KENDALLVILLE — The Dekko Foundation, a private family foundation in Kendallville with a mission of fostering economic freedom through education, awarded more than $1.7 million in grants to 14 youth-serving organizations during its most recent round of grantmaking.
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.
Its grantmaking is concentrated within 13 counties in four states — Indiana, Iowa, Alabama, and Minnesota — where Dekko had business or personal interests.
An organization from Kosciusko County receiving a grant was:
• YMCA of Muncie/Camp Crosley, North Webster, $1 million over three years to support facility upgrades that will benefit programs and increase campers’ engagement.
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.
