Summer Grantmaking backs a wide cross-section of the community
Creative ways to support our evolving community continue to be seen through quarterly grant requests to the Tipp City Foundation. Professionals who innovate programs are the drivers behind the fresh energy felt in schools, governments and nonprofits. As you read about this quarter’s awards, you might say to yourself, “Gee, I had no idea that was happening in my backyard!”
Innovative programs that received grants include a new summer musical initiative at Bethel Local Schools, a manufacturing lab to support workforce development at Edison State, and videography supplies for Tippecanoe High School.
Ultimately, nine organizations received 10 awards totaling $45,383.90. Since 1943, $3,363,879.02 has been awarded to local causes.
The following is a list of recipients, award levels and impact these grants will have. Support donor advised funds gave towards requests is noted with an asterisk (*).
ARTS & CULTURE
Bethel Local Schools, $3,000, kicks off the next school year with a performance of “Six: Teen Edition” performed by members of Bethel’s Thespian Troupe #9032. A Bethel Arts Fund award.
EDUCATION
The Edison Foundation: $6,097 to modernize equipment in the Advanced Engineering & Manufacturing Lab at Edison State College. Upgrades help to address the gap of technicians needed in our region’s workforce. Awarded, in part, from the Koerner Family Fund.
Miami County Educational Service Center, $8,829, exposes each Tippecanoe and Bethel High School student to a career assessment tool called YouScience. Used alongside the guidance counseling staff, the tool helps navigate students towards career paths matching their interests and abilities.
Tipp City Exempted Village Schools, $1,495, revamps the high school video production course with new cameras and lenses. A Live Loud Like Carson Fund award.
HEALTH & SAFETY
Tipp City Fire and Emergency Services, $15,769.90, replaces aging and outdated fire helmets. New helmets will be lighter and yet provide enhanced protection, improve comfort and reduce physical strain. A Safety First Fund award.
Tipp City Police Department, $552, derails bad guys and keeps the K9 Patrol sharp with the purchase of illegal narcotic training equipment. An Arthur & Nancy Hattan Fund award. *Additional support from the Wahl Family Fund rounds out this request for a total of $852.
Tipp City Police Department, $541, supplies duty-worn tourniquets for officers to help trauma victims. This represents the first award ever made by the Eickmeyer Family Fund, established in 2024.
RECREATION
Tipp City Enrichment Program, $4,800, brightens the summer for 70 kids in all-day daycare with field trips and visiting programs. Learning, disguised as fun, happens around them as they experience new environments. Awarded, in part, from the H.E. “Tiny” & Emma Drewing Fund.
SOCIAL SERVICES
Breast Wishes Foundation, $3,000, gives wishes to Tipp City patients actively undergoing breast cancer treatment. Customized wishes granted bring joy, hope, and emotional support.
Rehabilitation Center for Neurological Development, $1,300, expands the communication range for nonverbal children on the playground with a durable, symbol-based system, “Speak, Play, Connect” board. A William’s Gift Fund award.
Discretionary grants are made possible because of contributions, of any size, from the public. A full list of the foundation’s 67 endowment funds is available at tippfoundation.org.
Quarterly grant deadlines are February 15, May 15, August 15, and November 15 each year. Jim Ranft is available for your grant-related questions at 937-528-2482. Applications are available online at www.tippfoundation.org.
Members of the Foundation are Heather Bailey, Richard Bender, president, Bryan Blake, Sarah Gillenwater, Kelly Gillis, Cameron Haller, Joellen Heatherly, Susan Kuntz, Renee Matsunami, Glen McMurry, Jim Ranft, distribution chair, Julie Taylor, treasurer, Julia Watson, Bill Wendel, secretary/vice president, and Carolyn Wright.
The Tipp City Foundation is a component fund of The Troy Foundation. If you would like information about how to make a tax-deductible contribution or how to establish an endowment fund, please contact Heather Bailey at (937) 528-2482.
For more information visit tippfoundation.org or Tipp Foundation on Facebook, Instagram and LinkedIn.