needs assessment grants
Since launching the Needs Assessment Grants in 2023, the Foundation has awarded $338,142 to address four critical areas of need in Wells County. ​
​In 2022, The Wells County Foundation embarked on conducting a comprehensive community needs assessment to help guide its grantmaking and scholarship programs. In addition, it is the Foundation’s hope that this report is also serving as a common reference for government, nonprofits and other organizations that seek to improve the quality of life in Wells County.
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Based on extensive community discussions, four areas were identified that will be critical to the future of Wells County: Affordable Housing, Child Care and Early Childhood Education, Substance Use Disorder and Workforce Development. The full report is available by clicking here. Copies are also available at the Foundation office.
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Recent Needs Assessment Grants Awarded:
​The Wells County Foundation, Inc. Board of Directors recently approved grants totaling $68,960.26 for the final needs assessment grant cycle in 2025. The Foundation embarked on conducting a Comprehensive Community Needs Assessment in 2022. Based on extensive community discussions, four critical areas were identified: Affordable Housing, Child Care and Early Childhood Education, Substance Abuse Disorder and Workforce Development. Believing that these areas remain relevant, the Board of Directors is continuing to offer grant opportunities to organizations who are providing services in these areas. A total of four grants were awarded as follows:
Children’s Corner Daycare – $2,563 - This grant will provide funding for the expansion of their infant care facilities. Children’s Corner Daycare will double their infant care capacity from three to six with this expansion. The grant will provide funding to purchase the equipment necessary for the expansion. Grant made from the Elizabeth V. Patton Unrestricted Endowment Fund.
City of Bluffton - $25,000 – This grant will provide funding support for the Owner-Occupied Rehabilitation (ORR) program. This program will provide assistance for local home repairs for low- and moderate-income homeowners. Eligible repairs include roof replacement, ADA accessibility modifications, and upgrades to plumbing, electrical, heating and cooling systems. Grant made from the Community Enhancement Endowment Fund.
Community Care of Northeast Indiana - $10,000 – This grant will provide funding to support enhance and expand the wellness program for women and children residing in transitional and recovery homes. The program promotes nutrition education, fitness and movement opportunities, preventative and proactive health guidance, mental and emotional wellness support – cornerstones for long-term recovery, family stability and community well-being. Grant made from the Community Enhancement Endowment Fund.
Lancaster Central Elementary School - $31,397.26 – This grant will provide funding for the purchase of developmentally appropriate playground equipment for preschool students. Lancaster’s preschool program currently serves 53 children ages 3-5. Grant made from the Virginia Gene Neuenschwander Youth Fund.
The Wells County Foundation, Inc. is a nonprofit public charity established in 1957 to serve donors, award grants, and provide leadership to improve Wells County forever. Grants proposals for the 2026 Needs Assessment proposals to be considered are due to the Foundation office by February 13, June 15 and October 15, 2026.​​​