Foundation awards 12 grants

Twelve local organizations received funds in Wayne County Foundation’s first grant cycle of the year. A combined $366,731 was awarded supporting programs and projects that Foundation leaders say will ensure a stronger, more vibrant Wayne County. 

The 12 recipients are: 

• Ainsley’s Angels of America ($25,000) to purchase additional adaptive equipment to expand racing opportunities for participation in local fitness events
• Brighter Path Inc. ($25,000) to update horse watering systems and purchase a portable, accessible bathroom
• Cope Environmental Center ($39,423) to improve accessibility to the outdoor classroom
• Golay Community Center ($50,000) to replace the aging dehumidification system in the facility
• Independent Living Center of Eastern Indiana, Inc. ($35,000) to provide assistive technology devices for clients
• Lutheran Cemetery Foundation of Pershing Indiana Inc. ($48,558) to provide professional mapping, data integration, and software services for four Wayne County cemeteries
• Neighborhood Health Center ($25,000) to expand its patient advocate program to provide assistance for patients in navigating SNAP benefits and obtaining health insurance
• Nettle Creek Community Coalition Inc. ($25,000) to purchase supplies, materials, and equipment for the operation of its food pantry
• Noah’s Ark Day Care Center ($22,250) to create a safe indoor and outdoor gross motor play environment
• Richmond Family YMCA ($36,500) to conduct a feasibility study for a new facility
• Shepherd’s Way Christian Ministries, Inc. ($25,000) to remodel and furnish the kitchen and dining room
• Well Care Community Health Inc. ($10,000) to purchase equipment and supplies for its food pantry

Additionally, five “rapid response” grants were awarded to support short-term programs, or unplanned opportunities that required immediate funding: 

• Dublin Community Club ($5,000) to replace an HVAC unit
• NAACP ($3,000) to support a town hall event focused on community engagement
• Noah’s Ark Day Care ($5,000) to repair a damaged and leaking roof
• Richmond Civic Theatre ($3,950) to support community events and activities celebrating the 250th anniversary of U.S. independence
• Rock Solid Ministries ($5,000) to perform building repairs

Two awards were given outside the grant cycle:

• Northeastern Wayne Schools ($27,300) to purchase a software platform for all Wayne County schools to manage their work-based learning programs
• Wayne County schools ($25,000) to support early childhood learning programs of each district

The JobReady 360 platform will assist Northeastern, Nettle Creek, Centerville, Western Wayne and Seton students with career exploration for better future work placement, Northeastern Superintendent Jennifer O’Brien said of the award. Each district has a designee trained in the platform.

Centerville-Abington Community, Nettle Creek Schools, Northeastern Wayne Schools, Richmond Community Schools and Western Wayne Schools received $5,000 each.

“We’re excited to support these creative and innovative proposals for programs and projects that will allow our nonprofit partners to expand their services and increase their impact on our community,” said Brian Schleeper, the Foundation’s director of nonprofit engagement. “Our committee was very impressed with the thought and care that went into these applications, and we look forward to seeing the impact of the work.”

Grants are funded by donors that entrust the Foundation with identifying needs across Wayne County.