The Wells County Foundation, Inc. Board of Directors recently approved grants totaling $90,050 for the third and final grant cycle in 2023. A total of 11 grants were awarded as follows:
Bi-County Services, Inc., $20,000 — This grant will provide funding support for the construction of a pavilion at Whicker Park. A second pavilion will provide additional seating/eating areas for park guests in addition to increasing the availability of a covered area for the many family reunions, birthday parties, etc. that are held at the park. Grant made from the Margaret Powers Unrestricted Endowment Fund.
Wells County Revitalization, Inc., $15,000 — This grant will provide funding for “Bland to Brand – Wells County’s Tourism and Leisure Marketing.” This project will market Wells County’s assets for attracting tourism from the region, identify opportunities for further development of leisure facilities and opportunities to make the county known throughout the region. For this project, LC Media and students from Huntington University will capture video and still photography content at area events to utilize in commercials, social media and additional marketing platforms to enhance leisure opportunities for those who are interested in visiting Wells County. Grant made from the Community Enhancement Endowment Fund.
Youth for Christ, $10,000 — This grant will provide funding for Campus Life programming within the Bluffton-Harrison, Northern Wells and Southern Wells middle and high schools. Campus Life programming impacts over 2,847 students in Wells County. This grant will complement the Campus Life programming by providing funding for the directors to purchase food for meetings, provide scholarships for students to attend Youth for Christ enrichment trips, leadership development and supplies for large group events. Grant made from the Community Enhancement Endowment Fund.
Bluffton Parks & Recreation Department, $11,235 — This grant will provide funding for the repair of bank erosion between Wayne Street and the Howard Rich Pavilion. Future phases of the project when complete, will cover the trail from Kehoe Park to the White Bridge. The Rivergreenway is a highly used amenity with trail counters measuring more than 20,400 uses from June to August 2022. Given the trail is a valuable and highly-used asset, ensuring that it is safe is a high priority. Grant made from the Community Enhancement Endowment Fund.
Junior Achievement of Northern Indiana, $7,500 — 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 Middle School, Norwell High School, Southern Wells Jr./Sr. High and Kingdom Academy. Junior Achievement prepares young people to succeed in the global economy through practical economic education, workforce readiness skills and financial literacy programs and experiences. During the 2022-23 academic year, Junior Achievement served 2,602 Wells County students. Grant made from the Community Enhancement Endowment Fund.
Stillwater Hospice, $7,000 — This grant will provide funding for Wells County residents receiving grief support, hospice and palliative care. 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 percent of Stillwater Hospice’s total patient census. In 2022, 210 Wells County residents were served. Many of the services provided by Stillwater Hospice are not reimbursable by insurance companies. Grant made from the Elizabeth Patton Unrestricted Endowment Fund
Creative Arts Council of Wells County, $6,035 — This grant will provide funding for the rights and royalties for the productions of Shrek the Musical, Jr.; and Disney’s The Jungle Book Kids Show. Shrek the Musical, Jr. will be performed June 14 and 15 at Life Community Church. Disney’s The Jungle Book Kids will be performed June 28 and 29. Both productions will be rehearsed during a two-week theater intensive for students ages 8-11 years old climaxing with the performances. Through the production of these musicals, young actors build self-confidence and practice self-actualization. The productions are attended by hundreds of community members, providing a source of local entertainment. Grant made from the Community Enhancement Endowment Fund.
American Red Cross of Northeast Indiana, $5,000 — 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 2023, the Red Cross provided assistance to 34 individuals in Wells County through the Home Fire Relief program. Grant made from the Community Enhancement Endowment Fund.
Wells County Food & Clothing Bureau, $5,000 — This grant was made to assist the Food and Clothing Bureau in maximizing their annual dollar-for-dollar matching opportunity. Grant made from the Unrestricted Fund.
Ronald McDonald House Charities of Northeast Indiana, $3,000 — This grant will provide funding support to underwrite expenses of Wells County families who are staying at the Ronald McDonald House at the Parkview campus in Fort Wayne. The House provides families with a hospitalized child a comfortable guest room, laundry facilities and a large kitchen where snacks, and home cooked evening meals are provided. Wells County families stayed in the House an average of 58 nights from January through October of 2023. Families are not charged for their stays at the House. Grant made from the Margaret Powers Unrestricted Endowment Fund.
Creative Arts Council of Wells County, $280 — This grant will provide funding for the rights and royalties for the production of Noir Suspicions. This production will be performed at Life Community Church on Feb. 16 and 17, 2024. Through productions such as these, the Wells Community Theatre provides a constructive outlet for community members to exercise their creativity and a supportive group for people young and old with which to identify. In addition, it provides a great source of entertainment for Wells County residents to enjoy. Grant made from the Ossian State Bank Community Enhancement 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. Grants proposals to be considered for the next cycle are due to the Foundation office by Feb. 15.
