bailey and Colton are shining examples of the positive change young leaders can achieve,”  said CC Payne, Director of Operations at Unity Foundation.

Each Lilly Endowment Community Scholarship provides for full tuition, required fees and a special allocation of up to $900 per year for required books and required equipment for four years. The scholarship is for full-time undergraduate students leading to a baccalaureate degree at any eligible Indiana public or private nonprofit college or university. Lilly Endowment Community Scholars may also participate in the Lilly Scholars Network (LSN), which connects both current scholars and alumni with resources and opportunities to be active leaders on their campuses and in their communities. Both the scholarship program and LSN are supported by grants from Lilly Endowment to Independent Colleges of Indiana (ICI) and Indiana Humanities.

In determining La Porte County’s Lilly Endowment Community Scholar nominees, consideration was given to Service, Academics, and Activities by the Unity Foundation Scholarship Committee,  After the field of applicants was narrowed down, nominees were submitted to ICI, the statewide administrator of the Lilly Endowment Community Scholarship Program, which approves the final selection of scholarship recipients.

Maggi Spartz, Unity Foundation President shares “The Unity Foundation staff and volunteers invest a lot of time reviewing the applications, choosing and interviewing the finalists in person.  The scores are tallied the two highest scores are referred to ICI.  The quality of the candidates make this task very hard, yet makes us all proud of what our high school students are achieving!”

Lilly Endowment created the Lilly Endowment Community Scholarship Program for the 1997-98 school year. Since then, grant funding in excess of $490 million has supported more than 5,300 Indiana students who have received scholarships through the program.

The primary purposes of the Lilly Endowment Community Scholarship Program 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.

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Since 1992, Unity Foundation of La Porte County has served donors, nonprofits and local communities. As La Porte County’s community foundation, it manages $45 million in assets, administers more than 350 charitable funds, and has distributed more than $25 million through direct grants and scholarships. Unity Foundation’s mission is to strengthen La Porte County now and forever by building permanent endowments; providing leadership; offering philanthropic vehicles for everyone; and being a catalyst for social and economic vitality. For more information, please visit uflc.net or call 219-879-0327.

Lilly Endowment Inc. is an Indianapolis-based private foundation created in 1937 by J.K. Lilly Sr. and his sons Eli and J.K. Jr. through gifts of stock in their pharmaceutical business, Eli Lilly and Company. Although the gifts of stock remain a financial bedrock of the Endowment, it is a separate entity from the company, with a distinct governing board, staff and location. In keeping with the 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 founders’ 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. Founded in 1948, ICI serves as the collective voice for the state’s 29 private, nonprofit colleges and universities. ICI institutions employ over 22,000 Hoosiers and generate a total local economic impact of over $5 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. 

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“This year’s finalists are a truly remarkable group of young adults. They have strong grades, are involved in many activities and have already provided service to their communities.  Their futures are bright and we hope they will continue to give back to their communities,” said Maggi Spartz, Unity Foundation President.

The finalists and their respective schools are:

• Colton Barnes, South Central Jr-Sr High School
• Drew Bush, La Porte High School
• Bailey Chavis, Michigan City High School
• Abbas Hakim, La Porte High School
• Wyatt Keller, New Prairie High School
• Hannah Parker, Michigan City High School
• Jayde Pryor, Tri-Township Jr./ Sr. High School
• Katherine Sheerin, Marquette Catholic High School
• Savannah Swanson, South Central Jr-Sr High School
• Naomi Williams, Michigan City High School

A committee of local volunteers reviewed the applications in a blind process.  Finalists were selected based on their academic achievement, service to others, extracurricular activities and, to a lesser extent, financial need.  The committee then interviewed each of the finalists. Nominees and alternate names will be submitted to the Independent Colleges of Indiana, Inc., the statewide administrator of the program, for the final selection – which will be announced in December. As a reward for their achievements, the remaining finalists will receive a $2,000 scholarship from the Unity Foundation.

The primary purposes of the program 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.

