Grants support youth-focused projects

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The Dekko Foundation, a private family foundation located in Kendallville, IN, with a mission of fostering economic freedom through education, awarded more than $980,000 in grants and pledges to 16 youth-serving organizations during its most recent round of grantmaking.

The foundation, started in 1981 by the late businessman and philanthropist Chester E. Dekko, invests in projects and programs that help build knowledge, skills, and character in children and young people from birth through age 18 so they can be self-sufficient and grow up to be economically free.

Its grantmaking is concentrated within 13 counties in four states — Indiana, Iowa, Alabama, and Minnesota — where Mr. Dekko had business or personal interests.

Organizations receiving grants and pledges were:

  • Lost Sparrows, Inc. (Winona Lake, IN): $20,000 to support the organization’s annual conference for youth workers and caregivers where they learn practices and strategies that contribute to their understanding of the healthy development of young people.
  • Murray Community School District (Murray, IA): $1,500 to support updating a high school classroom so it better meets the learning needs of students.
  • Syracuse-Wawasee Park Foundation (Syracuse, IN): $100,000 to support the extension of the Syracuse-Wawasee Trail so students can engage in outdoor recreation and have a safe route to Wawasee Middle School.
  • Youth for Christ of Northern Indiana, Inc. (Fort Wayne, IN): $75,000 to support caring adults building authentic relationships with middle and high school students that enrich their mental, spiritual, and social well-being.
  • Athens City Schools (Athens, AL): $30,000 to support science, technology, engineering, art, and math (STEAM) opportunities at Athens Renaissance School so that students build problem-solving, collaboration, leadership, teamwork, and other skills.
  • Grace College (Winona Lake): $40,000 to support educational programs for preschool through sixth-grade students that enhance their understanding of natural environments, aquatic life, and career opportunities.
  • Mount Ayr Community Schools (Mount Ayr, IA): $500,000 to support building and equipping a career technical education academy for high school students from Mount Ayr and surrounding communities so they gain workforce-ready skills and are better prepared for their next steps after graduation.
  • Norman County East Schools (Twin Valley, MN): $7,000 to support updating science equipment that adds to students’ learning and engagement in the classroom.
  • Shore Church, Inc./Rainbow Years Learning Center (Shipshewana, IN): $800 to support staff members’ professional development that contributes to their work with young people.
  • Tippecanoe Valley School Corporation (Akron, IN): $10,000 to support high school students’ understanding of photography so they can express themselves creatively and build skills that can lead to a career or starting their own business.
  • Warsaw Community Schools (Warsaw, IN): $21,710 to support the leadership development of elementary students as well as equipping educators with principles and strategies that elevate their work.
  • Westview School Corporation (Topeka, IN): $13,000 to support more extracurricular opportunities for junior and senior high school students through esports.
  • Boys & Girls Clubs of Elkhart County (Goshen, IN): $5,000 to support after-school programs in Angola, IN, and Ligonier, IN, so elementary students have a safe place to participate in activities, get homework help, and engage with caring adults.
  • East Noble Show Choir Boosters, Inc. (Kendallville, IN): $7,500 to support choir members’ growing confidence in their music and performance skills.
  • GO Foundation (LaGrange, IN): $150,000 to support the opening of a new childcare center for children ages 0-5 that contributes their healthy development and provides another option in the community for parents.
  • Greater Warsaw Cooperative Preschool, Inc. (Warsaw): $2,000 to support an additional classroom at the school that can help children develop foundational skills during their formative years.

If you’d like to learn more about how investments such as these support children and young people so they can achieve economic freedom later in life, contact a Dekko Foundation program officer at 260-347-1278. Or visit dekkofoundation.org to explore the foundation’s mission and funding priorities, review its grantmaking process, or send a grant proposal.

Schools, nonprofits receive grants for work with young people

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KENDALLVILLE, IN — The Dekko Foundation, a private family foundation located in Kendallville, IN, with a mission of fostering economic freedom through education, awarded more than $770,000 in grants and pledges to 13 youth-serving organizations during its most recent round of grantmaking.

