ATHENS-The Dekko Foundation, a private family foundation located in Kendallville, IN, with a mission of fostering economic freedom through education, awarded more than $443,000 in grants and pledges to nine youth-serving organizations during its most recent round of grantmaking. Three of which were located in Athens for grants totaling 169,746.
The foundation, started in 1981 by the late businessman and philanthropist Chester E. Dekko, invests in projects and programs that help build knowledge, skills, and character in children and young people from birth through age 18 so they can be self-sufficient and grow up to be economically free.
Its grantmaking is concentrated within 13 counties in four states — Indiana, Iowa, Alabama, and Minnesota — where Mr. Dekko had business or personal interests.
Organizations receiving grants and pledges were:
- Elkmont High School Foundation (Elkmont, AL): $150,000 to support installing a playground at Elkmont Elementary School so young people can be physically active and build positive relationships with peers.
- Keep Athens-Limestone Beautiful, Inc. (Athens, AL): $11,323 to support the organization’s use of a mobile planetarium to help young people expand critical-thinking skills and their understanding of the natural world.
- Limestone County Schools (Athens, AL): $8,423 to support opportunities for outdoor learning for students at Creekside Primary School that further their understanding of science.
If you’d like to learn more about how investments such as these support children and young people so they can achieve economic freedom later in life, contact a Dekko Foundation program officer at 260-347-1278. Or visit dekkofoundation.org to explore the foundation’s mission and funding priorities, review its grantmaking process, or send a grant proposal.
Media Release/The Deeko Foundation