Since 1992, Unity Foundation of La Porte County has served donors, nonprofits and local communities. As La Porte County’s community foundation, it manages $45 million in assets, administers more than 350 charitable funds, and has distributed more than $25 million through direct grants and scholarships. Unity Foundation’s mission is to strengthen La Porte County now and forever by building permanent endowments; providing leadership; offering philanthropic vehicles for everyone; and being a catalyst for social and economic vitality. For more information, please visit uflc.net or call 219-879-0327.

 Lilly Endowment Inc. is an Indianapolis-based, private philanthropic foundation created in 1937 by J.K. Lilly Sr. and his sons Eli and J.K. Jr. through gifts of stock in their pharmaceutical business, Eli Lilly and Company. Although the gifts of stock remain a financial bedrock of the Endowment, it is a separate entity from the company, with a distinct governing board, staff and location. In keeping with the founders’ wishes, the Endowment supports the causes of community development, education and religion. The Endowment funds significant programs throughout the United States, especially in the field of religion. However, it maintains a special commitment to its founders’ 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 29 private, nonprofit colleges and universities. ICI institutions employ over 22,000 Hoosiers and generate a total local economic impact of over $5 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.

The post Unity Foundation Announces 2025 Lilly Endowment Community Scholarship Finalists appeared first on Unity Foundation of La Porte County.

Unity Foundation President Maggi Spartz spoke on the history of the community foundation, vision for the future, and impact stating, “We are grateful for the trust our donors and you have had in us for 32 years. We are humbled by the dedicated and amazing non-profits who work so hard to serve our communities. With everyone’s help, Unity is becoming an even stronger ‘Power for Good’ in La Porte County and Northwest Indiana.”  She summarized key activities Unity has undertaken to strengthen La Porte County.  Founding board member, Leigh Morris and his wife Marcia were recognized.

Other speakers included Allison Gormier from Mason Investment Advisory Company on how Unity’s endowment funds are managed and protected.  Harrison Holtcamp, Nest Shelter Executive Director described the many ways Unity has helped the Nest, to serve the homeless and build its capacity to operate.  Lori Howard of Harbour Trust and Investment Company described how she helps people to help the community through Unity’s endowment options.

Attendees received Unity’s newly released Annual Report to the Community. The report includes stories about impactful people and programs in La Porte County and information about how anyone can join in this important work. A digital version is available at uflc.net.

Development Officer Jamie Miller thanked the many generous and visionary donors who make the work Unity Foundation does possible. Miller shared different tools Unity has available to help people give, including a limited-time matching opportunity. Miller said, “Through the end of 2025, every dollar donated to Unity’s Power for Good Fund, up to $1.125 million will be tripled! Meeting our goal means more funding is available to support local organizations, like the ones we honor today. We need everyone’s help to meet the match which will earn $2.25 million from Lilly Endowment.”

To cap off the event, Unity Board member and Grant Committee Chairwoman, Laura Francesconi recognized the 53 organizations who received Power for Good Community Grants:

• Advancing Christ’s Kingdom Ministries – Michigan City, ThanksGIVING Turkeys
• Arts in the Park, Summer Concert Series
• Boys & Girls Clubs of La Porte County, Springfield Club 2024/2025 Afterschool Programming
• Catholic Charities, Safe Haven: Homeless Prevention
• Center Township Trustee-La Porte County, Crock Pot Cooking in the School
• Citizens Concerned for the Homeless, Inc., CCH Type 2 Diabetes Prevention and Management Program
• City of La Porte Police Department, Neurosequential Model Assessment
• Community Food Pantry of Galena, Hudson, Kankakee, Wills Townships, Inc., Mission Support
• Diamonds and Pearls Mentorship, Leadership Camp
• Dunebrook, Inc., Child Advocacy Center – Trauma Focused Therapy for Child Abuse Victims
• Dunes Arts Foundation, Creative Theatre Arts Program for Safe Harbor Summer Camp Students
• Dunes House, Feed the Soul of Recovery
• Family Advocates, Expansion Support
• Fly High Youth Services Inc., Fly High for the Holidays
• Friendship Botanic Gardens, Ecological Education Programs
• Girl Scouts of Northern Indiana-Michiana, Girl Scout Leadership Experience–LaPorte County
• HealthLinc, Inc, Cold and Flu Kits for Pediatric Patients in LaPorte County
• Independent Cat Society, Saving Hundreds of Kittens!
• Intrepid Phoenix, Fitness program for recovery from substance use disorder
• Junior Achievement of Northern Indiana, Elementary Programming: Michigan City Area Schools
• La Porte County Drug Free Partnership, Prevention and Intervention of LaPorte County Mental Health and Substance Use Crises
• La Porte County Family YMCA, Youth and Family Programming
• La Porte County Habitat for Humanity, McCollum, and Woodward Street Five Home Project
• La Porte County Meals on Wheels, Blizzard Box Bonanza 8
• La Porte High School, SlicerTech: LaPorte High School Robotics
• La Ventana Culinary School, Culinary Classes for People with Disabilities
• Leadership La Porte County, Inc., High School Program
• LETSGO City, Summer City Sweat
• Michigan City Area Schools, “Future Wolves” Elementary Sports Program
• Michigan City Holiday Meals, Free Holiday Meals
• Michigan City Police Department, Empowering Connections: MCPD and Ben’s Blue Bags
• Nest Community Shelter, Nest Emergency Homeless Shelter
• New Durham Township, Back to School Tennis Shoes
• New Prairie High School Robotics, NPHS Las Pumas 2197 Robotics – 2024-2025 FIRST Robotics Competition Season
• Open Door Community Alliance, Inc., Medication Assistance Program
• Paladin, Additional Infant Care Classroom
• The Pax Center, Community Gardens
• Sacred Heart Food Pantry at St. Mary, Power for Good: Feeding and Caring for Michigan City’s Most Needy
• The Salvation Army of LaPorte Indiana, Client Choice Food Pantry
• The Salvation Army of Michigan City, Weekend Backpack Feeding Program
• Save the Dunes, Co-Creating a Demonstration Pollinator Garden with La Porte County Communities
• Shirley Heinze Land Trust, The Art of Ambler Flatwoods Nature Preserve: A Coloring Book for Conservation
• Social and Learning Institute, Inc., Science & Nature Exploration
• St Michael’s Inc, Drone and Boxing Program
• Stepping Stone Shelter for Women, Inc., Shelter Basic Needs Food Program
• Supplemental United Pantry, Inc., Fill The Shelves
• Tannehill Community Soup Kitchen, Mission Support
• Trinity Episcopal Church, Community Food Pantry
• We All In Recovery Inc, Recovery Cafe
• Westville-New Durham Township Public Library, Supporting Early Childhood Literacy in Westville
• Women’s Care Center, CARE Program
• Young Audiences of Indiana, Inc., Arts-Integrated Education Residencies
• Youth Service Bureau of LaPorte County, School Buddies Mentoring

This year’s grants are funded through the following funds held at Unity Foundation: AAUW La Porte Community Fund, Backer Family Fund, Fred & Helen Brust Community Fund, John P. & Anne H. Daley  Community Fund, Ernest & Mildred Delco Community Fund, Pauline M. Dent Community Fund, Randy & Jane Dorman Foundation, Charles T. & Pauline Dye Community Fund, Mark E. Essling Community Fund, Sanford Z. Friedman Community Fund, David C. Gardner Community Fund, Kabelin Family Fund, Dennis B. Kelley Community Fund, Ruth W. Pollingue Community Fund, Purdue Federal Credit Union Fund, Scott and Marianne Rice Family Community Fund, Tom & Judy Ringo Fund, Phillip A. Sprague Community Fund, Thomas C. & Blanch G. Stokes Community Fund, Tower/Oktoberfest Community Fund, John & Jean Vail Community Fund, Sandra L. Young Community Fund, Barry C. Dulyea Arts Fund for Children, Charles Westcott Youth Fund, Debbie New Paholski Foundation, Dent and Sterger Families Foundation, Glick Foundation Fund for the City of La Porte, The Graduates of Isaac C Elston High School Education Support Fund, Jeannette Popp Kent Mental Health Fund, Jerry Peters Memorial Fund, John A. and Dorothy Sieb Carstens Fund, La Porte County Mental Health Fund, Polad Animal Care Endowment Fund, Tuholski & Oberlie Environment & Arts Fund for Youth, Ulery Family Fund, Unity Foundation Literacy Fund, and Women’s Well Being Fund.