The foundation, started in 1981 by the late businessman and philanthropist Chester E. Dekko, invests in projects and programs that help build knowledge, skills, and character in children and young people from birth through age 18 so they can be self-sufficient and grow up to be economically free.

Its grantmaking is concentrated within 13 counties in four states — Indiana, Iowa, Alabama, and Minnesota — where Mr. Dekko had business or personal interests.

Organizations receiving grants and pledges were:

  • Fellowship of Christian Athletes (Roanoke, IN): $40,000 to support the organization’s financial sustainability so that staff and volunteers can provide mentoring to student-athletes in the Dekko Foundation’s Northeast Indiana grantmaking area.
  • Judy A. Morrill Recreation Center (Garrett, IN): $330,000 over three years to support the organization’s operations so that young people can develop skills and habits for lifelong learning through its early education and youth programs.
  • Iowa Jobs for America’s Graduates (Des Moines, IA): $37,500 to support in-school programs in Clarke and Union counties that help young people build career-ready skills and gain experience through work-based learning opportunities.
  • Ada-Borup-West School District (Ada, MN): $90,000 over three years to support the district’s summer school program so students in grades K-6 are engaged in reading, math, and science and can participate in community field trips.
  • Cardinal Services, Inc. (Warsaw, IN): $30,000 to support science, technology, engineering, and math learning in Head Start classrooms that appeals to children’s natural curiosity and helps prepare them for elementary school.
  • Central Decatur Community School District (Leon, IA): $40,000 to support the renovation of the high school’s weight room so that it better meets the needs of students and supports their physical development.
  • Diagonal Community Schools (Diagonal, IA): $24,270 to support the district’s use of an early learning curriculum so educators have a stronger understanding of child development principles and children are better prepared to enter kindergarten.
  • Diagonal Community Schools: $16,237 over three years to support elementary teachers’ professional development so they can assist students with building foundational reading skills that lead to academic success.
  • Friendship Church (Athens, AL): $26,000 to support Friendship Learning Center’s financial sustainability so that it can retain staff at its three locations and meet the early learning needs of young people.
  • Funshine Learning Center (Lamoni, IA): $50,000 over two years to support the center’s ability to increase enrollment so that its financial sustainability is strengthened.
  • Limestone County Schools (Athens, AL): $20,000 to support the construction of greenhouses at two high schools so that students can build science, math, and literacy skills and gain hands-on experience and training in agriculture.
  • Smith-Green Community Schools (Churubusco, IN): $6,745 to support additional welding equipment for the high school agriculture program so that students can further develop their skills and earn industry-recognized certifications.
  • YMCA of Steuben County (Angola, IN): $56,000 over three years to support water safety classes for second-grade students so they can enjoy outdoor recreation and engage in physical activity.
  • American Legion Charities, Inc. (Indianapolis, IN): $4,500 to support the American Legion in Limestone County, AL, with sending young people to Boys State so they can better understand democracy and how they can be future community leaders.

If you’d like to learn more about how investments such as these support children and young people so they can achieve economic freedom later in life, contact a Dekko Foundation program officer at 260-347-1278. Or visit dekkofoundation.org to explore the foundation’s mission and funding priorities, review its grantmaking process, or send a grant proposal.

Grants advance youth-serving organizations’ work

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KENDALLVILLE, IN — The Dekko Foundation, a private family foundation located in Kendallville, IN, with a mission of fostering economic freedom through education, awarded more than $590,000 in grants and pledges to 12 youth-serving organizations during its most recent round of grantmaking.

The foundation, started in 1981 by the late businessman and philanthropist Chester E. Dekko, invests in projects and programs that help build knowledge, skills, and character in children and young people from birth through age 18 so they can be self-sufficient and grow up to be economically free.

