History of the Hardin County Community Foundation

On November 13, 1990, at the request of John Jester, 12 members of the Kenton and Hardin County area met at the Kenton Elks to discuss the possibility of establishing a Community Foundation.

The Hardin County Community Foundation was formed in 1991 with donated assets that totaled $13,532.  The Foundation was granted tax-exempt status in 1991 and is recognized as a publicly supported organization or as some call the organization a “public charitable organization”. 

The first grants were issued in 1993 comprised of five $100 grants which were provided to each of the county schools that were participating in the Hardin County Fair Band Show.

Now, let’s fast forward to this year (2025).  This year the Foundation received grant applications requesting funds of nearly $400,000.  The Grant Committee awarded 156 grants and bequests totaling $342,717.  Additionally, the Scholarship Committee awarded 11 scholarships totaling $24,500.

Currently, Matt Jennings is the Foundation’s fourth President since the Foundation’s formation.  The other officers of the Foundation include a Vice President, Treasurer and Secretary.  All the officers also serve as Trustees.  There are 18 Trustees who either work or live in Hardin County.  They are strategically selected so that all communities/areas of the county are represented.

The Foundation holds quarterly Trustee meetings throughout the year along with an Annual Meeting for its members.  The Foundation’s financials are audited annually by an unaffiliated accountant.  The Foundation provides an Annual Report to its members along with filing Form 990 – which is an informational tax form that tax-exempt organizations are required to file annually with the IRS.

The Foundation has over $14 million in total assets.  There are 66 different Funds which the Foundation oversees.  The 66 Funds are broken down in the following categories: 55 Donor Funds; 6 Scholarship Funds and 5 Managed Funds.