RECENT grants
The Wells County Foundation Announces Grants from First 2022 Cycle
The Wells County Foundation, Inc. Board of Directors recently approved grants totaling $48,677 for the first of three grant cycles in 2022. A total of 8 grants were awarded as follows:
Bluffton Parks & Recreation Department - $10,000 – This grant will provide funding support for the 2022 Kehoe Park Free Concert Series. The 2022 series will include seven free concerts, performed at the Rotary Stage at Kehoe Park. This year’s series will include four Friday evening concerts. Performers scheduled for this year’s series are Last Child (Aerosmith tribute) – June 24; Fleetwood Gold (Fleetwood Mac tribute) – July 8; Simply Elton (Elton John tribute) – July 29; and Sail On (Beach Boys tribute) – August 5. The series will also include the following Sunday evening concerts: Gospel Celebration – June 26 (local community artists); Ok Boomer (easy listening) – July 10; and Sugar Shot (country) – August 7. Grant made from the Community Enhancement Endowment Fund.
Bluffton Parks & Recreation Department - $9,078 – This grant will provide funding support for ADA upgrades to park facilities operated through the Bluffton Parks & Recreation Department. The Department aims to update the park amenities in compliance with ADA regulations. This grant will provide funding for the purchase of three accessible swings and five accessible picnic tables. Grant made from the G. Robert and Emma Studabaker Endowment Fund for the Physically and/or Mentally Challenged Fund.
Cancer Services of Northeast Indiana – $5,000 - This grant will provide funding support for client advocate and client services programming for residents of Wells County. In 2021, Cancer Services of Northeast Indiana assisted 100 Wells County families who were touched by cancer. Financial assistance, durable medical equipment and health care supply items, nutritional drinks, wigs, hats and scarves were among the types of assistance received by Wells County residents through Cancer Services of Northeast Indiana. Grant made from the Margaret Powers Unrestricted Endowment Fund.
Creative Arts Council of Wells County - $949 – This grant will provide funding for the purchase of a pa/sound system. This system will be utilized primarily for dance classes, but will also be used for voice lessons, choir rehearsals and theater workshops. Grant made from the Unrestricted Endowment Fund.
Kate’s Kart - $2,000 - This grant will provide funding for the purchase of books utilized in the Kate’s Kart program at Bluffton Regional Medical Center. This program provides a free book to children who enter the Bluffton Regional Medical Center through the emergency room or admission to the hospital. Books distributed through this program provide a temporary diversion to children and their families during their visit to the emergency room or hospital stay. An average of 40 books are distributed on a monthly basis through this program at Bluffton Regional Medical Center, totaling a distribution of 443 books through the program in 2021. Grant made from the Elizabeth Patton Unrestricted Endowment Fund.
Wells County Child Protection Team - $6,650 – This grant will provide full funding for the “Be Seen Be Heard” program to be presented to elementary students in all three Northern Wells Community schools, reaching 2,580 students. This program creates a safe and engaging atmosphere where students can learn about the difference between safe and unsafe touching, what is sexual abuse, and empowers students to tell a trusted adult if they feel uncomfortable or safe. The programs are presented by Mr. Victor Pacini. Grant made from the Unrestricted Endowment Fund.
Youth for Christ - $10,000 – This grant will provide funding for Campus Life programming within the Bluffton-Harrison, Northern Wells and Southern Wells middle and high schools. Campus Life programming impacts over 2,800 students in Wells County. This grant will complement the Campus Life programming by providing funding for the directors to purchase food for meetings, provide scholarships for students to attend Youth for Christ enrichment trips, leadership development and supplies for large group events. Grant made from the Elizabeth Patton Unrestricted Endowment Fund.
Town of Zanesville - $5,000 – This grant will provide partial funding for the development of a master plan for the community of Zanesville. The Town desires to establish a plan that will include development goals and objectives to guide the future growth within and around Zanesville in a coordinated manner. Additionally, the plan will provide the foundation for access to public and private funding programs that may be available through the Office of Community and Rural Affairs, private foundations and others. Grant made from the Unrestricted Endowment Fund.
The Foundation considers grant proposals three times annually for those agencies seeking funding through the competitive grant process. Funding for these grants comes from the unrestricted funds which are administered by the Foundation. Donors with broad philanthropic interests find that an unrestricted fund in the community foundation is a simple and flexible way to accomplish their charitable objectives. Contributing to an established unrestricted fund, or creating a new unrestricted fund is an excellent way to provide resources for grantmaking and help make a positive difference for the ever-changing needs in Wells County.
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. Grant proposals to be considered for the next cycle are due to the Foundation office by June 15.