Unity Foundation Celebrates Accomplishments and Grant Winners
During Unity Foundation's Annual Celebration, staff and board members reflected on the Foundation’s progress over the past year, unveiled the 2023-2024 Annual Report to the Community, and proudly announced $210,000 in Power for Good Community Grants to 53 local organizations.
Maggi Spartz, President of Unity Foundation, shared insights on the Foundation’s history and its future vision, emphasizing the impact of community philanthropy.
“We are deeply grateful for the trust our donors and supporters have placed in us over the last 32 years. The dedicated nonprofits we work with inspire us every day. Together, Unity is becoming a stronger ‘Power for Good’ in La Porte County and Northwest Indiana,” Spartz remarked. She highlighted key initiatives Unity has undertaken to bolster the county’s vitality. During the event, founding board member Leigh Morris and his wife Marcia were recognized for their enduring contributions.
Additional speakers included Allison Gormier from Mason Investment Advisory Company, who discussed how Unity’s endowment funds are responsibly managed and protected. Harrison Holtcamp, Executive Director of the Nest Shelter, shared the ways Unity Foundation has supported the shelter’s efforts to aid the homeless and increase operational capacity. Lori Howard of Harbour Trust and Investment Company explained how Unity’s endowment options assist donors in making a lasting impact on the community.
Attendees also received Unity’s newly released Annual Report to the Community, which shares stories of impactful people and programs across La Porte County. The report is available digitally at uflc.net.
Matching Gift Opportunity for Power for Good Fund
Jamie Miller, Development Officer at Unity Foundation, expressed gratitude to the many visionary donors who make the Foundation’s work possible. Miller also shared an exciting giving opportunity, noting, “Until the end of 2025, every dollar donated to Unity’s Power for Good Fund will be tripled up to $1.125 million, thanks to Lilly Endowment. Meeting this goal will provide $2.25 million in additional funds to support local nonprofits. We need everyone’s help to meet this match.”
2023 Power for Good Community Grants
The event concluded with Unity Board Member and Grant Committee Chairwoman, Laura Francesconi, recognizing the 53 nonprofit organizations that received Power for Good Community Grants this year. These grants are aimed at supporting a wide range of impactful programs, from youth leadership and food security to environmental sustainability and homelessness prevention. A few of the funded programs include:
- Arts in the Park – Summer Concert Series
- Boys & Girls Clubs of La Porte County – Springfield Club Afterschool Programming
- Dunebrook, Inc. – Trauma-Focused Therapy for Child Abuse Victims
- Nest Community Shelter – Emergency Homeless Shelter
- La Porte County Meals on Wheels – Blizzard Box Bonanza
A complete list of the 2023 grant recipients can be found on Unity Foundation’s website.
This year’s grants were made possible through generous support from various funds held at Unity Foundation, including the AAUW La Porte Community Fund, Backer Family Fund, Fred & Helen Brust Community Fund, and many others.