About Unity Foundation

Since 1992, Unity Foundation of La Porte County has served donors, nonprofits, and local communities. As La Porte County’s community foundation, it manages $45 million in assets, administers more than 350 charitable funds, and has distributed more than $25 million through direct grants and scholarships. Unity Foundation’s mission is to strengthen La Porte County now and forever by building permanent endowments; providing leadership; offering philanthropic vehicles for everyone; and being a catalyst for social and economic vitality. For more information, please visit uflc.net or call 219-879-0327.

The post Unity Foundation Celebrates Accomplishments and Grant Winners appeared first on Unity Foundation of La Porte County.

The Leadership La Porte County Endowment Fund, held at Unity Foundation, provides annual support to the organization. Robert J. Hiler, Jr. generously donated to this fund after it was established in 1996, and he provided significant support through a bequest upon his passing. Thanks to his contributions and the gifts of many others, Leadership La Porte County will receive this funding annually…forever.

The Adult Community Leadership Program is geared toward community engagement, team building, community knowledge, leadership skill development and networking. Class sessions take place one day per month from September through May. Unity Foundation believes so strongly in this program that our staff members are graduates!

Multiple youth programs build on skills, ideas, and energy of local youth to improve the community through service-led projects, to promote learning through youth service, to develop youth leadership skills, to promote civic participation and to encourage youth to develop a sense of proud ownership in the community.

The adult and youth programs have benefitted from Unity’s Power for Good Community Grants Program for several years. In 2023 the organization received a grant for its High School Leadership Program and Youth Advisory Council.

Over the past forty years Leadership La Porte County has created more informed residents by increasing awareness of our county’s rich history and all its diverse communities have to offer, providing opportunities for dialogue with community stakeholders to learn about complex local issues, and enhancing community pride and service.

To learn more and get involved visit leadershiplaportecounty.com.

The post Leadership La Porte County Celebrates 40 Years of Impact appeared first on Unity Foundation of La Porte County.

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The Lilly Endowment Community Scholarship Program (LECSP), administered statewide by Independent Colleges of Indiana (ICI) and locally in La Porte County by Unity Foundation will provide scholarships to two La Porte County students. LECSP scholarships may be used for otherwise unreimbursed full tuition, required fees, and a special allocation of up to $900 per year.  The special allocation may cover the costs for required books and required 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.

To be eligible, students must: be a resident of La Porte County; graduate by June 30, 2025, from an accredited high school that serves La Porte County; intend to pursue a full-time baccalaureate course of study at an eligible college or university in Indiana; have a GPA (unweighted) of at least 3.75 as of the beginning of their senior year of high school and submit a complete online application at uflc.net/scholarships/lilly by the deadline.

Applications will be evaluated based on academic achievement, demonstrated service to others, leadership ability, commitment and motivation to succeed, and to a lesser extent, financial need. A committee comprised of volunteers from throughout the county will interview finalists before recommending two students to the Independent Colleges of Indiana, who make the final selection. Scholarship recipients will be notified in December.

The primary purposes of the program 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.

Since 1998, 74 La Porte County students and their families have benefitted from this generous scholarship program, totaling more than $6 million. “We are proud of the academic and professional success of all our Lilly Endowment Community Scholars. We are especially proud of those who have returned to the area as adults and are now giving back to La Porte County in a variety of ways,” said Maggi Spartz, Unity Foundation President.

 Since 1992, Unity Foundation of La Porte County has served donors, nonprofits and local communities. As La Porte County’s community foundation, it manages $45 million in assets, administers more than 350 charitable funds, and has distributed more than $25 million through direct grants and scholarships. Unity Foundation’s mission is to strengthen La Porte County now and forever by building permanent endowments; providing leadership; offering philanthropic vehicles for everyone; and being a catalyst for social and economic vitality. For more information, please visit uflc.net or call 219-879-0327.

