Tipp City Foundation Historic Milestone

Signage slated to decorate the city landscape will not only herald the achievements of local athletes but also serve as a testament to the enduring legacy of the Tipp City Foundation (TCF).

On March 9, the TCF board of trustees approved a grant in the amount of $11,083 to the project, “We Are the Champions!” awarded, in part, from The Tippecanoe Fund by Gordon Honeyman. The award will help defray the costs of a collaborative project between the city and school district that boasts the athletic accomplishments of district students through the installation of four large state championship signs positioned at key entry points to the city.

The significance of this award is that it propelled the dollar amount distributed by the Foundation since its inception in the early 1940s past the milestone $3.25 million mark and epitomizes the muted work the organization performs in the community.

“Imagine what a different community we would have if these $3.25 million had not come back to local projects,” said the Foundation’s Heather Bailey. “Whether we are looking at trees in curb lawns, picnic pavilions, tables and chairs on Main Street, the K9 patrol dog, the special programming for students like field trips and visiting authors, evidence of our grantmaking quietly surrounds us.”

With humble beginnings, the genesis of the Foundation was a simple $1,300 gift. Today’s assets have soared past $11.5 million with plans to award $200,000 in grant funding this year, according to Bailey.

“I believe part of our success is in the quiet storytelling that we do as we share our successes with the community,” Bailey said. “People simply want to be a part of something that is thriving and positive.”

In 2025, the Foundation approved nearly more than $180,000 in discretionary grant awards to impact areas to include: Arts & Culture ($30,954.44), Recreation ($41,862.89), Health & Safety ($39,541.83), Education ($18,095), Social Services ($39,458.84) and Nature ($11,727). It bestowed nearly 60 grants totaling an average of just more than $3,000 per award. The annual budget is determined by a percentage of the Foundation’s total invested assets.

“Just last year, we awarded 57 grants to projects supporting this community,” Bailey said. “That's just one year. And we have been doing this since 1943, so that's a lot of quiet evidence to the work we do.”

Although it’s an historic milestone, Jim Ranft, TCF distribution committee chairman, indicated the dollar amount is less important than the impact the funds have had on the community.

“I believe that every dollar we grant grows our quality of life in ways that are difficult to quantify,” he said. “The Foundation provides the means to support longstanding programs and can be the catalyst for innovation.”

The TCF board convenes quarterly to evaluate grant applications received from IRS approved 501(c)(3) charitable organizations that serve Tipp City, Monroe and Bethel Townships. Funds come from community donations to include estates or retirement planning. In most cases, donations are tax deductible.

With a price tag of $41,310, the state championship gateway signs will be erected along State Route 571 on the city’s east and west sides, as well as on Donn Davis Way near Tipp City High School and on South Hyatt Street near Maple Hill Cemetery. The plan is to install the signs by this May.

“The Tipp City Foundation reaching this milestone reflects the strong pride and generosity that defines our community,” said Tipp City School District Supt. Aaron Moran. “We’re grateful for the Foundation’s continued support, including the state championship signage project in partnership with the City. The signage will celebrate the achievements of our student athletes while serving as a visible reminder of the pride our schools and community share.”

According to Jeremy Bowser, director of municipal services for Tipp City, the Tipp City Schools state championship sign project will dually provide a lasting recognition of student achievement while enhancing the community’s gateway corridors.

“These signs will celebrate the championship academic and athletic team accomplishments of Tipp City’s schools, while fostering community pride and recognition of excellence in education and athletics,” he said.

The city and school district will equally share the remaining cost—yet another example of a shared commitment to partnership. In addition, Repacorp Inc. has designed and provided the sign boards at no cost to the city or the schools.

Being part of this moment in history is an achievement the city is proud to be a part of, according to Bowser.

“The Tipp City Foundation reaching this milestone reflects the strong pride and generosity that defines our community,” he said.

Not predicted to dim anytime soon, the future of the TCF appears bright.

“The Foundation will evolve to meet the needs of our community,” said Ranft. “We will always try to be an incubator for new ideas that will improve the vitality of Tipp City. It took us 73 years to reach the $3.5 million-dollar mark, but given the tremendous support we have received from our donors, I would not be surprised to see that double in the next decade.”

For those interested in contributing to the Foundation, please visit https://tippfoundation.org/learn-how-to-give/.

“Congratulations to the Foundation on this important milestone, and thank you for your continued investment in Tipp City,” Moran concluded.