LAGRANGE – The LaGrange County Community Foundation has awarded $70,000 to seven local nonprofits through the spring cycle of its Community Impact Grants Program. These grants support programs and services that improve the quality of life in LaGrange County.
The largest grant, $25,000, was awarded to the LaGrange County Council on Aging for the construction of a new garage to house vehicles for its LaGrange County Area Transit (LCAT) program. The garage will protect the fleet from weather, extend the life of the vehicles, and improve service reliability. LCAT is the county’s only public rural transportation provider, helping residents — especially seniors — get to medical appointments, work, and essential services both in and outside of the county.
“The need for a new garage is critical to maintaining and expanding the transportation services that many LaGrange County residents rely on for their daily needs,” said Cheri Perkins, LaGrange COA Executive Director. “Community support through donations and advocacy is essential to the success of this program.”
Ark Animal Rescue and Adoption Center received $20,000 for its Bark at the Ark Barn Initiative, a meet-and-greet space for adoptive families and rescue animals. The barn will also be used for youth programs and community outreach. A no-kill shelter, Ark rehomed 700 animals in 2024 and provides animal control services throughout the county.
“Through community support and all of our programs, Ark Animal Rescue fosters a compassionate community dedicated to the well-being of animals,” said Jill Hostetler, Interim Executive Director of Ark Animal Rescue.
LaGrange County Hope was awarded $10,000 to expand its youth food delivery program, which provides weekly meal packs—including fresh and cold items—to nearly 450 children across all three LaGrange County school districts.
“There are so many ways to contribute to this vital program,” said Sonja Giggy, President of LaGrange County Hope. “Whether it’s a monetary gift, donating food, or helping pack meals, we can all make a difference.”
Additional grants include:
- Cancer Services of Northeast Indiana – $5,000 for client advocacy and support in LaGrange County
- Community Harvest Food Bank – $1,500 to support the Farm Wagon mobile pantry
- Fort Wayne Philharmonic Orchestra – $5,000 for music education programs and live ensemble performances in local schools
- McMillen Health – $3,500 for preventative health education programs for LaGrange County youth
These grants are made possible by generous donors who support the Foundation’s unrestricted and field-of-interest funds. Contributions to the Caring Community Fund are currently matched 2-to-1 through Lilly Endowment’s GIFT VIII Initiative, tripling the impact of every gift through December 31, 2025. A $100 donation becomes $300 for community grantmaking.
Donors can also create a named unrestricted fund to support future community grants. A new fund can be started with a gift of $3,500 and matched to reach the $10,000 minimum for a permanent endowment. The Foundation has until December 31, 2025, to raise $262,500 in eligible gifts to unlock the full match.
“Our Community Impact Grants reflect the passion of local nonprofits and the generosity of donors who care deeply about LaGrange County,” said Octavia Yoder, Executive Director of the Foundation. “It’s inspiring to see these investments at work—supporting neighbors, empowering youth, and strengthening families. With the matching opportunity, it’s a powerful time to invest in the future of our community.”
About the LaGrange County Community Foundation
Founded in 1991, the LaGrange County Community Foundation strives to enrich the lives of LaGrange County residents by fostering partnerships, supporting nonprofits, empowering local initiatives, and investing in students. Guided by a mission to inspire and sustain generosity, leadership, and service, the Foundation collaborates with individuals, families, and businesses to build permanent charitable resources for the community.
