The Stamm Koechlein Family Foundation announced $339,740 in grants for its 2026-27 cycle, marking its 25th year of grant-making aimed at improving the lives of youth in Wayne County and beyond.
In a cycle that made awards to 28 organizations, the foundation expanded its school partnerships beyond elementaries to include Richmond Community Schools middle schools and Richmond High School, with the goal of supporting teachers and staff.
The new grants bring SKFF’s total grant-making to more than $5.3 million. Including investments in education and capacity-building, the foundation has given approximately $5.5 million to Wayne County and to projects across the country.
“Having been part of the Stamm Koechlein Family Foundation since its beginning 25 years ago, it has been incredibly rewarding to see the impact our partnerships have had on young people and our community,” said board member Linda Stamm Johnson.
To celebrate crossing the $5 million mark, the foundation has delivered small surprises, such as food and flowers, to partners on the 25th of each month.
The board also unanimously approved $25,000 to support student internships at area nonprofits. The Wayne County Area Chamber of Commerce’s Center for Excellence will administer the funds through its Student Future Success portal, which is available to local businesses and nonprofits.
“This grant will help remove a financial barrier for nonprofit organizations that want to provide meaningful work experiences for students but may not otherwise have the resources to offer paid internships,” said Shawntel Baker, the Chamber’s director of employer engagement.
SKFF President Monica Koechlein said creating opportunities for young people as they step into adulthood was a fitting way to celebrate the foundation’s impact.
Beyond financial support, SKFF provides capacity-building services, including mentoring, strategic planning and training led by Leslie Bolser, Alison Zajdel and Monica Koechlein. More information is available at StammKoechlein.org.
2026-27 grant recipients:
Amigos, Richmond Latino Center
Birth to Five Inc.
Black Legacy Project of Wayne County, Indiana
Boys & Girls Clubs of Wake & Johnston Counties (North Carolina)
Boys & Girls Clubs of Wayne County
Cardinal Greenways
Centerville High School Drama Club
Wayne County Area Chamber of Commerce’s Center for Excellence
Communities In Schools of Wayne County
Cope Environmental Center
Every Child Can Read Inc.
Feather River Land Trust
Girls Inc. of Wayne County
JACY House Child Advocacy Center
Joseph Moore Museum
Love Makes Cents / Natco Community Empowerment Center
Morrisson-Reeves Library
Richmond Art Museum
Richmond Civic Theatre / Stage One Youth Theatre
Richmond Community Schools
Richmond Friends School
Richmond High School Choir
Richmond Meltdown Ice Festival
Richmond Parks and Recreation / JUKO
Richmond Symphony Orchestra
The Reid Center
Townsend Community Center Inc.
Wayne County Historical Museum
A version of this article appeared in the October 21 2026 print edition of the Western Wayne News.