About Us

The Brooks and Joan Fortune Family Foundation is a 501(c)(3) charitable organization formed in 1988 to support education, arts, and outreach programs and projects. In general, the foundation desires to support specific activities that result in a defined outcome rather than general operating funds or fundraising campaigns.

Originally incorporated in Indiana, the foundation has had a major impact throughout the country. The Foundation is particular to education and the arts. While the foundation activities have historicall been located in Indiana and Florida, requests from around the country will certainly be considered.

Our Story

Brooks and Joan met in 1939 when he was a young research scientist, and she was a medical laboratory technician. Together, they worked on novel products that would allow diabetic patients to check glucose levels at home to better control insulin dosing. Eventually, these would evolve into the basis of all bedside medical testing available today. Brooks rapidly rose through the leadership ranks of the Eli Lilly pharmaceutical company to eventually become an Executive Vice-President and member of the Board until his retirement in 1971. Their happy marriage of 49 years produced three successful children and a myriad of wonderful memories. Brooks and Joan travelled the world and graciously shared their homes in Florida and Indiana with friends and family.

Always the philanthropists, they supported numerous projects in museums, colleges, and churches located near their home. The incorporation of the Foundation was an opportunity to expand the boundaries of their generosity to other areas of the country. While Brooks and Joan are gone now, their family legacy lives on through the Foundation which remains under the leadership of their children and grandchildren.

Our application window is open between April and December. Final determinations are made at the end of our fiscal year, January through March.

As you prepare your new LOI, please keep in mind that our foundation prioritizes funding initiatives in education, the arts, and outreach that result in defined, measurable outcomes. Each application is reviewed based on its alignment with our mission, the clarity of objectives, and the potential impact of the proposed project. Given the high volume of applications we receive, our reviewers must make difficult decisions based on these factors as well as the overall availability of funds.

We encourage applicants to consider the following:

Clearly Defined Impact: Proposals that demonstrate specific, measurable outcomes and a clear plan for assessing success tend to align best with our funding priorities. Providing data, past success stories, or projected impact can strengthen your case.
Project-Specific Requests: Our foundation prefers to fund distinct programs or initiatives rather than general operating expenses or fundraising campaigns. Applications that outline how funds will be used for a targeted, time-bound project often stand out.
Alignment with Funding Priorities: While we consider applications from a variety of organizations, those that closely align with our core focus areas—education, the arts, and outreach—are more likely to be selected. If applicable, consider how your program ties directly to these categories.
Sustainability and Long-Term Impact: Reviewers look favorably upon projects that have a plan for continued success beyond the grant period. If you can demonstrate how your initiative will have lasting benefits, it may strengthen future applications.