LIVE

Unity Foundation of LaPorte County Annual Luncheon

October 18, 2011

Power for Good…Powerful

LIVES

Last year, We Told You…

• Unity took a journey to transform ourselves

• Invited to learn with 11 community foundations in Indiana & Ohio

• Learned how Unity could be “more impactful”

We’re Pleased to Report…

• Unity has updated its Vision and Mission • Unity has developed and will be testing a

prototype for community betterment• Will be looking to make investments in

technology that will make grant making and grant seeking better

• We will be more impactful…

Updated Mission

The Unity Foundation will strengthen LaPorte County now and forever by: – Building permanent endowments– Providing leadership– Offering philanthropic vehicles for everyone– Being a catalyst for social and economic vitality

Vision for La Porte County

We envision La Porte County to be a dynamic county, recognized for its investment in its people, economic vitality, and rich quality of life, and to be a model for innovative leadership and supportive citizenry.*

*Created in 1992 by ordinary citizens

How do We Strengthen Community?

7 ½ keys to Big Success in Small Towns

• Adopt a “Can Do” Attitude

• Shape Your Vision

• Leverage your resources

• Raise up strong leaders

• Be Entrepreneurial

• Keep Local Control

• Build Your Brand

• Embrace the Teeter-Totter Factor

Taken from Jack Schultz’s Boom Town USA

Unity Foundation & Community Improvement- Not our First Rodeo!

• Worked with Mayors Krentz & Chroback to build 11 single family homes – affordable & energy efficient

• Red Mill County Park- Provided $50,000 in matching dollars to create a real “gem”

Watershed Planning

• Unity proposed an “IDEM Approved” watershed plan for Trail Creek.

• Inspired the City with a $10,000 grant

• Mayor Oberlie & his Departments & Boards took quick action

• Plan is done & guiding decisions, attracting funds

• Galena watershed done now too – thanks to SWCD!

Literacy & Education

New LaCrosse Public Library- Unity helped earn a $500,000 grant from the State of Indiana

In 1999 Unity attracted $20 million to region for literacy. County schools, businesses and people benefited - Efforts continue today

A New & Exciting Opportunity

We Asked…What if?

• This view of Pine Lake could be preserved so everyone could enjoy it?

• It enhanced the first impression of visitors or businesses looking to expand here?

• It improved the quality of life for the families who live here?

How’d it Start?• Someone noticed the “For

Sale” sign at 1010 Pine Lake

• Brought it to Unity asking: – What is going to go there? – Would it be something

positive for the community or an eyesore?

Right Place at the Right Time

• We learned the property might be affordable

• People supported it– Pledges from people and

businesses– Support from the La

Porte Park Foundation for development

– Quick action from Unity

3 Basic Parts

• Acquire the property – It has been secured– A campaign to repay loan is being planned

• Develop the Property: – The La Porte Park Foundation has pledged to help

with this– They are cleaning the property now

• Endow the Property to maintain it for generations to come

Stay Tuned …

Unity Grant Funds will Not be Affected

• The Unity Board will keep our current level of Community Grants

• A capital campaign will be done with sensitivity to other fundraising efforts

• Unity hopes to engage new donors in new ways, enlarging the pie, not shrinking it

Looking Ahead

• 2012 is Unity’s 20th Anniversary• A Gala is scheduled for 9/22/12• Possibly another Pledge-a-Palooza

• Today at 3:00 at Westcott Park in MC-• Culmination of our 15th Anniversary “Unity”

Grant to Healthy Communities, Literacy Council & Lubeznik Center for the Arts