The Community Foundation of Greater Fort Wayne is kicking off the new year with a new President and CEO and a $2 million commitment to the nonprofit community in Allen County in 2018. The announcement comes on the heels of President and CEO Brad Little’s first month on the job.

“The Community Foundation’s commitment to Allen County is very strong and we have long served as a supportive backbone for our local nonprofits,” said Little. “Community matters, and no one works harder for our community than the incredible nonprofit organizations that serve Allen County. This commitment of $2 million in operational funding support is a promise of stability and continuity to our community.”

Nonprofit organizations must apply for the funds, which will be given out as operational grants. Applications will be reviewed by staff, committee, and board members, and grants will be distributed quarterly throughout 2018. The foundation will focus on supporting four impact areas: basic needs/human services, arts and culture, community development, and education. Regular progress updates on fund distribution and grant recipients will be provided to the community.

Today’s fast-paced world increasingly requires nonprofits to adapt to changing realities and identify new opportunities. Providing the funds as operational grants rather than restrictive program-specific grants enables organizations to allocate the dollars to whatever their most critical funding need is at the time. The $2 million will go directly towards helping nonprofits serving Allen County achieve their missions in the most effective and flexible way possible, in turn, supporting better results and greater impact.

“Right now, a lot of our local nonprofits are feeling the stress of changes coming at them from all around. When change feels like the only constant, sometimes stability can be the greatest gift. The Community Foundation is proud to announce this funding commitment as a reassurance to our nonprofit community in 2018,” said Little.