KENDALLVILLE — The Dekko Foundation, a private family foundation located in Kendallville 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.
Two Kosciusko County organizations were among those that received grants, according to a news release from the foundation. A third organization that supports Kosciusko County high school students also received a grant.
• Kosciusko Community YMCA Inc., Warsaw, received $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, received $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.
• Believe in a Dream Inc., Fort Wayne, received $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.
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, according to the release.
Its grantmaking is concentrated within 13 counties in four states — Indiana, Iowa, Alabama and Minnesota — where Dekko had business or personal interests.
Other organizations receiving grants and pledges were:
• Cole Center Family YMCA, Kendallville, $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, Ala., $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, Ala., $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.
• LaGrange Communities Youth Centers Inc., LaGrange, $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, Ala., $8,423 to support opportunities for outdoor learning for students at Creekside Primary School that further their understanding of science.
• RespectTeam, Huntertown, $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.