BEFORE YOU START
By completing and submitting scholarship applications, you place yourself in a pool of equally talented students who are applying for these scholarship awards. Your application(s) must represent your absolute best effort!
FOLLOW INSTRUCTIONS CAREFULLY! Each scholarship has unique requirements. Submit what is requested and PROOFREAD everything! Typos and missing materials can cost you a scholarship. Most importantly, double check deadlines!
scholarships!
Are you a current college student looking for scholarship information?
The Wells County Foundation offers multiple scholarship opportunities for students currently in college or technical school. Explore available scholarships and application details under scholarships under our What We Do tab!
“In every community there is work to be done. In every nation, there are wounds to heal. In every heart, there is the power to do it.”
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– Marianne Williamson
LiGHT UP YOUR SPRING!
All ladies are invited to LiGHTEN Up, an evening of inspiration, fellowship, and sweet treats!
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Hear from our keynote speaker, Stacey Dumbacher, on finding balance in work and life, and get firsthand updates from our 2025 LiGHT grant recipients about the impact of their projects in our community.
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​If you’ve ever wondered what LiGHT (Ladies Initiating Giving an Honored Tradition) is all about, this is the perfect opportunity to see it in action and meet members!
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When: Wednesday, May 8 - social hour begins at 6PM, program at 7PM
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RSVP by calling the Wells County Foundation at 260-824-8620, or emailing light@wellscountyfound.org
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​Come for the desserts, stay for the stories – and discover how you can make a difference in Wells County!
“In every community there is work to be done. In every nation, there are wounds to heal. In every heart, there is the power to do it.”
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– Marianne Williamson
LiGHT Business Meeting
The Results Are In!
We’re excited to announce the 2025 LiGHT Grant recipients!
Each year, members of LiGHT (Ladies Initiating Giving an Honored Tradition) come together to support local organizations serving women and children in Wells County. Through their votes, this year’s grants have been awarded to:
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Camp Watcha Wanna Do
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Community Care of Northeast Indiana
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Helping Hands Family Resource Center
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Hope's Harbor Family Hospitality Homes
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United Way of Wells County
Congratulations to these outstanding organizations, and thank you to every LiGHT member whose generosity made these grants possible. Together, we’re lighting the way for brighter futures in our community.
Hope Lights a Tree
In the spirit of the season, The Wells County Foundation invites you to take part in the annual Hope Lights a Tree program — a meaningful tradition that brings our community together to honor and remember loved ones.
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With each donation, an ornament is placed on the tree at the Angel of Hope Memorial Park as a symbol of love and remembrance. All are welcome to join us for the Remembrance and Tree Lighting Ceremony on December 6 at 7 p.m. in Bluffton.​
Hope Lights a Tree
We invite you to join us at the...
​Angel of Hope Memorial Park
December 6 at 7 PM
for the annual
Hope Lights a Tree
remembrance ceremony.
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This meaningful gathering shines a light on loved ones we honor or remember during the holidays.
All are welcome and encouraged to attend.
Each year, the Bette A. Erxleben Volunteer of the Year Award honors an individual who has made outstanding, sustained, and selfless contributions to the Wells County community. Recipients represent the very best of community spirit—those whose volunteer work has made a lasting impact in areas such as youth, education, human services, community development, health, or the environment.
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This year, we are proud to recognize Dave Goodwin as our 2025 Volunteer of the Year!
Celebrating community impact in 2025
As we look back on 2025, we're grateful for the generosity and dedication that continue to make Wells County a place where people care deeply about their neighbors. Thanks to the support of our donors and the hard work of local nonprofits, the Wells County Foundation was able to make a meaningful difference across our community last year.
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In 2025, the Foundation awarded 72 grants totaling $546,089.66, supporting programs that strengthen families, enhance education, support mental and physical health, enrich the arts, and improve quality of life for residents of all ages. These grants reached 44 organizations doing vital work right here at home.
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This past year, the Foundation also helped open doors for local students, awarding 157 scholarships totaling $637,138. These scholarships represent the commitment of donors who believe in the next generation and want to help students pursue their education with confidence.
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Behind every number is a story: a student who found new opportunities, a family who received needed uspport, a park or program that became more accessible, or a nonprofit that could expand its mission because of this community's generosity.
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We are proud to walk alongside the donors, volunteers, and organizations who make this impact possible. Thank you for believing in the power of local giving and for helping create a stronger and more vibrant Wells County. Togehter, we're making a difference - today and for the future.
make an impact with year end giving
As the year comes to a close, it’s the perfect time to make a gift that will have a lasting impact in Wells County. When you give through the Wells County Foundation, your generosity goes further. Our stewardship, community knowledge, and long-term investment approach ensure that every dollar you give continues to support local needs for years to come.
why give through the wells county foundation?
