What We Fund

AWS Foundation awards grants to ensure inclusion and quality of life for individuals with enduring disabilities in Northeast Indiana. We fund organizations that, like us, are searching for supportive, inclusive and engaging opportunities to build communities where everyone leads full lives, realizes potential and achieves dreams.

To be eligible for a grant, organizations must align with the AWS Foundation focus and initiatives listed below.

Our Focus

Our grant-making focuses on programs, capital projects and operating support. These funds are used to help individuals with enduring intellectual, developmental and physical disabilities in Northeast Indiana.

Aging or illness related disabilities are not within the scope of our grants.

Our Initiatives

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Education & Employment

Supporting access to educational resources and activities to be successful learners, both academically and in developing life skills, that offer individuals with disabilities equal opportunity for meaningful employment.

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Transportation

Pursuing opportunities for accessible, affordable community transportation increasing access to locations throughout the community for individuals with disabilities.

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Promoting Social Enrichment

Seeking inclusive and accessible social, recreational and creative programs that engage and inspire individuals with disabilities.

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Early Diagnosis & System Navigation

Exploring programs that recognize and diagnose disabilities early to achieve each individuals highest potential, providing easy access and information to assist families and care givers, and gaining better understanding of effective therapies for individuals with disabilities.

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Housing

Broadening opportunities for safe, secure and affordable housing that provides a variety of beneficial living environments for individuals with disabilities.

Questions about how your grant request aligns with our focus and initiatives?
Please contact one of our Grants team members below.

Grants Team

Joni Schmalzried

Chief Program Officer

260-207-5656 JSchmalzried@awsfoundation.org READ BIOarrow icon

Mandy Drakeford

Program Officer

260-207-5794 MDrakeford@awsfoundation.org READ BIOarrow icon

Andie Mosley

Grants & Outreach Coordinator

260-207-5769 AMosley@awsfoundation.org READ BIOarrow icon

Have a great idea, but not sure
if it’s grant worthy?

Send us a quick description of your concept. Well let you know what we think and give you pointers on making it a grant-winning success.

Grant Opportunities

We have a few different grant opportunities to suit a variety of organizational needs. Take a look at our offerings to see which will work best for your organization.