The Hardin County Community Foundation on Tuesday approved the awarding of $426,000 in grants and scholarships through its annual program. The Grant Committee reported there were 151 grant requests with 114 fully funded and 37 partially funded. Ten requests were not funded. The foundation plans to have grant checks in the mail to recipients by June 1 The funds are generated through earnings on the foundation’s assets.

The Hardin County Community Foundation will award $426,000 in grants and scholarships this spring. That represents a $50,000 increase from the $376,000 awarded in 2025. The funds are generated through earnings on the foundation’s assets. The grants to non-profit organizations in the county support programs and projects in the fields of education, youth services, recreation, arts and culture, social services, and civic and community development. The foundation will accept grant applications Feb. 1 through Feb. 28. Application forms are on the foundation’s website, hardinfoundation.org. Grant applications will be reviewed by the Grants Committee. Groups and organizations awarded grants will be notified in late April. Courtesy Kenton Times 01/24/026

The Hardin County Community Foundation reported assets of more than $15 million as of Dec. 31, 2025, at its quarterly meeting Tuesday afternoon in Kenton. Its assets have grown to $15,316,923, reported Treasurer Jannette Jacobs. It was the foundation’s first meeting since the passing of original board member Charles VanDyne, who was remembered with a moment of silence. He was awarded emeritus status on the board. VanDyne was the chairman of the grant committee. Trustees agreed to appoint his longtime assistant, Gina Messner, to take over that role. In other business, trustees accepted the resignation of member Ronald Zimmerly. He recommended the appointment of his co-worker at Middlefield Bank, Patricia Arnett, to replace him as a trustee and it was approved by the board. David Schwemer, chair of the Solicitation Committee, reported that the annual fund drive generated $18,925. Final acceptance was given to the Howard Trust for Hardin Hills, with earnings to be distributed to the two active nursing homes in Hardin County. Also accepted was the Moose Lodge 428 Community Fund. Courtesy Kenton Times 01/22/26

Kaylee Koyan of Kenton was welcomed as the first executive assistant for the Hardin County Community Foundation at its quarterly meeting Tuesday afternoon in Kenton. President Matt Jennings said, “ Over the years we’ve had paid, part-time officers in the foundation that were treasurer, assistant treasurer, secretary and assistant secretary. But as we’ve grown we’ve come to the point where we need to consolidate all of those duties and functions into one role. “So after the addition of Bryan Marshall as our executive director, the next step was to add Kaylee as our executive assistant and she’ll be assuming the duties of those prior officers,” he said. In time the foundation will move away from that paid officer position and into the executive assistant role completely. Jennings hopes that transition is completed in the next three to six months. “We’re excited to have Kaylee join us,” he said. “She’s going to complement Bryan perfectly and we look forward to working with her over the next many years.” Kaylee, originally from Strongsville, Ohio, said she brings a diverse professional background that includes luxury jewelry, retail management, and information technology within cybersecurity, alongside valuable experience in financial administration and local government operations. “I’m excited to bring this unique blend of skills to my new role as the executive assistant at the Hardin County Community Foundation,” she said. Outside of work, Kaylee said she loves to cook and enjoy the outdoors with her family. Also at the meeting it was announced that the foundation’s assets have grown to $14,993,983 as of Sept. 30. Jennings and Marshall visited the social media classroom at Ohio Northern University and came away with two social media interns – Spencer Dodds and Zachary Bowers. They will be charged with developing a social media campaign to focus on the good work of the foundation. Trustees also: – Approved a fee schedule for fund management services which will take effect Jan. 1, 2026. – Approved a foundation organizational chart and executive assistant task description. – Adopted a records retention policy. – Approved an updated spending and investment policy. – Approved the management fee policy. – Approved the staff cybersecurity training policy. Courtesy: Kenton Times 10/23/2025