 Lilly Endowment Inc. is an Indianapolis-based, private philanthropic foundation created in 1937 by J.K. Lilly Sr. and his sons Eli and J.K. Jr. through gifts of stock in their pharmaceutical business, Eli Lilly and Company. Although the gifts of stock remain a financial bedrock of the Endowment, it is a separate entity from the company, with a distinct governing board, staff and location. In keeping with the founders’ wishes, the Endowment supports the causes of community development, education and religion. The Endowment funds significant programs throughout the United States, especially in the field of religion. However, it maintains a special commitment to its founders’ 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 29 private, nonprofit colleges and universities. ICI institutions employ over 22,000 Hoosiers and generate a total local economic impact of over $5 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. 

The post Lilly Endowment Community Scholarship Application Available appeared first on Unity Foundation of La Porte County.

Lauren Varga, Unity Foundation Marketing & Program Manager, said, “Unity Foundation is honored to administer this program and support local students each year. Beyond providing financial assistance, receiving these awards is proof to the recipients that their community is behind them as they pursue their academic goals.”

A virtual scholarship presentation recognizing this year’s recipients and the donors who make the awards possible is available on the Unity website, uflc.net, YouTube channel and Facebook page.

“Unity loves investing in our students! We are grateful for the visionary donors who provide perpetual support for La Porte County students, reducing families’ tuition bills and student debt obligations,” said Maggi Spartz, Unity Foundation President. “We hope that one day the recipients will pay forward this kindness and help support future generations of local students.”

Students may apply for scholarships for the 2025-2026 academic year beginning in January 2025. High school seniors, non-traditional or returning students, as well as those pursuing certificates or undergraduate, graduate or doctoral degrees are encouraged to visit uflc.net to learn more about the opportunities available.

