Porter County Community Foundation

09/03/2026

LIFETIME
Dave Milligan loved this community. He grew up in Northwest Indiana and returned to his roots in his retirement years. In between, he attended Louisiana State University on a boxing scholarship, served in the Korean War, and built a life in Northern California with his wife of thirty-eight years, Marion.

In 2014, Dave established an endowment fund benefiting VNA Hospice NWI , an organization that brought comfort at the end of Marion’s life. Over the next five years, he established four more funds that provide ongoing support to local nonprofits that serve children and adults. He also created the Dave and Marion Milligan Community Endowment Fund, which benefits many local organizations through PCCF’s Community Fund grant program.

Dave spent time talking with our staff about the benefits of starting endowment funds, and he ensured his estate plan included gifts to each of the funds he established. In this way he made a lasting commitment to his community.

These philanthropic gifts will forever benefit the local causes Dave cherished. “I’m grateful for the opportunity to support my community in a special way,” he reflected during a visit to PCCF.

We are honored to steward endowment funds like the ones Dave created and contributed to during his lifetime and through his charitable estate plan. Because of his generosity, the causes that were closest to Dave’s heart will continue to benefit forever.

09/01/2026

Last month we highlighted Reins of Life - Therapeutic horseback riding and the impact of the therapeutic carriage driving program. Reins of Life received a Porter County Community Fund grant to purchase a four-wheeled carriage that is expanding and strengthening the program.

We are proud to support organizations that help individuals learn, grow, and thrive. To learn more about our grant programs and the local organizations they benefit, visit pccf.gives.

08/28/2026

Lakeshore Public Media received a Porter County Community Fund grant to support equipment upgrades that will enhance their work.

The funding directly assists in covering the costs of two new pieces of broadcast equipment designed to ensure more efficient transmission of the station's radio signal across Northwest Indiana and Chicagoland.

Click the link to read more https://www.lakeshorepublicmedia.org/local-news/2026-08-28/porter-county-community-foundation-awards-8-484-to-support-lakeshore-public-media-transmission-upgrades

08/24/2026

In response to the devastating storms that recently struck Northwest Indiana and the urgent and ongoing needs of many of our community members, the Porter County Emergency Response Fund has been activated to provide support to our frontline nonprofit organizations and the people they serve.

We are currently accepting applications from nonprofit organizations providing assistance to Porter County residents and organizations directly impacted.

The Porter County Emergency Response Grants are available through the generosity of the Dean and Barbara White Family Foundation and donors to the Porter County Emergency Response Fund.

If you would like to support local recovery efforts, visit pccf.gives/emergencyresponse.

Nonprofit organizations can learn more about this opportunity and apply at pccf.gives/nonprofits.

08/20/2026

Due to the recent storms, the application deadline for the Lilly Endowment Community Scholarship Program has been extended until 5:00 pm on August 31, 2026.

Three Porter County students graduating high school in 2027 will be awarded the scholarship, which may be used for otherwise unreimbursed full tuition and required fees at an eligible Indiana college or university.

Learn more about eligibility, the selection process, and how to apply at pccf.gives/scholarships.

08/19/2026

Strong communities are built through meaningful partnerships. We are grateful to Strack & Van Til for their support, which helps us strengthen our community through lasting generosity and leadership. Together, we are creating a better future for Porter County.

08/18/2026

Memorial Opera House Foundation received a Porter County Community Fund grant to improve technology that supports patrons, donors, volunteers, and team members.

We are proud to support organizations like Memorial Opera House that ensure our community continues to benefit from vibrant arts, entertainment, and cultural opportunities.

To learn more about our grant programs and the local organizations they benefit, visit pccf.gives.

08/14/2026

The Lilly Endowment Community Scholarship application deadline is approaching.

Porter County residents graduating high school in 2027 have until August 28 at noon to apply.

Three Porter County students will be awarded the scholarship, which may be used for otherwise unreimbursed full tuition and required fees at an eligible Indiana college or university.

Learn more about eligibility, the selection process, and how to apply at pccf.gives/scholarships.

08/13/2026

AT EASE
Sarah participated in therapeutic riding lessons at Reins of Life for years. She loved being at the barn and around the horses, but lessons on horseback were a struggle because of her fear of heights. She required additional support and encouragement to get through each lesson.

Reins of Life improves the quality of life for children and adults with disabilities through equine-assisted therapy. Since 1978, the organization has provided a safe and enriching environment for individuals with a wide variety of diagnoses to participate in fun, educational, and therapeutic programs.

“During lessons, participants work with their equine partners, building horsemanship and practical skills for living and leading healthy lives,” said Dorota Janik, Executive Director. “Carriage driving gives our students a riding alternative, which opens up the world of horses to those who may be unable to ride.”

Sarah became the first to participate in the therapeutic carriage driving program when Reins of Life introduced it after years of preparation and training. Her experience transformed when she transitioned to carriage driving, where she was much more at ease. While instructors had previously negotiated with her to ride a little further, the opposite became true when Sarah drove a carriage, asking for more time at the end of the lessons.

Your philanthropy has helped Reins of Life expand and strengthen its therapeutic carriage driving program by supporting the purchase of a four-wheeled carriage. Thank you for being a part of this life-changing work.

Pictured: Dorota Janik

08/06/2026

Dear Friends, In the thirty years since the creation of the Porter County Community Foundation, you have demonstrated generosity in ways we never could have predicted. As we celebrate this milestone, we are taking a moment to reflect on the past, look ahead to the future, and, most importantly, thank you for your role in transforming our community.

Porter County is a better place today than it was thirty years ago because of you. Together, we are building a strong and vibrant community where babies receive the best possible start in life, a robust network of mission-driven organizations work to support our neighbors in a variety of ways, and residents of all ages benefit from all that our community has to offer.

I hope you will join us for an open house on October 8 celebrating thirty years of generosity and partnership. Come see the history that we’ve built together. Meet other philanthropic individuals, past and present board members, staff, special guests, and community members with a common vision to build a stronger Porter County.

Whether you are part of our past, present, or future, I look forward to celebrating with you.

-Bill