Strategic Initiatives
Driving Innovation
Inspiring Future Generations
Driving innovation today by investing in the people and partnerships that will inspire and equip the next generation to build what’s next.
How We Serve
Research
The Don Wood Foundation’s research initiatives generate practical insights that shine a light on what it takes to help communities strengthen education‑to‑career pathways and advance the manufacturing workforce. Through data‑driven studies such as regional CTE ecosystem analyses, postsecondary attainment research, and interactive dashboards, the Foundation examines how systems align with employer demand and learner opportunity. These efforts combine robust data collection with interviews, focus groups, and community convenings to surface gaps, highlight promising practices, and inform action. The result is research that doesn’t sit on a shelf—it fosters conversations, strengthens partnerships, and supports educators, employers, and community leaders working to build stronger talent pipelines and more resilient regional economies.
How We Serve
Communication
The Don Wood Foundation’s communications efforts amplify the impact of our mission and the work of our grant partners. Through thoughtful storytelling, strategic media engagement, and digital platforms, the Foundation highlights the people, programs, and partnerships shaping the future of manufacturing and career-connected education across northeast Indiana. The Foundation’s team works alongside grant partners to help bring their stories to life—sharing their successes, lessons, and innovations through video storytelling, social media campaigns, newsletters, and other digital tools. These efforts help broaden the reach of important work happening in classrooms, training centers, and communities. By combining compelling narratives with modern communication strategies, the Foundation ensures that insights, opportunities, and outcomes are visible to a wider audience. In doing so, shared communications strengthen awareness, inspire collaboration, and elevate the collective impact of organizations working to build strong education-to-career pathways.
How We Serve
Convenings
The Don Wood Foundation advances its mission through grantmaking by bringing people together around shared challenges and opportunities. Through intentional convenings, the Foundation connects educators, employers, nonprofit leaders, and community partners to align research, share insights, and spark collaborative action. These gatherings create space for authentic dialogue, systems-level thinking, and practical problem-solving, particularly in support of a strong, Next-Gen Manufacturing ecosystem. By serving as a neutral convener, the Foundation helps break down silos, surface new ideas, and turn relationships into results that strengthen communities and expand opportunities across the region. As such, the Foundation assembles and sometimes hosts convenings that maximize collaboration to benefit communities in northeast Indiana, starting with Fort Wayne and extending well beyond it.
Who We Are
& Our Mission
Established in 2018 by Don Wood, founder of 80/20, Inc., the Don Wood Foundation invests in the people and partnerships that help advanced manufacturing thrive across northeast Indiana. We support innovators, leaders, collaborators, and skilled workers who are creating new opportunities for the region’s future. Our mission is to radically lead the development and growth of the Next Gen Manufacturing Workforce in Northeast Indiana.
