Legacy Foundation’s
2023 Annual Report
The Heart of Lake County
As Lake County’s community foundation, we remain committed to the communities we serve with the help of its dedicated residents.
Legacy Foundation has proudly served as the philanthropic heart of Lake County, Indiana for over 30 years, with a vision to create an equitable community where all people thrive. As the community foundation, we channel the collective goodwill of individuals, families, businesses, and organizations toward transformative initiatives that enhance the lives of residents across our diverse region.
In 2023, Legacy Foundation announced and presented its inaugural Heart of Lake County Awards. Recipients consisted of community leaders who have used their time and talents to uplift Lake County.
The theme of this year’s report was inspired by our newly established awards: Community Spirit, Excellence in Nonprofit Board Leadership, and the Gold Key for philanthropic professional advisors. At the heart of Legacy Foundation is a deep-rooted commitment to addressing the evolving needs of Lake County. Through strategic grantmaking and collaboration, Legacy serves as a catalyst for positive change, addressing pressing needs and fostering long-term solutions.
Whether supporting education, health and wellness, economic development, or cultural enrichment, Legacy’s impact resonates to every corner of Lake County.
Kelly Anoe
President & CEO
Carey Yukich
Board Chair
Welcome
Dear Friends and Supporters,
We are beyond excited that Legacy Foundation was awarded a matching fund grant totaling $7.5 million as part of the eighth phase of Lilly Endowment Inc.’s initiative, Giving Indiana Funds for Tomorrow (GIFT). Legacy Foundation plans to allocate funds to build unrestricted endowments supporting grants to nonprofits in Lake County, initiatives, and collaborative efforts to improve quality of life. We will also be partnering with local nonprofits to support community projects and programs.
Legacy Foundation has also provided more opportunities to recognize and build local leaders. We have taken on the management of the Lake County Advancement Committee, which has a 58-year history of bringing people together in Lake County to discuss issues impacting residents of Lake County. Our network of partners continues to grow year after year. New partners add to the diverse perspectives that have been guiding Legacy Foundation since 1992. Together, we can ensure that philanthropy is a catalyst for innovation, impact, and inclusion. Our vision to create an equitable Lake County where all people thrive requires using the many tools at our disposal – our leadership voice, grantmaking dollars, and collaborative work.
We are grateful for the engaged and enthusiastic response of our donors which amplifies the support we collectively provide. Advancing the culture and practice of philanthropy in our region is a priority for Legacy Foundation, with donor learning and collaborative giving as important cornerstones of our work. We are incredibly proud of the many ways our grantees, donors, and community partners come together to advance Lake County. Building and sustaining thriving communities can only be achieved through collaboration and partnership, and we look forward to continuing our work together.
Thank you!
Lake County Forever
A limited time opportunity for the future of Lake County!
As part of the Lilly Endowment Inc.’s initiative, Giving Indiana Funds for Tomorrow (GIFT), Legacy Foundation was awarded a matching grant totaling $7.5 million! Triple your impact by donating to an unrestricted endowed fund at Legacy Foundation.
Establish a new unrestricted fund or support the Lake County Community Fund
Now’s the perfect time.
Donors
At the heart of community resources.
Donations to Legacy Foundation come from a broad base of individuals, families, and businesses connected by the desire to improve Lake County, Indiana. Our impact in Lake County relies on support from our generous donors.
Donor
The Lauer Family
Shaping the future they want to see.
Bob and Lauren Lauer were cognizant of the struggles faced by many with less and recognized the impact they could have by starting a fund in their thirties. Inspired by a popular podcast, they committed to giving back 10% of their income annually to actively shape their envisioned future. The Lauers worked with Legacy’s CEO, Donor Engagement Director, and Scholarship Administrator to identify the causes they wanted to support.
In addition to opening a donor advised fund, the Lauers started a scholarship fund that reflected Bob’s role at a computer programming school. Discussions with Legacy staff highlighted the shortage of scholarships that support non-traditional forms of higher education, even as the number of students enrolled in such programs continues to steadily increase. The Lauers created the Building the Future Vocational Scholarship, aimed at empowering Lake County residents to pursue vocational or trade school education with the goal of local employment. The collaborative effort not only resulted in the creation of a meaningful scholarship, but also underscored the potential for positive change when community stakeholders work together.
Their advice to peers:
Commit to donating a percentage of your annual salary and then make the contributions on a monthly basis, similar to the common practice of committing a portion of your income to retirement savings.
Funding & Opportunities
Legacy Foundation’s Women in Philanthropy Group
A network of dedicated philanthropists who strive to enhance the lives of women and children throughout Lake County, Indiana.
WIP creates a sustainable source of funding and opportunities for women and children in Lake County to fully participate and thrive in their communities. The ideas and investments of each member strengthen the group’s ability to make strategic, impactful grants to local nonprofits.
Programs
At the heart of opportunity.
Legacy Foundation programming provides valuable community resources and education. Through Legacy Foundation’s community programming, we are creating leadership and equitable opportunities for all Lake County residents.
Good news prevailed as the experts discussed a rosier 2024 outlook stating that population growth, a strong economy for workers, and a 5.8% wage increase have worked to put NWI in a place where “the sun is shining brightly on us as we go into the future.” With over 150 Northwest Indiana residents, businesses, and nonprofits in attendance, LCAC member Cal Bellamy passed the baton to President & CEO, Kelly Anoe.
