(KENDALLVILLE) - The Dekko Foundation has awarded more than $1.1 million in grants and pledges to youth-serving organizations during its latest round of grantmaking.
The Herald Republican reports the Kendallville-based private family foundation will celebrate its 45th anniversary later this year. The foundation supports programs and organizations that align with its mission of fostering economic freedom through education.
Among the largest grants were $300,000 to the Churubusco Public Library for facility relocation and improvements, $300,000 to the YMCA of Greater Fort Wayne for the Armstrong Early Learning Center in Columbia City and $200,000 to the Union County Fair Association of Afton Union County Iowa for facility improvements.
Other local recipients included the Community Foundation of Noble County, which received $50,000 for the Diamond Discovery Zone at Hidden Diamonds Park in Albion; Oakwood Foundation in Syracuse, which received $30,000 for staff and operations; and the Harold W. McMillen Center for Health Education in Fort Wayne, which received $35,000 to support student health education programs.
Additional grants supported early literacy, preschool education, career exploration, child development training, playground projects and youth programs.
The foundation said the investments are intended to support organizations serving young people and advancing educational opportunities in their communities.