Its grantmaking is concentrated within 13 counties in four states — Indiana, Iowa, Alabama, and Minnesota — where Mr. Dekko had business or personal interests.

Organizations receiving grants and pledges were:

  • Limestone County Schools (Athens, AL): $5,000 to support civics education at the district’s elementary schools so that students build character, problem-solving skills, and their financial literacy that contribute to being a United States citizen.
  • Athens City Schools (Athens, AL): $9,000 to support civics education at the district’s elementary schools so that students build character, problem-solving skills, and their financial literacy that contribute to being a United States citizen.
  • Apple Tree Center (Kendallville, IN): $52,500 to support the center’s operations so its financial sustainability is strengthened and it can serve the needs of young people in preschool through sixth grade through its programs.
  • Freedom Academy, Inc. (Kendallville, IN): $80,000 to support the academy’s tutoring program for students in grades K-8 so they can reach their potential and build skills that contribute to lifelong learning.
  • Healthier Moms and Babies, Inc. (Fort Wayne, IN): $10,000 to support the organization’s prenatal education programs so that birth outcomes are improved and parents better understand their child’s developmental needs.
  • Kosciusko County Chamber of Commerce Foundation, Inc. (Warsaw, IN): $25,515 to support the county’s early learning coalition so it can provide professional development for early learning educators and help improve learning environments.
  • Ada-Borup-West School District (Ada, MN): $5,700 to support technology needs for the high school’s student news class and e-sports team so students can develop and strengthen skills through engaging, hands-on learning.
  • Ada-Borup-West School District: $3,560 to support students’ ability to create glass art and build entrepreneurship skills by selling pieces to the public.
  • Impact 2818: Outdoor Ministries (Wolcottville, IN): $100,000 to support the construction of new cabins and other facilities at Camp Lakewood so the organization can better serve the needs of campers and contribute to their personal and spiritual growth.
  • Limestone County Schools: $25,000 to support updating athletic equipment at Clements High School so student-athletes can compete safely and build skills that can help them be successful on and off the field.
  • Sacred Heart Catholic School (Warsaw, IN): $250,000 to support the renovation and expansion of the school so it can increase the number of grades served and improve learning environments for students.
  • Southern Iowa STEAM Academy (Chariton, IA): $12,250 to support an educational experience for elementary and middle school students that increases their understanding of STEAM (science, technology, engineering, arts, and math) concepts and how those connect to local careers.
  • St. Joseph Catholic School (Garrett, IN): $7,000 to support the professional development of teachers so they can better meet the learning needs of students in their classrooms.
  • Westview School Corporation (Topeka, IN): $5,000 to support students’ hands-on learning in food production and entrepreneurship.

If you’d like to learn more about how investments such as these support children and young people so they can achieve economic freedom later in life, contact a Dekko Foundation program officer at 260-347-1278. Or visit dekkofoundation.org to explore the foundation’s mission and funding priorities, review its grantmaking process, or send a grant proposal.

Organizations receive grants for work with young people

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KENDALLVILLE, IN — The Dekko Foundation, a private family foundation located in Kendallville, IN, with a mission of fostering economic freedom through education, awarded more than $443,000 in grants and pledges to nine youth-serving organizations during its most recent round of grantmaking.

The foundation, started in 1981 by the late businessman and philanthropist Chester E. Dekko, invests in projects and programs that help build knowledge, skills, and character in children and young people from birth through age 18 so they can be self-sufficient and grow up to be economically free.

Its grantmaking is concentrated within 13 counties in four states — Indiana, Iowa, Alabama, and Minnesota — where Mr. Dekko had business or personal interests.