2024-2025 SCHOLARSHIP RECIPIENTS

 Bhagirathi Agrawal Scholarship

Gideon Rosa

 Row Crop Agricultural Scholarship

Reece Eggert

Katelyn Hertges

Brady Kessler

Anna Minich

Judith A. Amor Nursing Scholarship

Mackenzie LaGard

Gustav J. & Elma A. Banzhaf Memorial Scholarship

Hailey Dawson

Anna Landing

Emma Luther

Zoe Pietrzak

Alissa Sonnenberg

Bensz Family Scholarship

Kyra Krachinski

Krystani Quinn

Ashley Sparks

Lloyd G. & Betty Jane Clayton Scholarship

Haleigh Miller

William Vernon Compton Scholarship

Gavin Zolvinski

Cunningham Scholarship

Sierra Dabney

Ernest & Mildred Delco Scholarship

Gideon Rosa

Carley Dickard Memorial Scholarship

Anna Minich

Galena Township Scholarship Award

Evan Lux

Reese Yettaw

James A. & Phyllis A. Garwood Memorial Music Scholarship

Ashley Sparks

Donald & Beverly Guse Scholarship

Miranda Wozniak

Harold & Rowena Hargrave Scholarship

Makenna Micallef

Robert J. Hiler Memorial Scholarship

Justin Bunce

Byonka Hernandez

Ruth M. Howe Scholarship

Dominic Yanke

Ingersoll Trust Scholarship

Kaitlyn Day

Brayden Sobecki

Bruce R. Johnson Scholarship

Vanessa DeWitt

Richard James Johnson Agriculture Scholarship

Anna Minich

Dr. King S. Jones Memorial Scholarship

Kyra Krachinski

K.A.T. Volunteer Scholarship

Allison Galinowski

Taylor Reaves

Brayden Sobecki

Pooja Verma

Arthur & Alice Kabelin Scholarship*

Alexander Ake

Kaitlyn Day

Taylor Higley

Rebecca Marxman

Makenna Micallef

Brenna Woodruff

Kabelin Family Scholarship

Thomas Hill

Preston Richard

Christopher Seadorf

Tristan Sherwood

Kelly-Prentiss Scholarship

Samantha Ake

Evan Curl

Austen Ott

Sandra Calkins Kowalski Scholarship

Mackenzie LaGard

Elizabeth Tate

Mia Taylor

Richard & Tracy Krause Scholarship*

Joel Kelley

Emma Luther

Samantha Wilson

La Porte County Nursing Scholarship

Dominic Bartels

Carley Ellenberger

Allison Grabarczyk

Emma Heffron

Lexi Scheidt

Taylor Skibinski

La Porte County Symphony Orchestra Deborah DePoy Music Scholarship

Anastasia Attar

Robert E. LeRoy Scholarship

Haleigh Miller

Allison Zila

Marilouise Lundgren Lossing Memorial Scholarship*

Lillian Burke

Anna Kubik

Emma Mitschelen

Tristen Poe

Joanie Sanchez

Allison Zila

Jack Lubeznik Scholarship

Sophia Barczak

Robert L. Ludington & Anita Huppenthal Ludington Scholarship 

Layana Aoun

Madeleine Arndt

Kaleb Bacztub

Tyler Bacztub

Brennan Balka

Sophia Barczak

Abigail Bartlett

Francisco Bibian

Reilly Briggs

Owen Chalik

Trenten Chalik

Michael Clark

Caiya Cooper

Carter Craig

Olivia Cramer-Stevens

Logan Crawford

Zoe Crofton

Brenda Del Real

Vanessa DeWitt

Maris Dodge

Sean Egan

Reece Eggert

Aviana Garner

Isabella Gosciniak

Madison Gresham

Zachary Hanchar

Mirabellah Hernandez

Lauren Hertges

Sydney Hill

Emily Huff

Amelia Jaracz

Abigail Kemiel

Brady Kessler

Jennifer Kievert

Rilee Kleist

Michael Lakin

Brenda Lopez

Evan Lux

Tatiana Miller

Riley Moody

Janelle O’Neal

Chesney Osos

Meaghan Painter

Leila Peksa

Reghan Penziol

Michael Pham

Alivia Rocke

Reghan Romstadt

Caleb Rosa

Kendall Rosenbaum

Olivia Ruiz

William Ruszkowski

Trent Sample

Hannah Schoner

Hannah Schuster

Jacob Sherrick

Rachel Sherrick

Tristan Sherwood

Brayden Sobecki

Ashlei Sonnenberg

Ashley Sparks

Riley Steinhiser

Thomas Sullivan

Olivia Swanson

Elizabeth Tate

Madison Tilden

Kendall Troy

Riya Verma

Abigail Walker

Dylan West

Juliana Williams

Miranda Wozniak

Dominic Yanke

Makenzi Young

Ruth & Leonard Minich Scholarship

Hailey Dawson

Anna Minich

Dr. Edwin C. & Alice J. Mueller Scholarship

Dominic Bartels

Coach Nova Scholarship

Evan Lux

Pioneer Scholarship

Kaleb Bacztub

Kaitlyn Day

Kyra Krachinski

Rebecca Marxman

Krystani Quinn

Gideon Rosa

Alissa Sonnenberg

Reese Yettaw

Redington & Rootes Scholarship*

Alexander Ake

Rebecca Marxman

Makenna Micallef

Haleigh Miller

Brenna Woodruff

Allison Zila

Robert A. & Dorothy W. Rocke Scholarship

Allison Galinowski

Logan Higley

Taylor Higley

Olivia Lemon

Brenda Lopez

Taylor Reaves

Belle Scott

Pooja Verma

Donald F. Scott Motivational Scholarship

Layana Aoun

Dejah Hawkins Garner

Jibreel Hoskins

Adrian Huizar

McKenzie Losinski

Krystani Quinn

Alyssa Shaia

Tristan Sherwood

Sophie Sorg

Ashley Sparks

Floyd O. & Betty Shunk Scholarship*

Alexander Ake

Lillian Burke

Allison Grabarczyk

Haleigh Miller

Tristen Poe

Matthew Steele

Mason Tulacz

Brenna Woodruff

Ryley Zawada

Allison Zila

Edward B. & Grace A. Steele Siperek Scholarship

Logan Higley

Amelia Jaracz

Irvin & Peg Swanson Scholarship

Dominic Bartels

Tanber-Blair Golf Scholarship

Alexis Barr

Jenna Bauman

Owen Chalik

Vanessa DeWitt

Jayden Flagg

Maddox Franklin

Kamryn Kubik

Neil G. Thompson Memorial Scholarship*

