LIVE Unity Foundation of LaPorte County Annual Luncheon October 18, 2011 Power for Good… Powerful LIVES
May 25, 2015
LIVE
Unity Foundation of LaPorte County Annual Luncheon
October 18, 2011
Power for Good…Powerful
LIVES
Last year, We Told You…
• Unity took a journey to transform ourselves
• Invited to learn with 11 community foundations in Indiana & Ohio
• Learned how Unity could be “more impactful”
We’re Pleased to Report…
• Unity has updated its Vision and Mission • Unity has developed and will be testing a
prototype for community betterment• Will be looking to make investments in
technology that will make grant making and grant seeking better
• We will be more impactful…
Updated Mission
The Unity Foundation will strengthen LaPorte County now and forever by: – Building permanent endowments– Providing leadership– Offering philanthropic vehicles for everyone– Being a catalyst for social and economic vitality
Vision for La Porte County
We envision La Porte County to be a dynamic county, recognized for its investment in its people, economic vitality, and rich quality of life, and to be a model for innovative leadership and supportive citizenry.*
*Created in 1992 by ordinary citizens
How do We Strengthen Community?
7 ½ keys to Big Success in Small Towns
• Adopt a “Can Do” Attitude
• Shape Your Vision
• Leverage your resources
• Raise up strong leaders
• Be Entrepreneurial
• Keep Local Control
• Build Your Brand
• Embrace the Teeter-Totter Factor
Taken from Jack Schultz’s Boom Town USA
Unity Foundation & Community Improvement- Not our First Rodeo!
• Worked with Mayors Krentz & Chroback to build 11 single family homes – affordable & energy efficient
• Red Mill County Park- Provided $50,000 in matching dollars to create a real “gem”
Watershed Planning
• Unity proposed an “IDEM Approved” watershed plan for Trail Creek.
• Inspired the City with a $10,000 grant
• Mayor Oberlie & his Departments & Boards took quick action
• Plan is done & guiding decisions, attracting funds
• Galena watershed done now too – thanks to SWCD!
Literacy & Education
New LaCrosse Public Library- Unity helped earn a $500,000 grant from the State of Indiana
In 1999 Unity attracted $20 million to region for literacy. County schools, businesses and people benefited - Efforts continue today
A New & Exciting Opportunity
We Asked…What if?
• This view of Pine Lake could be preserved so everyone could enjoy it?
• It enhanced the first impression of visitors or businesses looking to expand here?
• It improved the quality of life for the families who live here?
How’d it Start?• Someone noticed the “For
Sale” sign at 1010 Pine Lake
• Brought it to Unity asking: – What is going to go there? – Would it be something
positive for the community or an eyesore?
Right Place at the Right Time
• We learned the property might be affordable
• People supported it– Pledges from people and
businesses– Support from the La
Porte Park Foundation for development
– Quick action from Unity
3 Basic Parts
• Acquire the property – It has been secured– A campaign to repay loan is being planned
• Develop the Property: – The La Porte Park Foundation has pledged to help
with this– They are cleaning the property now
• Endow the Property to maintain it for generations to come
Stay Tuned …
Unity Grant Funds will Not be Affected
• The Unity Board will keep our current level of Community Grants
• A capital campaign will be done with sensitivity to other fundraising efforts
• Unity hopes to engage new donors in new ways, enlarging the pie, not shrinking it
Looking Ahead
• 2012 is Unity’s 20th Anniversary• A Gala is scheduled for 9/22/12• Possibly another Pledge-a-Palooza
• Today at 3:00 at Westcott Park in MC-• Culmination of our 15th Anniversary “Unity”
Grant to Healthy Communities, Literacy Council & Lubeznik Center for the Arts