Organizations receiving grants and pledges were:

  • Believe in a Dream, Inc. (Fort Wayne, IN): $10,000 to support high school students in Kosciusko County in building problem-solving and entrepreneurial skills by creating their own product or service to sell.
  • Cole Center Family YMCA (Kendallville, IN): $175,000 over two years to support the organization’s sustainability and programs that encourage the healthy development of young people.
  • Elkmont High School Foundation (Elkmont, AL): $150,000 to support installing a playground at Elkmont Elementary School so young people can be physically active and build positive relationships with peers.
  • Keep Athens-Limestone Beautiful, Inc. (Athens, AL): $11,323 to support the organization’s use of a mobile planetarium to help young people expand critical-thinking skills and their understanding of the natural world.
  • Kosciusko Community YMCA, Inc. (Warsaw, IN): $2,225 to support preschool children as they build knowledge and skills in the outdoors through teamwork, creativity, and imaginative exploration.
  • Kosciusko County Community Foundation, Inc. (Warsaw, IN): $32,000 to support renovations and upgrades to the organization’s building so it can be used to host more meetings and events that contribute to a stronger community.
  • LaGrange Communities Youth Centers, Inc. (LaGrange, IN): $50,000 to support construction of recreational amenities so that young people have more opportunities to play, be physically active, and build relationships.
  • Limestone County Schools (Athens, AL): $8,423 to support opportunities for outdoor learning for students at Creekside Primary School that further their understanding of science.
  • RespectTeam (Huntertown, IN): $4,510 to support a pilot program for training youth workers and educators so they can better assist young people who are in emotional or mental distress.

If you’d like to learn more about how investments such as these support children and young people so they can achieve economic freedom later in life, contact a Dekko Foundation program officer at 260-347-1278. Or visit dekkofoundation.org to explore the foundation’s mission and funding priorities, review its grantmaking process, or send a grant proposal.

Eight grantees receive investments for work with young people

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KENDALLVILLE, IN — The Dekko Foundation, a private family foundation located in Kendallville, IN, with a mission of fostering economic freedom through education, awarded more than $566,000 in grants and pledges to eight youth-serving organizations during its most recent round of grantmaking.

The foundation, started in 1981 by the late businessman and philanthropist Chester E. Dekko, invests in projects and programs that help build knowledge, skills, and character in children and young people from birth through age 18 so they can be self-sufficient and grow up to be economically free.

Its grantmaking is concentrated within 13 counties in four states — Indiana, Iowa, Alabama, and Minnesota — where Mr. Dekko had business or personal interests.

Organizations receiving grants and pledges were:

  • Garrett-Keyser-Butler Community School District (Garrett, IN): $56,120 to support professional development for elementary school educators so that the principles of child development are incorporated in their classrooms.
  • Indiana Alliance of YMCAs, Inc. (Indianapolis, IN): $40,000 to support the alliance’s Youth and Government program so that young people have a better understanding of democracy, government, and their civic responsibilities.
  • Junior Achievement of Northern Indiana (Fort Wayne, IN): $25,000 to support the organization’s JA JobSpark and JobSpark Virtual programs in which middle and high school students learn about careers and the skills required to be successful in them.
  • Junior Achievement of Northern Indiana: $15,000 to support the organization’s in-school programs for students in Noble County.
  • Junior Achievement of Northern Indiana: $45,000 over three years to support the organization’s in-school programs for students in Kosciusko County.
  • Junior Achievement of Northern Indiana: $10,000 to support the organization’s in-school programs for students in Whitley County.
  • Ringgold County Child Care Center (Mount Ayr, IA): $50,000 to support upgrades for an outdoor playground so that preschoolers can engage in healthy play and build gross motor skills.
  • Butler Youth Evangelistic Association (Butler, IN): $32,000 to support facility improvements so that young people can engage in recreational activities and build relationships with peers and caring adults.
  • Lakeland Christian Academy (Winona Lake, IN): $250,000 to support construction of a new facility for early learning and elementary school students that will also help the organization build its capacity.
  • Kosciusko County Teen Court, Inc. (Warsaw, IN): $10,000 to support the organization’s Teen Court program in which young people learn about the judicial process and community resources.
  • East Noble School Corporation (Kendallville, IN): $33,000 to support the high school’s ability to provide instruments for students in its jazz bands so that they can build music and performance skills.