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The Kresge Foundation Challenges Zoo to Meet Campaign Goal

The Fort Wayne Children's Zoo received a prestigious $250,000 challenge grant from The Kresge Foundation towards its African Journey Capital Campaign. The Kresge Foundation, a $3 billion national foundation, supports capital campaigns in order to help nonprofits catalyze their growth and connect with their donors through challenge grants that leverage greater support. In 2006, The Kresge Foundation awarded 205 grants totaling $146,187,060 to organizations in the United States, Canada, Mexico, South Africa, and the United Kingdom. The Fort Wayne Children’s Zoo was the only zoo to receive funding in the spring of 2007.

“We are absolutely thrilled to have received this challenge from The Kresge Foundation,” explains Zoo Director Jim Anderson. “This challenge from an internationally recognized foundation validates the strength of our campaign and acknowledges the tremendous community support we have received so far.” The zoo has raised more than $8 million in pledges to date.

The Zoo must raise $583,000 toward the $10.5 million African Journey goal in order to receive The Kresge Foundation’s funding toward the project. In the coming weeks, families, businesses, and individuals will be invited to purchase Recognition Tiles as a way to support the campaign. For $400, names will be engraved on a 3” x 5” tile in the Entry Tunnel to the new African Journey exhibit. All contributions are welcome, however, as the zoo strives to reach its ambitious goal.

Those interested in contributing to the African Journey Capital Campaign may contact the zoo at 260-427-6800, , or contribute on the web at www.kidszoo.org.

The Kresge Foundation was established by Sebastian S. Kresge in 1924 after 25 years as the co-owner of the S.S. Kresge Company. This company operated five and ten cent stores throughout the Midwest. By the time of Sebastian S. Kresge’s death, he made additional personal gifts to the foundation totaling over $60 million. Today, The Kresge Foundation operates independently of the former S.S. Kresge Company, now known as the Kmart Corporation, or any other corporation.

The Fort Wayne Children's Zoo is northeast Indiana’s top tourist attraction, drawing 500,000 visitors each year. The zoo is self-supporting and receives no tax funding for operations. The zoo was named one of the “Top Ten Zoos for Kids” by Child magazine and was voted “Fort Wayne’s Best Attribute.”

The zoo is open daily 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. until October 14. Admission is $8 for adults, $5 for children age 2-14 and $7 for seniors age 60+. Babies age 1 and under and Zoo Society Members are admitted free.

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