Grants target reading, animal welfare, facilities

The Wayne County Foundation’s initial 2025 grant cycle will help animal welfare, provide reading opportunities for children and underserved portions of the county, and assist with facility upgrades.

Seven organizations received $274,490 to enhance the spirit of community and improve quality of life, according to a news release.

The grant program changed in 2025 to include two cycles, rather than three. Organizations could apply for more funding to increase the impact recipients could have on the community, said Brian Schleeper, the foundation’s director of nonprofit engagement, in the release.

“We received a large number of quality proposals,” Schleeper said. “It was a very competitive process and we’re excited about the projects we were able to fund and look forward to seeing their successful completion.” 

Funding was awarded to:

• A Better Way Services, $40,979 to make facility improvements and renovations that enhance safety and security for clients. 
• Animal Care Alliance, $50,000 for an associate veterinarian to increase appointment availability, improve patient care and achieve financial sustainability.  
• Boys and Girls Clubs of Wayne County, $40,961 to revitalize Camp Guy for enhancing the experience for campers, improving storage and protection of camp supplies, and creating a space for outdoor functions beyond camp.  
• Every Child Can Read, $10,000 to support the Dolly Parton Imagination Library program in Wayne County.  
• Ivy Tech Foundation, $50,000 to purchase a virtual welding machine to serve more students at the Richmond campus. 
• Morrisson-Reeves Library, $50,000 to purchase a bookmobile that will visit rural and underserved areas in Wayne County.  
• Williamsburg Area Community Center, $32,550 to update the electrical system and paint the facility.  

An additional $5,000 was awarded to Safety Village of Wayne County as a Rapid Response grant to replace its building’s roof. Rapid Response grants are designed for smaller projects, short-term programs or unplanned situations requiring immediate funding.

The application period for the foundation’s second grant cycle opens Aug. 1. Find information online at waynecountyfoundation.org/applying-for-grants/.