The Porter County Community Foundation has awarded $138,000 in 2026 Fall Community Fund grants to 17 local organizations.
Several groups received $10,000 awards, including Call-A-Ride for fuel for its ride vans, Dressed for School for new clothing for elementary and middle school students, Hilltop Neighborhood House for a youth-led garden program, and Meals on Wheels of Northwest Indiana for meals in Porter County. The NWI Food Council also received $10,000 for a locally grown food program for schools and early childhood centers, and Parents as Teachers of Porter County received $10,000 to expand a kindergarten transition program.
Other awards included $7,500 to Coffee Creek Watershed Conservancy to restore trail accessibility at Coffee Creek Preserve, $6,800 to Art Barn School of Art for its 2027 exhibition season, and smaller grants for a cat rescue, teen substance-use prevention, a children's museum and specialized equipment for people with disabilities. Portage Resale Shop received $10,000 toward a parking lot and HVAC replacement, and Reins of Life received $10,000 for a standby generator.
The foundation's president and CEO said the grants are made possible by community members who have invested in Porter County through the foundation over the past 30 years.
The next grant cycle opens Jan. 2, with applications due Feb. 15, 2027, at noon. Details are available at PCCF.gives.
