The Wells County Foundation, INC.

The Wells County Foundation, Inc.  Board of Directors recently approved grants totaling $101,268.23 for the third and final grant cycle in 2025.  A total of 13 grants were awarded as follows:

 

Alive & Well - $15,000 - This grant will provide partial funding for “Alive and Well” programming which is presented to students attending the following Wells County schools:  Bethlehem Lutheran, Bluffton-Harrison Middle School, Bluffton High School, Lancaster Elementary School, Norwell Middle School Norwell High School, Ossian Elementary School and Southern Wells Jr./Sr. High Schools.  This programming meets numerous state and national standards for fifth through twelfth grades.  In addition to the abstinence programming, Alive and Well helps students in developing positive character traits, goal setting, wise decision making, conflict resolution, fostering healthy relationships, mental health education and building self-esteem.  Grant made from the Elizabeth Powers Unrestricted Endowment Fund

American Red Cross of Northeast Indiana - $7,500 – This grant will provide partial funding for the Home Fire Relief program in Wells County.  The Red Cross connects with survivors of home fires immediately to assess their most pressing needs, often including shelter, food, clothing, prescriptions, eyeglasses, toiletries and other critical items lost in the fire.  Financial support is also provided.  All of these services are provided to Wells County residents who have experienced a home fire free-of-charge.  During fiscal year 2024, the Red Cross provided assistance to 26 individuals in Wells County through the Home Fire Relief program.  Grant made from the Community Enhancement Endowment Fund.

 

Bluffton Parks & Recreation Department - $1,458 - This grant will provide funding for the purchase of a multi-purpose, portable PA system.  This equipment will the ability to communicate effectively during community events.    Grant made from the Margaret Powers Unrestricted Endowment Fund.

 

Bluffton Parks & Recreation Department - $5,000 – This grant will provide funding for enhancing the annual Fourth of July activities to commemorate the nation’s 250th anniversary.  The Parks Department plans to not only enhance the fireworks display but also coordinate a live band for this historic community event.  Grant made from the Community Enhancement Fund.

 

Bluffton Parks & Recreation Department - $5,000 - This grant will provide funding support for the establishment of a community garden.  The community garden will be housed adjacent to the Wells County Animal Shelter.  The garden will be a source of education, sustainability and connection for the community.  Grant made from the Charles F. and Hildreth L. Hissem endowment Fund.

 

Brightpoint - $5,000 – This grant will provide funding for Covering Kids and Families – Increasing Access to Healthcare.  The Covering Kids and Families program improves access to healthcare for Wells County residents by removing barriers individuals and families experience with enrolling in, utilizing, and maintaining public health insurance benefits.  In 2024, Brightpoint served approximately 480 households in Wells County, impacting 1,400 individuals.  Grant made from the Community Enhancement Endowment Fund.

 

Community Care of Northeast Indiana - $5,694.23 – This grant will provide funding support for the van maintenance and the purchase of waterproof mattresses.   Since 2018, Hannah’s House has opened its doors to women and women with children in Bluffton, providing safe, stable housing for those coming out of homelessness, personal crisis, or trauma.  The transitional and recovery programs offer more than a place to live; they provide a pathway to healing, restoration, and long-term stability for families to rebuild their lives.  The 12-passenger van is essential for safe transportation of their residents.  The hypoallergenic, waterproof mattresses will be installed at Grace and Mercy, providing a clean, safe and healthy environment for residents as they work toward independence.  Grant made from the Community Enhancement Endowment Fund.

 

Junior Achievement of Northern Indiana - $8,000 – This grant will provide funding for JA programming at the following schools:  Bluffton-Harrison Elementary, Lancaster Elementary, Ossian Elementary, Southern Wells Elementary, Bluffton Middle School, Norwell High School and Southern Wells Elementary School.   Junior Achievement prepares young people to succeed in the global economy through practical economic education, workforce readiness skills and financial literacy programs and experiences.  Junior Achievement will reach approximately 1,700 Wells County students in 80 classrooms.  Grant made from the Elizabeth V. Patton Unrestricted Endowment Fund.

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The Literacy Alliance - $15,000 – This grant will provide funding for Project Graduate and Project Connect programming in Wells County.  The Literacy Alliance empowers people and strengthens communities through education.  Approximately 2,000 adults living in Wells County lack a high school credential.  Instruction provided through the Literacy Alliance focuses on basic reading, writing, digital and math skills enabling adult learners to become more productive workers, stronger parents and contributing members of the community.  Grant made from the Unrestricted Fund.

 

Matthew 25 - $6,000 - This grant will provide funding for free healthcare services for the uninsured and low-income Wells County residents.  In 2024, Matthew 25 provided 35 visits for Wells County residents.  Visits included medical, dental optical, medications, and supplies services.  Grant made from the Unrestricted Endowment Fund

 

Stillwater Hospice - $5,000 – This grant will provide funding for Wells County residents receiving grief support, hospice and palliative care.  Visiting Nurse provides compassion, comfort and guidance through life’s journey.  Hospice services in residential homes, senior living apartments, assisted living and skilled nursing facilities are provided through Visiting Nurse.  Additionally palliative medicine consultations for individuals who have a serious or chronic condition are provided as well.  Wells County patients represent 6.4% of Stillwater Hospice’s total patient census.  In 2024, 210 Wells County residents were served.  Many of the services provided by Stillwater Hospice are not reimbursable by insurance companies.  Grant made from the Unrestricted Fund

 

Wells Community Boys and Girls Club - $21,616 – This grant will provide funding for the expansion of the STEM lab.     Gaining competency in science, technology, engineering and math is critical in laying the groundwork for children to attain success in the workforce in addition to navigating decisions that will guide the future growth of our community.  The renovation of the STEM lab will include the addition of electrical outlets, secured doorways, ceiling tiles, flooring, cabinet removal and painting.  Further, a multi-media center, robotics station, 3D printing station, coding station, makerspace and work pod area will be added.  This lab will be available to all Wells County students during after school and summertime.   Grant made from the Elizabeth V. Patton Unrestricted Endowment Fund.

 

Wells County Revitalization, Inc. - $1,000 – This grant will provide funding to Wells County Trails for a Wabash River clean-up in 2026.  This annual event, coordinated in partnership with the Bluffton Parks Department and local service organizations, engages volunteers to remove trash, debris and tires from the Wabash River and its surrounding banks.  The grant will provide funding for dumpster rental and tire disposal fees.  Grant made from the Charles F. and Hildreth L. Hissem Endowment 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.  Grant proposals to be considered for the first cycle of 2026 are due to the Foundation office by February 13, 2026.