Local Giving.
Lasting Impact.
Helping you make a difference in Wells County.
what's happening with light
LiGHT (Ladies Initiating Giving an Honored Tradition) is a women's giving circle of the Wells County Foundation that brings women together to make a lasting impact for local women and children.
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There are two ways to get involved:
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Become a LiGHT Member
Membership is just $25 annually and every member helps strengthen the impact we can make together. Join by August 14 to be part of this year's grantmaking.
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Apply for a LiGHT Grant
Local nonprofit organizations serving women and children in Wells County are invited to apply for funding. Grant applications are due September 4.
triple your impact in wells county!
Your generosity can go three times as far! Thanks to a $697,000 matching fund grant from Lilly Endowment, every $1 in qualifying gifts to the Wells County Foundation’s Community Enhancement Endowment can be matched with $2 from Lilly Endowment.
Help us reach our $233,000 fundraising goal and maximize this incredible opportunity to strengthen our unrestricted endowment and provide more resources for local nonprofits through our competitive grant programs.
Looking to leave a lasting legacy? Your gift may also be used to establish a named unrestricted fund—creating an impact that continues for generations.
2026 Volunteer of the Year
Do you know someone whose dedication to volunteering has made a lasting difference in the Wells County community? Nominations are now open for the 2026 Bette A. Erxleben Volunteer of the Year Award, honoring an outstanding individual whose commitment to serving others exemplifies the spirit of volunteerism.
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Help us recognize a volunteer whose time, talents, and generosity have made our community a better place. Nominations are due September 30, 2026.
grants available
The Wells County Foundation is now accepting grant requests for the Third Grant Cycle of 2026.
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Third Cycle Grants support a wide range of nonprofit projects and programs that serve Wells County and enhance the quality of life in our community.
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Needs Assessment Grants focus on projects that address specific community priorities in four areas identified in the Foundation’s most recent Community Needs Assessment: Early Childhood Education, Substance Abuse, Workforce Development, and Housing
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Eligible organizations are encouraged to review the grant guidelines and application materials to determine the best fit for their project.
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Grant proposals are due by 4 PM on October 15, 2026.
opioid settlement assistance program
Recognizing that substance use disorder has been identified as one of Wells County's greatest community needs, the Wells County Foundation is now offering the Opioid Settlement Assistance Program.
The program helps Wells County residents participating in recovery by providing transportation assistance and support for eligible outpatient therapy, substance abuse treatment, and counseling expenses.
