The Community Foundation of Shelby County recently awarded more than $119,000 to local organizations during its Spring Community Grants cycle.

Grant money comes from several sources, including gifts to the annual Community Foundation Partners program and earnings from the Community Impact, Roscoe Beanblossom, Kermit and Ella Kuck and Prime the Pump Funds.

Funding was awarded as follows:

  • Dwell House, $4,800 for an enclosed cargo trailer.
  • Habitat for Humanity of Miami and Shelby Counties, $10,000 toward their critical home repairs program.
  • LifeWise Jackson Center, $5,000 for program startup costs.
  • Mercy Mission House, $7,020 to implement transitional resident and car programs.
  • Midwest Regional Education Service Center, $7,475 for the Opportunity Knocks Camp.
  • OSU Extension, $5,000 to develop an Agriculture Experience Area at the Fair.
  • Samaritan Works, $15,000 for Certified Peer Support Services.
  • Senior Center of Sidney-Shelby County, $13,644 for computer replacements.
  • Shelby County Emergency Management Agency, $25,000 to equip the Sidney-Shelby County Joint Rescue Task Force.
  • Shelby County Pickleball Association, $6,500 to install lights at new courts in Sidney.
  • Shelby County United Way, $20,000 to establish a website and social media to engage strong families.

Several donor advised funds also issued nearly $46,000 in grants based upon proposals submitted by Anna Rescue, Catholic Social Services, Compassionate Care of Shelby County, Elizabeth’s New Life Center, Kettlersville Van Buren Township Fire Department, Mercy Mission House, Sidney Civic Band, Upper Valley Career Center, Wilma Valentine Childcare and Wilson Health Foundation. Fund holders are sent a list of submitted proposals, giving them the option to fund some or all of any proposal’s requested amount. Grants awarded by donor advised funds allow local donors to respond to needs and helps the Community Foundation’s granting dollars to support other requests.

The Foundation’s Fall Grant cycle opens July 1, with applications due by August 15 and final grant awards announced in October. Organizations in or serving Shelby County may apply for more than $145,000 in grant amounts of up to $20,000.

Applicant organizations should have a 501(c)(3) tax status, be a governmental entity, or collaborate with a fiscal agent. A fiscal agent is a 501(c)(3) or governmental entity that is willing to receive grant dollars on behalf of another organization and oversee its appropriate use.

Those interested in applying should contact Juli Smith, Scholarships and Grants Manager at the Community Foundation after July 1 at jsmith@commfoun.com or call (937) 497-7800. Applicants should be ready to briefly explain the intended grant request and dollar amount. Grant information is available on the Foundation’s website at commfoun.com.