Avis Foundation Inc

The Avis Foundation Inc. is a privately funded 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization based in Upland, Indiana. It was founded in 2006 and is dedicated to continuing the philanthropic legacy of its benefactors, Leland E. Boren and LaRita R. Gibbs Boren. The foundation focuses on supporting initiatives in the arts, education, entrepreneurship, and autism.

Mission and Vision

• Mission: The Avis Foundation empowers organizations through impactful gifts in the areas of arts, education, entrepreneurship, and autism, stewarding the Boren legacy.
• Vision: To improve the quality of life in communities by connecting growth-minded grantees with the resources needed to thrive[1].

Focus Areas

Arts

The foundation supports arts programs with an emphasis on fine arts, art therapy, and initiatives that utilize art for educational and enrichment purposes. Recent grants have included support for the development of art galleries and programs promoting community engagement through art[4].

Education

Avis Foundation supports educational projects through funding for classrooms, vocational training, and special courses. They have provided grants for initiatives like cybersecurity conferences, sensory rooms, and educational film productions[4].

Entrepreneurship

Funding is provided to support entrepreneurial programs, particularly in educational settings, that foster innovation and collaboration among students and entrepreneurs[4].

Autism

Support is given to organizations addressing autism needs, including services, research, awareness initiatives, and educational programs for individuals with autism spectrum disorders[4].

Financial Overview

As of recent financial reports, the Avis Foundation has significant assets and primarily derives its revenue from contributions, interest, and dividends. The foundation disburses a substantial portion of its expenses to charitable causes, with a focus on supporting community and educational initiatives[2].

Governance and Leadership

The foundation is led by a board of directors, which includes key personnel such as Angie Darlington as President and Loralee Songer as Executive Director[1][3]. The leadership emphasizes transparency, transformational stewardship, and trustworthy partnerships in their operations[1].

History

The Avis Foundation was established in 2006 by the estate of Leland E. Boren, building upon the philanthropic work of the Borens, who founded the Boren Foundation in 1982 to address community needs in Indiana[1].