The following statement is from Hardin County Community Foundation President Matthew Jennings and Executive Director Bryan Marshall: The community may notice a measurable increase in Hardin County Community Foundation grants awarded versus our announcement of available funds in February. After the announcement to award $227,000 in grants this spring, the Board of Trustees revisited our allocation methodology that we have used since the inception of the foundation and decided to make a revision. The resulting change in available funds increased by $140,000 to $367,217. In our early days and as we grew into a foundation of scale, we kept our calculation for grant funding very conservative to protect the assets of the foundation and to ensure that even in a down year, we would have funds to grant. After our analysis was completed, we decided as a Board to increase the spend limit and shorten the rolling average asset size used in our methodology to better reflect our more rapid growth in the last several years. This revision, beginning with grants awarded in 2025, will allow for a greater return of investment income to our community while ensuring our financial stability moving forward. This may not be the case every year depending on historical portfolio performance but due to several strong years in a row the resulting increase for this year will be very beneficial to our charitable organizations in Hardin County. Community feedback is important to our Board, and we are listening and making changes as we grow and adapt within the confines of what a foundation is allowed to do with its finances. Several of our funds are designated for very specific uses while others are unrestricted and can be awarded to local organizations at our grant committee’s discretion. The committee spends a considerable amount of time reviewing and vetting the grant process and to ensure that they are fair in disbursing funds throughout the community for many variations of projects and to be geographically balanced.

Courtesy: Kenton Times 05/01/2025

The Hardin County Community Foundation Board of Trustees approved the awarding of 143 grants at its quarterly meeting Tuesday in Kenton.

 The Grant Committee met on April 4 to review the 157 requests for funding before selecting the 143 proposals.

 The announcement of the grant recipients is expected by May 1.

The foundation’s assets were at $13,518,000 as of March 31, which is down 3.9% for the year amid the market’s volatility, according to Chandon Simonis from Stratos Wealth Partners. That followed a strong 2024 when assets were up 17%.

 Also at the meeting, trustees approved officers for the 2025-2026 year. It was announced that Ron Zimmerly stepped aside as vice president due to work commitments but will remain on the board. Trustees decided the position of assistant treasurer, held by Gina Messner, was no longer needed. She was approved as the new vice president.

 The rest of the officers are: Matt Jennings, president; Jannette Jacobs, treasurer; Mary Dickinson, secretary and Marie Sprang, assistant secretary

In other business, trustees accepted two trust funds originally set up to benefit the former Hardin Hills nursing home that total more than $800,000. Jennings said the earnings on the funds are to be used for the well-being of residents and divided between the two remaining nursing homes in the county, Vancrest and Kenton Nursing and Rehabilitation.

Finally, plans are in the works for a donor celebration slated June 5 at the Memorial Park Golf Course.

Courtesy Kenton Times 04/17/2025

The Hardin County Community Foundation will award $227,000 in grants and scholarships this spring, it was announced at the organization’s quarterly meeting Tuesday in Kenton. The funds are generated through earnings on the foundation’s assets. The grants to non-profit organizations in the county support programs and projects in the fields of education, youth services, recreation, arts and culture, social services, and civic and community development.  The foundation will accept grant applications now through Feb. 28. Application forms are on the foundation’s website, hardinfoundation.org. Grant applications will be reviewed by the Grants Committee. Groups and organizations awarded grants will be notified in late April. Also at the meeting it was reported that total assets of the foundation were at $14,031,499 through Dec. 31, 2024. The foundation received $17,975 through its annual fund drive

Courtesy: Kenton Times 02/06/2025

The Hardin County Community Foundation received a strong financial report at its quarterly meeting Tuesday in Kenton. Trustees learned that the total portfolio has climbed to $13,238,180, which is up 16.72% year to date. Also at the meeting, the board approved a series of policies. Those include records retention, whistleblower, conflict of interest and computer, device and internet usage policy. Trustees accepted the Kenton Athletic Boosters Cardiac Testing Fund. Around $50,000 has been donated for the testing to be invested with the foundation. Income generated by the fund will be used for cardiac testing of Kenton athletes and extracurricular participants every other year. The program eventually may be extended to all schools in the county. In addition, trustees agreed to a cyber insurance policy at a cost of $1,200 annually for $1 million in protection. The next meeting of the foundation will be Jan. 21 at noon in Kenton. Courtesy Kenton Times 10/17/2024

Assets of the Hardin County Community Foundation climbed to $12,617,536, it was reported at the group’s quarterly meeting on July 16.

