On Monday, August 31, 2026, The Tipp City Foundation Board of Trustees unanimously voted to take steps toward becoming an independent nonprofit organization, including the retention of legal counsel and working collaboratively with The Troy Foundation to best position both organizations for future success.
Currently, the organization exists as a component fund of The Troy Foundation. The Tipp City Foundation is led by a volunteer, 15-member board. All public-facing efforts such as grantmaking, events, communication, and fundraising are handled by these volunteers who know our community best.
“The arc of growth we have experienced with the support of The Troy Foundation has been explosive,” said Richard Bender, Tipp City Foundation President. “Their administrative support, combined with our volunteer efforts, have been nothing short of remarkable.” Our organization evolved from a $1,300 initial donation in 1943 to 70 endowment funds and over $13 million in endowed assets. Board-led grant-making exceeds $200,000 annually and additional community impact is evidenced through scholarships and giving from donor advised funds.
The ability of The Tipp City Foundation to make this important step towards independence is a direct byproduct of the incredible support and tutelage provided by The Troy Foundation, for which The Tipp City Foundation is grateful.
“For the past 18 years, The Troy Foundation has been honored to support and nurture the growth of the Tipp City Foundation. Through a partnership grounded in trust, shared vision, and a commitment to community philanthropy, the Tipp City Foundation has grown its own strength, capacity, and identity. Today, we celebrate the dedication of its board as it takes this exciting next step toward becoming an independent nonprofit organization. We are proud to have been a part of helping the Tipp City Foundation carry its mission forward to create a lasting impact on the Tipp City community for generations to come,” said Melissa Kleptz, President and CEO of The Troy Foundation.
The Tipp City Foundation’s mission to support philanthropy in Tipp City, Monroe Township, Bethel Township, and the organizations who serve our geographic area through grantmaking, will stay the same. We look forward to providing our community with updates regarding these important steps towards independence and the remarkable gifting opportunities available at both the Tipp City Foundation and The Troy Foundation in the near future.