# East Chicago Community Development Foundation

East Chicago Community Development Foundation is an Endowment / Foundation based in East Chicago, United States.

## Overview

- **Organization type:** Endowment / Foundation
- **Headquarters:** East Chicago, United States
- **Region:** North America
- **Address:** 100 West Chicago Avenue, East Chicago, IN 46312, United States
- **Founded:** 1997
- **Assets under management:** Undisclosed
- **Website:** http://www.foundationsec.org
- **LinkedIn:** https://www.linkedin.com/company/foundations-of-east-chicago

## Regulatory record

- **Reports private funds:** No

## About

The East Chicago Community Development Foundation is a foundation based in East Chicago, US. It manages approximately $33 million in assets, primarily focused on North America.

## Sectors

- Community Development
- Affordable Housing
- Real Estate

## People

- George Weems — President of the Board of Directors
- Nadyne Kokot — Vice President of the Board

## Questions

### Where does the East Chicago Community Development Foundation's funding come from?

The foundation's primary funding source is a Local Development Agreement with Ameristar East Chicago Casino and Hotel. The agreement entitles the foundation to 1.625% of the casino's adjusted gross gaming revenue. This structure, negotiated through East Chicago Second Century, Inc., provides a recurring, non-market-based revenue stream that is distinct from the endowment models used by most private foundations.

### Who runs investment decisions at the foundation?

Investment and grantmaking oversight rests with the Board of Directors. George Weems serves as President and Nadyne Kokot serves as Vice President, both having been with the foundation since its founding in 1997. The foundation maintains its own investment portfolio alongside its direct real estate holdings and community grant programs.

### How is the foundation related to the City of East Chicago?

The foundation operates independently but has deep structural ties to the city through its revenue agreement. The City of East Chicago has been both a partner on redevelopment initiatives and a counterparty — the two entities have been involved in litigation over the distribution of gaming revenue. This places the foundation in a hybrid role: a private nonprofit with a public-purpose mandate funded by a municipal revenue allocation.

### What investment stages or project types does the foundation typically target?

The foundation focuses on place-based investments within East Chicago, Indiana — including commercial real estate, affordable housing, and community facilities. It also operates a grantmaking program supporting local nonprofits, particularly those addressing economic development and community welfare. It does not make venture capital or for-profit equity investments in operating companies.

### Does the foundation participate in fund commitments or only direct projects?

The foundation's capital deployment is predominantly direct — owning its headquarters building at 100 West Chicago Avenue, funding affordable housing developments, and making grants to community organizations. It has not publicly disclosed commitments to private equity, venture capital, or hedge fund vehicles. Its co-investment activity has been limited to regional relief collaborations with peer foundations such as the Legacy Foundation and Crown Point Community Foundation.

### Who are the foundation's primary community partners?

Key partners include the Legacy Foundation and Crown Point Community Foundation — both collaborated with East Chicago Community Development Foundation on the CARE-Emergency Aid and Relief Fund serving Lake County. The foundation also engages with the Lakeshore Chamber of Commerce as a civic leader and consults on business development issues in the broader northwest Indiana region.

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- [East African Development Bank](https://altss.com/profile/east-african-development-bank)
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Last updated: 2026-06-03T20:00:00.000Z

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