Doubling Impact: How the Kleppe Family Mobilized Giving Through United Way NWI 

At United Way Northwest Indiana (NWI), collaboration with businesses, nonprofits, and government agencies is important to help combat growing financial struggles in the community. With many residents in the Region who struggle to afford basic needs such as healthcare, food, and housing, United Way NWI connects resources that create opportunities for people to thrive. 

This goal is even more attainable when members of the community are willing to support United Way NWI through donations. Two people who have done so are Scott and Tina Kleppe, who were the donor match for United Way NWI’s Giving Tuesday campaign.  

The Kleppes, now retired, have been tied to the organization’s journey for decades. The two met in high school and started dating at their sophomore year Valentine’s Day dance. After getting married in 1979, they have been building a beautiful life together ever since. 

Scott Kleppe notes that the two are busier now than when they were running Sensit Technologies. He got his start with Sensit Technologies in the 1970s and built a relationship with United Way NWI along the way. 

“My father built it from the ground up, and I stepped into the role of president in the late 1990s,” he said. “After my father passed away, my mother became what we lovingly call our ‘corporate mom.’ while Tina and I continued to grow the business. We partnered with a family office in Ohio in 2014, and the company was acquired by a multinational organization in 2020. I stayed on for another five years as president and CEO of the operating group. After more than 41 years, it felt like the right moment to pass the responsibility on to the next generation of leadership.” 

The Kleppes have been longtime supporters of United Way Northwest Indiana, giving for many years with a shared commitment to strengthening the local community through meaningful connections. Scott is especially proud of the hard work he and Tina have put in together, making it possible for them to give back to other community organizations across the region.

“I was recently brought onto the Habitat for Humanity board, and one of the things I love most is going out and building homes alongside other volunteers—and alongside the families who will one day live there,” he said. “They’re putting in the time and effort, working shoulder to shoulder, while also committing to the education and training it takes to prepare for homeownership and a 30-year mortgage. That opportunity is incredibly powerful to witness.” 

United Way NWI focuses on four pillars: Financial Stability, Youth Opportunity, Healthy Community, and Community Resiliency. Each pillar is a part of the Kleppes’ philanthropic decisions and resonates through institutions in the Region. This includes United Way NWI, St. Jude, Ivy Tech, Habitat for Humanity, and animal rescues.

Being a donor has always been a part of who the Kleppes are. They know the culture of giving back to others, and they believe United Way NWI’s culture is one in the same. 

“What I like the best is the entrepreneurial spirit over the years to try so many programs,” said Scott Kleppe. “Regardless of the leadership changes, there has been a strong connection with staff to inform us about whatever’s next. It is the power of the collective networks that makes the work at United Way a success.” 

Tina Kleppe knows what it means for an organization to start small and work its way up to have a community reach like United Way NWI does. 

“We’ve been deeply blessed in our own journey,” she said. “We started with very humble beginnings, with very little, and were able to build something meaningful—something that has allowed us to make a real difference in the lives of others.” 

When it comes to the impact of the Kleppes’ donation, Scott Kleppe hopes it can help satisfy the daily needs that people must meet to be successful. 

“It’s about the ability to help the next generations of families get the tools and education they need to succeed in life,” he said. “It is what can be done to raise the ship. We certainly hope that others will see how important it is to support the community.  Perhaps this is the spark to future giving by those who are not fully engaged.” 

As a donor match, the Kleppes helped inspire more than 150 donors to step forward. Their hope is to see the number reach double-digit growth in the next year. 

Today, the Kleppes make a conscious effort to enjoy life and spend meaningful time with each other while still giving back in ways that matter the most to them. They encourage those who have considered giving but have yet to take that step to put their foot forward, as giving is the easiest way to bring added meaning to our lives. 

“The amount of impact that United Way NWI has across so many community groups is incredible,” said Scott Kleppe. “The support provided through these donations have an impact on those in need today, but also for the generations to come that will continue to help NWI flourish for decades to come.” 

“This match mobilized our community in a way we’ve never seen before in a single day, yet alone on Giving Tuesday, and the impact of the Kleppe’s generosity will be felt by families who need us most.” Kristina Fry Vice President of Development at United Way Northwest Indiana.   

For more information on United Way NWI, you can visit unitedwaynwi.org.