That represents at increase of more than $120,000 from the April quarterly report.

Also at the meeting, Bryan Marshall, executive director, presented a report of annual assets and grants since the foundation’s inception in 1991.

Assets started at $13,532, and topped the $100,000 mark for the first time in 1995. The $1 million plateau was surpassed in 2003, and 10 years later assets exceeded $5 million.

Funds for the annual grants are generated through earnings on the foundation’s assets. The foundation has issued a total of $3,044,097 in grants over the past 33 years.

Courtesy Kenton Times 07/25/2024

The Hardin County Community Foundation  welcomed Bryan Marshall as its first executive director during its quarterly meeting Tuesday afternoon in Kenton. Marshall takes the role following another successful year for the foundation as its assets grew to a record $12,493,205 as of March 31. Property and equipment accounted for $111,638 of that total. The foundation’s Grants Committee, chaired by Charles VanDyne, announced it has awarded 148 grants and five bequests. The organization also will award $21,000 in scholarships, making the total being distributed $223,060. A total of 173 applications for grants were received. Funds for grants are generated through earnings on the foundation’s assets. Those who applied for grants will be notified whether or not they were selected through regular U.S. mail. The list of recipients is expected to be released in the next week. Marshall, of Ada, was approved for his executive director role with the foundation after a 39-year career with Liberty National Bank. He served as Executive Vice President/Chief Financial Officer as well as secretary for the bank and holding companies. He is a 1980 graduate of Ohio Northern University, where he earned a Bachelor of Science in Business Administration with a dual major in Finance ß and Management. Foundation President Matt Jennings said the organization has been planning on an executive director position for the last seven years. “We knew that as our assets surpassed the $10 million mark, the workload, accounting, audit and financial reporting demands would increase drastically and the time involved in meeting with area organizations and families regarding funds would increase as well,” he said. “As we discussed the creation of this position, Bryan’s name quickly floated to the top of candidates we should consider and after several con[1]versations, Bryan agreed to assume this role on a part[1]time basis. Jennings said, “As a trustee that invests a tremendous amount of time in the day to day operations of the foundation along with Jannette Jacobs, Marie Sprang, Gina Messner and Mary Dickinson, we welcome Bryan’s ability and knowledge as our primary staff member. “With his leadership of the operational side of the foundation, we will continue to grow and build upon the momentum we have established over the last three decades,” he said. Also at the meeting, the trustees approved retaining the current officer team for the 2024-2025 year. They are Matt Jennings, president; Ron Zimmerly, vice president; Jannette Jacobs, treasurer; Gina Messner, assistant treasurer; Mary Dickinson, secretary and Marie Sprang, assistant secretary. Five trustees were reappointed to new seven-year terms on the board. They are Beryl Rogers-Dudek, Lee Ann Loveridge, Don Ritchey, David Schwemer and Charles VanDyne. Kenton Times 04/18/2024

