Legacy Foundation
/OVERVIEW: The Legacy Foundation supports children and youth, seniors, human services, neighborhoods, public spaces, civic engagement, health, arts and culture, environment, housing and education in Lake County, Indiana.
IP TAKE: This is a county-specific community foundation with broad interests and an accessible online application system for local grantseekers.
PROFILE: Established in 1992, the Legacy Foundation is a community foundation based in Merrillville, Indiana. The foundation aims to "encourage innovation, build a lasting foundation of support and in turn, make our world greater.” The foundation’s work centers on providing local grants and scholarships, helping donors manage charitable assets, collaborating with local leaders and serving as a resource center for nonprofits. It funds local efforts for children and youth, seniors, human services, neighborhoods, public spaces, civic engagement, health, housing, education and other community needs.
The Legacy Foundation is one of the largest community foundations in Indiana and runs a broad variety of funding programs. Youth in Philanthropy service grants support civic engagement and the next generation of philanthropists. Transform Lake County grants help strengthen neighborhoods and occur twice per year. Informed and Engaged Urban Communities grants are part of the foundation’s commitment and focuses on building on assets, enhancing public spaces and civic engagement among underrepresented communities. Thriving Hobart Seniors grants fund needs for seniors, including health, housing, economic security, education, employment companionship, recreation and transportation. The Legacy Foundation also provides event sponsorships and scholarships.
Grants range between about $2,000 and $25,000. Grantmaking focuses on Lake County, Indiana and especially the cities of Merrillville and Gary. Past local grantees include the Dunes Learning Center, Dunes Dog Training Club and Hoosier Environmental Council. Learn more about this funder’s local giving by examining its recent tax records.
This foundation accepts unsolicited grant applications from nonprofits for multiple grant programs, and each program has its own unique set of guidelines and deadlines. The application process is conducted online. The funder has a competitive grant cycle and a separate emergency grant process for urgent needs. Direct general questions to the staff at legacy@legacyfdn.org or 219-736-1880.
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