September 2, 2025
MERRILLVILLE, Ind. (Aug. 25, 2025) – Legacy Foundation announced historic achievements at its 2025 Annual Celebration, highlighting a year of unprecedented growth and impact in Lake County, IN. Over the past 18 months, the foundation completed its largest fundraising campaign in history, raising $9.3 million with support from donors and a matching gift from Lilly Endowment Inc. Of that total, $5.87 million strengthened the foundation’s unrestricted endowment, providing flexible resources to meet Lake County’s current and future needs.
This campaign has supported a variety of projects, including the Tolleston Opportunity Campus, expanded food pantries at Tradewinds and the Food Bank of Northwest Indiana, renovations at Calumet College of St. Joseph and Ivy Tech Community College East Chicago Campus, environmental fellowships at Dunes Learning Center, Northwest IndianaSymphony’s summer concerts, and preservation efforts at Friends of Marquette Park and the Marquette Greenway.
“Lake County’s progress is built on the collective commitment of our neighbors, nonprofits and businesses,” said Kelly Anoe, Legacy Foundation president and CEO. “These achievements are possible only because people continue to invest their time, talent and resources in our community. There is still more to do, and we are grateful to walk alongside our partners in this work.”
In 2024, the foundation awarded $6.6 million in grants and scholarships, supported by 792 donors, and grew its managed assets to $130 million, a 55% increase in 18 months. Foundation leaders emphasized that continued community support is essential to sustaining the long-term impact.
Legacy Foundation also highlighted major programs in Lake County IN. The NWI Thrive project, supported by a $20 million Lilly Endowment grant, will expand trails, connect communities and promote nature, culture and wellness across three counties and 11 municipalities. Cedar Lake became Indiana’s first Heart & Soul community, engaging residents in shaping the town’s future.
As part of the celebration, the foundation honored outstanding community leaders with the Heart of Lake County Awards. Beth A. Casbon, president and attorney at Komyatte & Casbon P.C., received the Excellence in Nonprofit Board Leadership Award; Dana Rifai, attorney at Rifai Law Group, received the Gold Key Award; Dr. Michael McGee, medical director of the emergency department at the University of Chicago, Crown Point received the Community Spirit Award; and Centier Bank received the Corporate Philanthropy Award.
For more information and to support Legacy Foundation local initiatives, visit www.legacyfdn.org.
Legacy Foundation
Since 1992, Legacy Foundation has connected people with the resources and opportunities they need to build a thriving Lake County. The foundation manages charitable funds, awards grants and scholarships and partners with nonprofits and community leaders to create lasting impact.