Brightpoint Brightpoint
October 13, 2025 | Fort Wayne, IN – Foellinger Foundation awards a $100,000 Special Opportunity Grant to the Community Loan Center of Northeast Indiana. Operated by Brightpoint Development Fund, the Community Loan Center partners with local employers to give their team members access to low-cost loans up to $1,000 with manageable repayment options, offering a better alternative to payday loans. This Foellinger Foundation grant funds Brightpoint’s loan loss reserve, which results in $1 million in available lending.
In northeast Indiana, 7% of families living paycheck to paycheck regularly utilize payday loans, with interest rates averaging 365% APR. Families use payday loans for various reasons, including medical emergencies, vehicle repairs, or paying overdue bills. The high interest rates trap borrowers in a cycle of debt.
“We’re excited to partner with Brightpoint for this Special Opportunity Grant,” shared Sarah Strimmenos, President and CEO of Foellinger Foundation. “Inflation impacts have taken a toll on self-sufficiency in Allen County. Wages needed in 2025 to sustain a family of four have risen to over $80,000, up from just over $54,000 in 2020. Brightpoint offers these affordable small-dollar loans through the Community Loan Center, which do not carry the high interest rates of payday loans. This access helps prevent individuals from sliding backward on the Independence Continuum and moves people toward financial independence.”
“We’re deeply grateful to Foellinger Foundation for this Special Opportunity Grant,” said Steve Hoffman, Brightpoint President and CEO. “This support strengthens our mission to help borrowers manage their finances, cover unexpected expenses, and work toward financial stability.”
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About Foellinger Foundation
Foellinger Foundation is a private, charitable foundation that invests in organizations, programming, and initiatives that serve Allen County residents with the greatest economic need and least opportunity. The Foundation was created in 1958 by Helene Foellinger, The News- Sentinel publisher from 1936 to 1981, and Esther Foellinger, her mother. Visit www.foellinger.org for more information.
About Brightpoint
Brightpoint is a private, 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization serving nearly 55,000 people across northeast Indiana each year. Through a wide range of programs, Brightpoint helps communities, families, and individuals remove the causes and conditions of poverty. All Brightpoint services are provided without regard to race, age, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, disability, national origin, ancestry, or status as a veteran.