FORT WAYNE - Four organizations have been awarded grants from the Foellinger Foundation Breakthrough Fund. The half-million dollar grant opportunity was made available earlier this year as part of the Fort Wayne-based foundation's 60th anniversary.

The initiative supports ideas created to impact residents of Allen County and is funded in two phases; Refine and Realize. The funds can be used for research, training, retreats, external consulting and more.

Organizations receiving funds this round:

  • Acres- $39,050- Acres will create a nonprofit real estate development to benefit nonprofits requiring access to large natural areas. 
  • League for the Blind and Disabled - $18,000 - Project designed to improve on methods for helping students with disabilities transition to adult life. 
  • Lutheran Social Services- $21,115 -  Partnering with Catholic Charities, SCAN and Brightpoint, Lutheran Social Services will create a model that reinforces stability and empowers families toward greater self-sufficiency. 
  • Northeast Indiana Innovation Center- $42,000 - The Connected Communities program enables underdeveloped, marginalized talent to participate in economic prosperity and social well-being through grassroots entrepreneurship

Another $400,000 is designated for the Realize Phase.