The Unity Foundation of LaPorte County has established a new endowed fund to benefit the Town of Westville.
The fund, called the Westville Community Fund, will benefit primarily the residents of Westville. Purposes may include, but are not limited to, community and economic development, education, youth activities, park improvements, community safety and communications, in and near Westville.
Two groups came together to donate $5,000 to get the fund started: the Westville Chamber of Commerce and LaPorte Savings Bank. The fund will be permanently invested and earnings will create a stream of income to support Westville for generations to come.
At the same time, the Unity Foundation announced that it is offering a community building challenge to build the new fund and develop Westville’s skills in identifying opportunities and threats. The challenge has two parallel tracks and must be completed within three years:
1. To build the fund: Unity Foundation will match every new two dollars raised with one dollar up to $12,500. The $12,500 match can be used any way the Recommendation Committee believes is best. To take full advantage of the match, the community must raise an additional $25,000 in principal within three years.
2. To build community capacity: In addition to raising funds, the people of Westville will be invited to participate in community awareness, visioning and planning process. A group of formal and informal leaders will assemble, with input from Westville residents, who can recommend how the matching funds and future income from the Westville Community Fund will best be used. Support will be provided through Leadership LaPorte County.
Westville Chamber representative Deb Lowenthal said: “The Westville Chamber is pleased to start this fund where families can leave gifts to benefit Westville for future generations. This makes good sense and we look forward to watching it grow and help our community.”
Lee Brady, president and CEO of LaPorte Savings Bank, said: “LaPorte Savings Bank has made an investment in Westville by opening a new branch here. We’re delighted to be co-founders of this fund that will benefit Westville far into the future.”
Maggi Spartz, Unity Foundation president, said: “It is our hope that every community in LaPorte County has a place for people to leave permanent gifts to their own town so there is money for needed projects.”
The Unity Foundation of LaPorte County helps donors carry out their charitable desires and helps them learn more about the causes they care about. It supports nonprofits through grants and technical assistance with management issues. In addition, Unity provides a permanent, growing source of grants, as well as a neutral meeting ground and leadership on important issues facing the county. For more information, please visit www.uflc.net.
