The Wells County Foundation, INC.

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The Wells County Foundation, Inc.  Board of Directors recently approved grants totaling $63,460 for the first grant cycle in 2025.  A total of 10 grants were awarded as follows:

 

Bi-County Services, Inc. - $10,000 – This grant will provide funding support for the purchase of security camera system for Whicker Park.  Whicker Park is an inclusive and accessible playground with a pavilion, receiving the News-Banner’s “Best Playground Award” for eight consecutive years.   The new security camera equipment will assist with countering vandalism at the park.   Grant made from the George and Viela Robb Endowment Fund.

 

Bluffton Parks & Recreation Department - $3,000 - This grant will provide funding support for the 2025 Wellness Event Series.  In 2025, the Parks Department will host over 25 wellness events including:  Wells Winter fitness Challenge, Chilly Chili Trail Run, Earth Day 5K, Chicks run, Hot Diggity Dog Jog, Summer 5 in 5 5K Series, Fall 5 in 5 5K Series, Community Kayak & Paddle, Brazilian United Soccer Camp, Summer Sports Camp, Fastest Kid in Town, Parlor City Trot ½ Marathon, Parlor City 10K & 5K, WOOF 5 & 15 Mile Trail Run, Wobble Before You Gobble, Santa Run, Yoga in the Park and Rock Steady Boxing for Parkinson’s Disease.  Attendance for each event ranges from 40 to 200 participants.  Grant made from the Community Enhancement Endowment Fund.

 

Bluffton Parks & Recreation Department - $10,0000 – This grant will provide funding support for the 2025 Kehoe Park Summer Concert Series.  2025 marks the 34th season of the series.  Attendance at the 2024 series exceeded 5,600 attendees.  Concerts for the 2025 series are:  Sail On (Beach Boys Tribute), June 6; Crush Bon Jovi, June 13; Dancing Queen (Salute to ABBA), June 20; Simply Queen, June 27; Thunderstruck (ACDC Tribute), July 18; Community Worship, July 27 and Get Poisoned, August 1.  The concerts are held at Kehoe Park and there is no admission charge.  Grant made from the Community Enhancement Endowment Fund.

 

Family Centered Services, Inc. – 10,000 - This grant will provide funding for the Wells County Teen Court Program.  The Teen Court Program serves as a restorative justice alternative for first-time juvenile  offenders, ages 12-17, who admit to an offense and voluntarily agree, along with their parents, to participate.  The program diverts youth from the traditional court system, reducing recidivism and providing an educational experience that holds them accountable while avoiding a juvenile record.  In 2024, 40-45 individuals offenders participated in the program along with 60-70 youth volunteers who serve as jurors, attorneys and bailiffs.  Grant made from the Elizabeth Powers Unrestricted Endowment Fund.

 

First United Methodist Church - $13,500 - This grant will provide funding for the First We Care Program.  First We Care was established in 1986 through the Bluffton First United Methodist Church to provide financial resources for Wells County school-aged children to purchase school supplies, clothing, shoes, coats, etc. for back-to-school.  Referrals for the assistance are made through a teacher, school nurse or guidance counselor.  Grant made from the Elizabeth Patton Unrestricted Endowment Fund.

 

Fort Wayne Ballet - $1,000 – This grant will provide funding for the Wells County presentation of the Butterfly Tour.  The Butterfly Tour takes place each year in Mayl.  These free outdoor performances allow anyone to enjoy the performance in the beauty and community surroundings of a park or outdoor stage.  The Ballet performs pieces of repertoire that the company has performed during the season as well as new works, providing a high-quality professional performance that is financially accessible to all.  The Wells County performance will take place on May 13, 7:00 p.m. at Kehoe Park.  Grant made from the Edward and Henrietta Goetz 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 45 books are distributed on a monthly basis through this program at Bluffton Regional Medical Center, totaling a distribution of approximately 540 books through the program in 2024.  Grant made from the Elizabeth Patton Unrestricted Endowment Fund.

 

Ossian Parks & Recreation – up to $4,000– This grant will provide $1 for $1 matching funds for donations raised in support of the 2025 Ossian Summer Concert Series.  2025 marks the fifth anniversary of the Ossian Summer Concert Series.  Concerts are held May through September at the Archbold Wilson Park.  Grant made from the Community Enhancement Endowment Fund.

 

United Way of Wells County - $5,960 – This grant will provide funding for the Faith Fund Client Advocate program.  The Faith Fund program provides financial assistance to Wells County residents facing crisis situations.  It ensures that individuals experiencing financial hardships due to job loss, medical emergencies or other challenges receive immediate relief and access to long-term support.  Grant made from the Ellen Gerbers Unrestricted Endowment Fund.

 

Wells County Revitalization, Inc. - $4,000 – This grant will provide curriculum funding for the Hope, Family, Recovery Support Group.  This group will support services for families and friends affected by a loved one’s substance use.  The program will cover 25 essential topics over the course of a year.  Meetings will be held bi-weekly at Bi-County Services, Inc.  Trained volunteers will facilitate the meetings.    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 to be considered for the next cycle are due to the Foundation office by June 15, 2025.

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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.