Legacy is thrilled to continue the lunches, conversations, and advancement of Lake County. We will carry forward the mission and rich history of LCAC, while encouraging members of the community to join these important conversations.
Topic Sessions
Employment Law
Investing
Attracting Donors
Grants
Executive Peer Group
GrantStation
Legacy Foundation partnered with GrantStation, an online database of grant opportunities, to offer Lake County serving organizations a discounted one-year membership to GrantStation. Through this partnership, nearly 40 nonprofits have received a discounted membership of over $600 in savings and have access to thousands of grant opportunities from private and governmental agencies, along with tools to strengthen their grant applications.
Resilia
Legacy Foundation provided 10 local nonprofits a year-long membership to the Resilia platform. Resilia’s goal is to amplify philanthropic impact by offering nonprofits access to capacity building support, technical assistance, and one-on-one coaching. By using the variety of available tools, “nonprofits become stronger and more sustainable by building knowledge, developing diversified funding, and tracking their impact.” Members accessed over 200 resources in areas of strategic planning, board orientation / development, and fundraising.
Voter Engagement
Our Shot 219
Rise NWI engaged over 300,000 NWI residents through digital and in-person education around the 2023 municipal elections. Voters were educated on election dates, making a plan to vote, engaging with candidates, and voter rights. Additionally, through a partnership with the League of Women Voters of the Calumet Area, Rise NWI published VOTE411 Lake County, an online nonpartisan voter engagement hub to educate voters on the positions up for election and the candidates running for office. While civic engagement is the core of Rise NWI, in 2023, the program implemented initiatives to address time-based community needs.
Health Equity
Our Shot 219
Through a grant from the Urban Institute, and focused on breaking barriers to healthcare, Our Shot 219 assisted in organizing vaccine clinics with local healthcare providers at over 20 accessible locations, including churches, small businesses, and community centers. These clinics provided COVID-19, Flu, Shingles, and other CDC recommended vaccines. Attendees were encouraged to participate in other preventative care screenings at these clinics, such as blood pressure and glucose testing. Through these events nearly 700 vaccines were distributed.
The program’s educational campaign developed 50 communication products that engaged 249,000 individuals digitally and over 11,500 residents at various community events. Through developed materials and meaningful one-on-one conversations, the program provided up-to-date accurate information to residents.
Affordable Connectivity Program
Get Connected, Lake County
Get Connected, Lake County assisted households in applying for the Affordable Connectivity Program (ACP) which provided low-income households free or reduced internet access. Program volunteers visited 42 community events to help residents apply for ACP. Additionally, a digital ad campaign was generated to spread program awareness and eligibility.
Grants
At the heart of community support.
Through fund distributions and the Foundation’s Transform Lake County grant application, Legacy Foundation awarded $3.6 million in grants to nonprofit organizations in 2023. Funding supports a variety of causes, including arts and culture, education and literacy, youth and early childhood, public safety, and inclusion and equity.
With the support of a Legacy Foundation Transform Lake County grant, Dunes Learning Center continues to provide excellent nature-based learning adventures that spark curiosity, joy, and wonder for a new generation of youth. This program equips students with the skills and compassion needed to ensure nature and our communities are healthy and thriving for those who follow. The children who participate in programming at Dunes Learning Center develop a lifelong connection to nature that empowers them to make smarter decisions that lead to stronger communities and a greener planet.
Whether in a classroom, canoe, or anywhere in between, research shows that nature-based learning sticks with kids more than traditional learning, fueling interests in science, and sparking the curiosity that makes them better learners. It also improves health and wellness, because going outdoors to explore nature benefits children’s mental and physical health. Environmental education strengthens children’s self-esteem, leadership, and character, and enhances social justice by leveling the playing field.
Scholarships
At the heart of the next generation.
Legacy Foundation awarded $1.7 million in scholarships to support college costs for Northwest Indiana students. Each scholarship established by individuals, businesses, and families has set criteria determined by the fund holder. Awards vary from $500 to full-tuition scholarships and may be for one year or renewable over four years.
Scholarship Recipient
Marianne Gerona
University of St. Francis
Nursing
Marianne knew early on that she wanted to make a positive and meaningful change in the lives of others. It was important for her to be on the front lines of improving the quality of life for all people, and becoming a nurse would allow her to do so. Her fascination with the world of medicine has made her college experience more enjoyable.
Upon graduation, Marianne plans to take her NCLEX and work as an ICU or ER nurse in the state of North Carolina. After a few years of field experience, she plans to pursue her Doctor of Nurse Practitioner degree.
Receiving a scholarship from Legacy Foundation positively impacted Marianne’s college experience by alleviating the worries of paying tuition. As a result, not only was she relieved of some financial stressors, but her support system was able to devote more of their time to push her to excel in school, rather than focusing on costs.
Financials
At the heart of philanthropy.
Legacy Foundation manages nearly $80 million in assets. As your trusted partner in community philanthropy, we value the importance of transparency and responsible stewardship. Legacy Foundation is audited annually to ensure our stewardship of community funds exceeds our high standards of transparency and responsibility.
Staff
At the heart of Lake County.
Legacy Foundation staff is made up of Northwest Indiana residents dedicated to helping you reach your philanthropic goals, strengthen your organization, and become a champion for your community. We are an energetic staff who uphold the highest standards, promote collaboration, and innovation. We welcome you contact us to connect!
