Ottawa County Community Foundation awards more than $43K
COMMUNITY GRANTS: The Ottawa County Community Foundation presented 32 grant awards to local groups and organizations.
By MARCIA JESS
Ottawa County Community Foundation
The Ottawa County Community Foundation recently awarded more than $43,000 in competitive grants to 32 local non-profit organizations at the annual Grant Award Breakfast in June. The breakfast provides an opportunity to celebrate the work of so many organizations that meet pressing needs in the community and conduct effective programs throughout Ottawa County from Elmore to Put-in-Bay. The Grant Award Breakfast began in 2006 when the first grant awards were presented thanks to the establishment of the Dr. James I. and Priscilla Rhiel Fund. Dr. James Rhiel, a Port Clinton doctor, left money from his estate to establish an unrestricted fund through the Foundation to support the well-being and vitality of our area and its residents.
Projects and programs that received grants funds for 2018-2019 include:
- P.C. Lighthouse Conservancy: Electrical plan for the new boathouse at the P.C. Lighthouse
- Salvation Army: Scholarships for a camping experience for at-risk children
- Stein Hospice: Supplies for support groups and Camp Good Grief
- Oak Harbor Log Cabin Association: Log Cabin Summer Concert Series
- United Way in Ottawa County: Summer Lunch and Fun, Food Bag Program
- St. John Lutheran Church: Automatic External Defibrillator (AED)
- Ottawa County Museum: Archival storage boxes
- Musical Art Series in Port Clinton: Provide live classical music to six senior communities
- Riverview Industries Inc.: 25 Chromebooks for staff for service documentation
- Harris Elmore Fire Department: Water rescue gear
- Oak Harbor Development Group: Shade structure at Veterans Park
- Light House Sober Living: Sober living activities and healthy living peer groups
- Pathway Inclusion Center: Childcare equipment
- Friends of P.C. Parks: Sidewalk from Flagship Play Place to restrooms
- Church of Truth Ministries: Gas for truck and trailer rental for trips to Toledo food bank
- Oak House: A field trip experience for participants
- Genoa Garden Club: Four Forever Benches for Genoa Town Hall and downtown
- Playmakers Civic Theater: Lighting control board, spotlights and microphone packs
- Catawba Island Historical Society: Desktop all-in-one computer and printer
- ComeUnity Cafe – Bistro 163: Support the monthly free meal program
- Erie Islands Library (Ida Rupp): Create a “Walk and Read” nature trail
- Terra College Foundation: Provide special speakers for Kids College program
- Port Clinton City Schools — Bataan Elementary: Create a Maker’s Space to support STEM activities
- St. Vincent DePaul Food Pantry: Gift cards for perishable dairy products
- Genoa Academic Committee: Drone racing pilot program
- Black Swamp Bird Observatory: Wetland Investigation Network (WIN) for students
- Ottawa County Project Lifesaver: Four transmitter kits for individuals at risk of wandering
- Ottawa County Family Advocacy Center: Laptop computer for Grandparent Advocate program
- Ottawa County Family Advocacy Center: Ticket for Success independent skills lab for at-risk teens
- Ottawa County Family Advocacy Center: School spirit T-shirts for TNT mentors and mentees
- Firelands Presbyterian Church: Now I Lay Me Down to Sleep program – beds for children
- Riders Unlimited: Materials to add sensory and relaxation activities.
Funding for these grants is made possible from the earnings from several unrestricted Community Funds and a Donor Advised Fund held by the Ottawa County Community Foundation. These include the Kenneth and Naomi Akins Family Fund, Bob and Grace Armbruster Fund, Earl J. Johnson Fund, OCCF Fund, Lenore Peterson-Blackburn Fund, Dr. James I. and Priscella Rhiel Fund, Paul H. Rofkar Community Needs Fund, Harry Stensen Memorial Fund and Dave and Jeanne Thierwechter Fund. The Foundation annually supports a variety of charitable programs and projects designed to address current and emerging needs of local residents in the fields of education, social services, physical and mental health, safe and positive living environment, natural resources and the arts.
The Ottawa County Community Foundation is a public charitable organization established in 1999 as a way to for donors to pool and invest their gifts for the long-term good of Ottawa County, its residents, and those who live and work in the Ottawa County area. To learn more about the foundation or how you might start a named fund or scholarship, visit ottawaccf.org.
Marcia Jess is secretary for the Ottawa County Community Foundation Inc., P.O. Box 36, Port Clinton, 419-261-0797.