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Your gift stays local. Every donation supports programs, nonprofits, and projects that directly benefit Wells County residents.
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You choose the impact. With a wide range of established funds—scholarships, community grants, youth programs, arts, health, and more—you can support the causes that matter most to you.
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Your generosity grows. Endowed gifts are invested for long-term sustainability, allowing your contribution to support the community year after year.
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We make giving simple. Whether you want to give now or plan for the future, our team can help you navigate the best giving options for your goals.
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Explore all available funds and find the one that aligns with your charitable interests here.
create a legacy of your own
If you’re interested in creating a new fund—whether in honor of a loved one, to support a specific cause, or to leave a personal legacy—we’re here to help. The Foundation team can walk you through the process and design a fund that reflects your values.
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Contact us at 260-824-8620 or email wellscountyfound@wellscountyfound.org to start the conversation.
other ways to make a difference
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Give in honor or memory of someone special.
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Make a year-end gift to support the Foundation’s work through our unrestricted funds, which allow us to respond to emerging community needs.
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Consider including the Foundation in your estate plans to ensure your generosity continues for generations.
This season, your gift can brighten our community—today and well into the future. Thank you for partnering with us to enhance the quality of life in Wells County and make our community a stronger, more vibrant place for all.
​Wells County
Prom Dress Exchange
Second Grant Cycle is Open!
The Wells County Foundation is now accepting grant requests for the Second Grant Cycle of 2026.
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Regular Grant Cycles 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 identified in the Foundation’s most recent Community Needs Assessment.
Second Cycle and Needs Assessment grant proposals are due by June 15, 2026.
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Eligible organizations are encouraged to review the grant guidelines and application materials to determine the best fit for their project.
Needs Assessment Grants
The Wells County Foundation is now accepting Needs Assessment grant requests.
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​Needs Assessment Grants focus on projects that address specific community priorities identified in the Foundation’s most recent Community Needs Assessment. Needs Assessment grant proposals are due by March 20, 2026.
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Eligible organizations are encouraged to review the grant guidelines and application materials to determine the best fit for their project.
First Grant Cycle is Open!
The Wells County Foundation is now accepting grant requests for the First Grant Cycle of 2026.
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Regular Grant Cycles support a wide range of nonprofit projects and programs that serve Wells County and enhance the quality of life in our community. First cycle grant proposals are due by February 13, 2026.
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Needs Assessment Grants focus on projects that address specific community priorities identified in the Foundation’s most recent Community Needs Assessment. Needs Assessment grant proposals are due by March 20, 2026.
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Eligible organizations are encouraged to review the grant guidelines and application materials to determine the best fit for their project.
Grants Available - Apply Now!
The Wells County Foundation is now accepting grant requests for the First Grant Cycle of 2026, including the first round of Needs Assessment Grants.
All applications are due by February 13, 2026.
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Regular 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 identified in the Foundation’s most recent Community Needs Assessment.
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Eligible organizations are encouraged to review the grant guidelines and application materials to determine the best fit for their project.
The Doctor Tom Stogdill
Community Service Award
The Doctor Tom Stogdill Community Service Award was established in 2006 by Dr. Tom Stogdill. Tom was born in Bluffton, graduating from Bluffton High School in 1953. He graduated from DePauw University and following his one-year internship, began his career as a physician specializing in family medicine. Tom practiced in Arizona, Southern California, and Utah before returning to Bluffton in 1986 to practice medicine at Caylor-Nickel Clinic. Tom was a faithful community servant, through active involvement with the Council on Aging, Wells Community Boys and Girls Club, The Wells County Foundation, Big Brothers/Big Sisters and Bi-County Services. Tom was instrumental in the establishment of the Panos Free Clinic.
The Doctor Tom Stogdill Community Service Award annually recognizes a Bluffton High School junior or senior for their outstanding contributions to community service. The 2026 recipient will have the privilege of selecting a Wells County non-profit organization to receive a $1,500 grant award. Deadline to submit application is April 15, 2026.
Teacher Creativity Grants
Great teaching sparks curiosity, creativity, and a love of learning. The Teacher Creativity Grant supports innovative classroom projects that move beyond traditional lectures and textbooks to engage students through hands-on, interactive learning experiences.
This annual grant opportunity is available to teachers in Wells County’s three public school districts and is designed to support projects that align with Indiana State Standards while encouraging critical thinking and 21st-century skills. From tactile lessons to immersive learning environments, Teacher Creativity Grants help educators bring creative ideas to life and inspire students in meaningful ways.
2026 Outstanding Scholar Dinner
The Wells County Foundation and Bluffton Rotary Club were proud to honor outstanding high school students at this year’s Scholar Dinner. The evening celebrated academic achievement, leadership, and service, recognizing students who are making a positive impact in our community. We are grateful to the families, educators, and supporters who joined us in celebrating these remarkable young individuals.
