Community Foundation Awards More Than $1.2M In Grants

Local News, WFIN Top Story

(From the Findlay-Hancock County Community Foundation)

The Findlay-Hancock County Community Foundation Board of Trustees approved grants totaling $1,262,356.20 at the November board meeting. This total includes 26 responsive grants, four president’s discretionary grants and 89 donor advised fund grants.

“After every board meeting, I am reminded of the generosity of our community and the incredible partners we work with,” said Brian Treece, President & CEO of The Community Foundation. “I’m grateful for all of these partners who received grant funding and will now be implementing these projects and programs, as well as the donors whose initial investment in the Foundation makes this important work possible.”

Responsive Grants

Responsive grants are awarded to organizations that meet community needs and match The Community Foundation’s goals and objectives. Grantseekers must submit a written grant proposal for consideration. Applications are reviewed four times per year.

Funding for responsive grants comes from our Community’s Endowment, which comprises Funds for the Common Good and Field of Interest Funds established by donors at The Community Foundation. The following responsive grants were approved by the Board of Trustees, made possible by our Community’s Endowment:

  • 50 North was awarded $75,000 to support the green space expansion project.
  • Blanchard River Watershed Partnership was awarded $20,116 for an urban prairie pilot project.
  • Blanchard Valley Center was awarded $10,401 for changing tables in four Findlay City Schools buildings for individuals with developmental disabilities.
  • Bluffton Lions Club was awarded $50,000 to support an all-inclusive playground.
  • Challenged Champions was awarded $1,000 to support their strategic planning process.
  • CHOPIN Hall was awarded $15,000 for improvements to the Community Gardens at The Family Center.
  • City of Findlay was awarded two grants:
    • $623 for ornament decoration at November’s ArtWalk.
    • $2,137 for lighting and decoration in downtown Findlay.
  • Findlay Fresh Step was awarded $1,618 for hygiene kits.
  • Findlay-Hancock County Community Foundation was awarded $1,500 for community-wide mayors’ meetings and community focus groups.
  • Hancock County Educational Service Center was awarded two grants:
    • $550 for Project Bridle Buddies.
    • $2,000 for Ready Bodies, Learning Minds program.
  • Hancock Historical Museum was awarded $8,386 for an America 250 mural at Brucklacher Park.
  • Hancock Properties Foundation was awarded two grants:
    • $13,094 for network infrastructure at The Family Center.
    • $242,052 for capital improvements at The Family Center.
  • Mazza Museum was awarded $3,250 for the February Funday Sunday event, part of the Foundation’s Fun for All series of free community events.
  • Northwest Ohio Railroad Preservation was awarded $4,000 for the Touch A Truck event, part of the Foundation’s Fun for All series of free community events.
  • Open Arms Domestic Violence and Rape Crisis Services was awarded $489 for a community strangulation training and resources.
  • Toledo Opera was awarded $10,000 for several events throughout Hancock County as part of the Foundation’s Fun for All series of free community events.
  • Toledo Zoo was awarded $2,009 for the February Funday Sunday event, part of the Foundation’s Fun for All series of free community events.
  • Village of McComb was awarded $1,271 for community beautification projects and fishing equipment for residents to borrow.
  • Village of Mt. Blanchard was awarded two grants:
    • $657 for trash receptacles for the Hurricane Park expansion project.
    • $3,043 for a synthetic ice rink for Christmas in the Village, part of the Foundation’s Fun for All series of free community events.

President’s Discretionary Grants

The President’s Discretionary Grants und urgent or special requests outside The Community Foundation’s various grant cycles. The President of The Community Foundation is allocated an amount each year. These grants typically do not individually exceed $5,000. The following discretionary grants were awarded:

This year, TCF staff dedicated the 2025 president’s discretionary funds to show appreciation for those who help others. These grants are dedicated to first responders and veterans. More information on these will be announced soon.

  • Veteran and First Responder Appreciation for $20,000.

Donor Advised Grants

Individuals, families or corporations establish donor advised funds to recommend grants to nonprofits they’re passionate about. The Foundation vets the nonprofits, and grants are awarded.

  • 89 grants to 72 organizations totaling $761,727.20.