Eight grantees receive investments for work with young people

KENDALLVILLE, IN — The Dekko Foundation, a private family foundation located in Kendallville, IN, with a mission of fostering economic freedom through education, awarded more than $566,000 in grants and pledges to eight 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 Mr. Dekko had business or personal interests.

Organizations receiving grants and pledges were:

• Garrett-Keyser-Butler Community School District (Garrett, IN): $56,120 to support professional development for elementary school educators so that the principles of child development are incorporated in their classrooms.
• Indiana Alliance of YMCAs, Inc. (Indianapolis, IN): $40,000 to support the alliance’s Youth and Government program so that young people have a better understanding of democracy, government, and their civic responsibilities.
• Junior Achievement of Northern Indiana (Fort Wayne, IN): $25,000 to support the organization’s JA JobSpark and JobSpark Virtual programs in which middle and high school students learn about careers and the skills required to be successful in them.
• Junior Achievement of Northern Indiana: $15,000 to support the organization’s in-school programs for students in Noble County.
• Junior Achievement of Northern Indiana: $45,000 over three years to support the organization’s in-school programs for students in Kosciusko County.
• Junior Achievement of Northern Indiana: $10,000 to support the organization’s in-school programs for students in Whitley County.
• Ringgold County Child Care Center (Mount Ayr, IA): $50,000 to support upgrades for an outdoor playground so that preschoolers can engage in healthy play and build gross motor skills.
• Butler Youth Evangelistic Association (Butler, IN): $32,000 to support facility improvements so that young people can engage in recreational activities and build relationships with peers and caring adults.
• Lakeland Christian Academy (Winona Lake, IN): $250,000 to support construction of a new facility for early learning and elementary school students that will also help the organization build its capacity.
• Kosciusko County Teen Court, Inc. (Warsaw, IN): $10,000 to support the organization’s Teen Court program in which young people learn about the judicial process and community resources.
• East Noble School Corporation (Kendallville, IN): $33,000 to support the high school’s ability to provide instruments for students in its jazz bands so that they can build music and performance skills.