John W. Anderson Foundation

OVERVIEW: The John W. Anderson Foundation supports youth, higher education, community needs, medical and scientific research, health, human services and arts and humanities in Northwest Indiana.

IP TAKE: Although Anderson does not have a website, restricting transparency about grantmaking guidelines, this is an accessible foundation with many different interest areas in Northwest Indiana.

PROFILE: Established in 1967, the John W. Anderson Foundation is a private foundation based in Valparaiso, Indiana. Anderson was an inventor, manufacturing executive and the president of the Anderson Company that made automotive accessories. It funds local efforts for youth, higher education, community needs, medical and scientific research, health, human services and arts and humanities.

Past tax filings indicate that this foundation supports a range of local causes and is a primary supporter of local branches of Boys and Girls Clubs. Anderson Foundation funds youth projects and organizations that work with underserved children. Funding has also supported the elderly, various types of research, orphans and community development projects. Anderson provides mostly general operating support and less frequently provides capital support and scholarships.

Grants range between about $5,000 and $150,000. Grantmaking focuses on various communities in Indiana, including Munster, Valparaiso, Chesterton, Crown Point, Griffith, Michigan City, Merrillville and the northwest counties of Lake and Porter. On rare occasions, Anderson has also made grants in Illinois, Michigan, and Minnesota. Past local grantees include the Purdue University Dance Team, Porter County Museum Foundation and the Northwest Indiana Symphony Society. Learn more about this funder’s local giving by examining its recent tax records.

According to recent tax records, this foundation accepts unsolicited grant applications from nonprofits. There are no submission deadlines, and the foundation reviews each application on a timely basis. There is no official application form, but grantseekers should submit organization details, purpose of the grant, officer information, financial information, and proof of tax-exempt status to the foundation by mail. Direct general questions to the staff at 219-462-4611.

PEOPLE:

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CONTACT:

John W. Anderson Foundation

402 Wall St., Ste. 12

Valparaiso, IN 46383-2562

(219) 462-4611