The Wells County Foundation, INC.

The mission of Anthony Wayne Services Foundation (AWSF) is to support children and adults with intellectual, developmental and physical disabilities live as independently as possible, be included and involved in the community and to live their life to the fullest.

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In 2025, ASWF established the ASWF Fund with The Wells County Foundation, Inc.  The purpose of the fund is to support, through grants, initiatives of Wells County organizations who aim to carry out this mission.

In general, the Foundation does not award multi-year grants. With the exception of the scholarship funds administered by the Foundation, grants are not made to individuals. Awards are made with the understanding that the Foundation has no obligation or commitment to provide any additional support. Awards to make up operating deficits, post-event or after-the-fact situations will not be made.

These grants, up to $5,000, will be administered based on the following guiding principles:

• Individuals with disabilities deserve a choice driven life (self-determination).  Preferences, opinions, priorities, and accommodations are best defined by the individual rather than for the individual.

• Inclusion and integration are better than segregation when possible.   The more inclusive and integrated an environment, activity, or program, the more it will benefit everyone.

• Opportunities are presented with a focus on encouraging potential rather than identification of limitations.

• Social settings that include family and friends are preferred.  Age related peer groups and potential for new friends is ideal.

• ADA standards are the law and the minimum.  Exceeding through the principles of Universal Design is desirable.

• Opportunities that enhance and support education and employment with potential will contribute to greater independence for the individual.

 

The Foundation operates without discrimination as to race, national origin, religion, gender, gender preference, age, or disability or that perceived as a disability in the consideration of grant requests. Likewise, grants will be awarded only to those organizations operating without the aforementioned discriminations.

Requests for support of projects presented by religious groups will be considered if a general community need (within one of the four critical areas) is being met and the project/program does not require that the teachings or doctrine of a particular church or religious organization be accepted to participate. No grants will be made to any political organization or to support attempts to influence the legislation of any governing body other than through making available to the community at large the results of non-partisan analysis, study and/or research.
 

In evaluating proposals, the Foundation may consider, among other criteria, the extent to which:

• The project/proposal will enhance accessibility within Wells County.

• The proposal clearly describes compelling and feasible outcomes that will be achieved in the area of accessibility.