Cameron Chavez

John R. & Florene A. Troyer Scholarship

McKenzie Losinski

Joslyn Rodriguez

D.I. Walker Scholarship

Kate Borrelli

Allison Galinowski

Logan Higley

Olivia Lemon

Zoey Parrett-Hock

Michael Pham

Taylor Reaves

Belle Scott

Brayden Sobecki

Ethan Wilmsen

Unity Foundation County Wide Scholarship

Kaleb Bacztub

Sophia Barczak

Vanessa DeWitt

Zachary Hanchar

Amelia Jaracz

Brady Kessler

Anna Landing

Olivia Lemon

Emma Luther

Leila Peksa

Alivia Rocke

William Ruszkowski

Alissa Sonnenberg

Abigail Walker

Reese Yettaw

*One or more recipients of this award preferred to remain anonymous

The post Unity Foundation Awards Scholarships for 2024-2025 Academic Year appeared first on Unity Foundation of La Porte County.

Eligible applicants include nonprofit 501(c)(3) organizations located in or serving La Porte County residents. In addition, churches may request funds for non-religious purposes, such as community programs or projects. Governmental bodies, including townships and fire districts, as well as educational institutions and teachers may also apply. Interested applicants are encouraged to review the information available on Unity’s website, uflc.net/grants/community-grants, prior to beginning an application.

“These grants are made possible because of generous donors who are interested in investing in the well-being of our county,” said Shannon Walker, Unity Foundation Vice President.

For more information on Unity’s grant programs or to donate, contact Unity Foundation at (219) 879-0327 or visit uflc.net.

About Unity Foundation

Since 1992, Unity Foundation of La Porte County has served donors, nonprofits and local communities. As La Porte County’s community foundation, it manages $45 million in assets, administers more than 350 charitable funds, and has distributed more than $25 million through direct grants and scholarships. Unity Foundation’s mission is to strengthen La Porte County now and forever by building permanent endowments; providing leadership; offering philanthropic vehicles for everyone; and being a catalyst for social and economic vitality. For more information, please visit uflc.net or call 219-879-0327.

The post Unity Foundation Accepting Community Grant Applications appeared first on Unity Foundation of La Porte County.

“Unity Foundation has a long history of supporting students and teachers. In honor of Teacher Appreciation Day, we are thrilled to celebrate these four teachers for the impact they have on their students every day. The nominations were terrific, and we wish to thank all La Porte County teachers for everything they do throughout the year,” said Shannon Walker, Unity Foundation Vice President.

The following teachers and their schools appear below along with the information shared by their nominators.

 Melissa Coffeen, Kesling Intermediate (La Porte)
“She teaches the mild program for 5th and 6th grade. These kids need so much encouragement and she provides it. She makes sure she has everything in her room for them. Snacks, games, and drinks. She makes sure that she teaches their grade standards at their level. She is their cheerleader.”

Kyle McCallum, South Central
“Kyle is an absolute amazing teacher! He goes over and beyond to teach his students the importance of the earth’s land. He also packs food bags for underprivileged children every week to be sent home on the weekends. He is the real deal of caring for our children.”

 Dan Olson, La Porte High School
“He’s funny. The kids love him. He uses poker to teach statistics. It’s their favorite day of the year. Statistics!”

 Josie Southworth, Joy Elementary (Michigan City)
“She has gone beyond the duties required by her job to care for her children. She has shown compassion for not only their academic growth but also their mental and emotional growth and well being. She is awesome and it has been an honor to have her as my child’s teacher.”

To learn more about Unity Foundation or support their work, visit uflc.net.

About Unity Foundation

Since 1992, Unity Foundation of La Porte County has served donors, nonprofits, and local communities. As La Porte County’s community foundation, it manages $45 million in assets, administers more than 350 charitable funds, and has distributed more than $25 million through direct grants and scholarships. Unity Foundation’s mission is to strengthen La Porte County now and forever by building permanent endowments; providing leadership; offering philanthropic vehicles for everyone; and being a catalyst for social and economic vitality. For more information, please visit uflc.net or call 219-879-0327.

The post Unity Foundation of La Porte County Celebrates Teacher Appreciation Day with Grants appeared first on Unity Foundation of La Porte County.