A total of five new college scholarships will be offered to Hardin County students administered through the Hardin County Community Foundation. The Ada Area Doctor Scholarship was created from funds originally collected beginning in 1985 to recruit a doctor to the Ada community. The successful campaign provided a scholarship to a med student who later came to Ada to practice. He remains in Ada today. The committee wished to support another medical professional coming to the Ada area and the new scholarship was born. The Community Foundation administers the fund to offer this financial opportunity to current high school students, college students or adult learners. Candidates must currently attend or have graduated from the Ada, Hardin Northern or Upper Scioto Valley school districts. The student must be pursuing a career in the medical field. The foundation hopes to present three awards of $1,000 each this spring. Another scholarship which will be available to two Hardin County high school graduates this spring is the Mary M. and Patricia A. Sterling Scholarship. Mary Sterling and Patricia Sterling were the daughters of Guy and Ruth (Baum) Sterling and were lifelong residents of the family farm in McDonald Township, Hardin County. As members of Lawrence Valley Grange, they enjoyed and participated in the Hardin County Fair for many years. The scholarship fund was established for the benefit of any student residing in Hardin County who is affiliated with Junior Grange, 4-H, or the National FFA Organization. The foundation hopes to offer two awards of $2,500 to worthy Hardin County students. People can request applications for the scholarships by email at hccfscholarships@gmail.com. The application deadline is May 1. Kenton Times 04/11/2024

The Hardin County Community Foundation will offer $223,060 in grants and scholarships this spring. That is an increase from $209,675 available a year ago. The funds are generated through earnings on the foundation’s assets. The grants to non-profit organizations in the county support programs and projects in the fields of education, youth services, recreation, arts and culture, social services, and civic and community development. The foundation will accept grant applications from Feb. 1 to Feb. 28. Application forms are on the foundation’s website, hardinfoundation.org. Applications will be reviewed by the Grants Committee and checks for entities awarded grants will be mailed in late April. Community Foundation offers $223,060 in grants and scholarships.(Kenton Times 01/20/24

 Assets of the Hardin County Community Foundation grew to $11,684,032 as of Dec. 31, it was reported at the organization’s quarterly meeting Tuesday in Kenton. After being down 11% in 2022, the foundation’s investment earnings grew by 19 percent during the past year. Because of the growth of the foundation, discussion was held about hiring an executive director. President Matt Jennings will be putting together information about the possible position for trustees to review. Also at the meeting it was noted that the foundation will accept grant applications from Feb. 1 to Feb. 28. Application forms are on the foundation’s website, hardinfoundation.org. (Kenton Times 01/18/24)

 

 

The Hardin County Community Foundation welcomed one new trustee and honored two departing trustees at its meeting Tuesday. Thomas Seeley, a Kenton attorney, has joined the foundation board. Saundra and  Bruce Neely  have stepped down from the board after relocating outside the county. They were honored by the foundation and President Matt Jennings, who presented them with plaques in honor of their service. Bruce was a 16-year trustee (2007-2023) and Saundra served for 11 years (2012-2023).

The Hardin County Community Foundation approved Kenton attorney Thomas Seeley as a trustee during its quarterly meeting Tuesday in Kenton. The foundation's nominating committee recommended him to fill an opening on the board created by the resignation of Saundra Neely. She, along with her husband Bruce, also a former trustee, stepped down after relocating outside the county. Also at the meeting, it was noted that the foundation's assets total $9,981,508 as of Sept. 30. The next quarterly meeting will be Jan. 16 at the Kenton Elks. Source: Kenton Times Oct 18, 2023

Total assets of the Hardin County Community Foundation at the end of the second quarter were $10,352,056.57, Assistant Treasurer Jannette Jacobs reported at its quarterly meeting Tuesday, July 18. President Matt Jennings announced that Jacobs will take over the duties of treasurer and Gina Messner will assume the assistant treasurer duties for an extended time period. The audit committee chair, Dr. Todd Oates, introduced the Holbrook & Manter firm who, via Zoom, discussed their draft report of the audit of Foundation’s financial statements for the years ending Dec. 31, 2021 and 2022. In other comments from trustees: – Lee Ann Loveridge said how much she and the Foundation as a whole has appreciated the membership, friendship and hard work that Bruce and Saundra Neely have given in their time serving as trustees of the Foundation. Both will resign their positions as they are moving outside the Hardin County area and will be greatly missed. – Beryl Rogers-Dudek said that the Foundation’s annual reports have been completed and have been distributed. – Learned from Grant Committee chair Charles VanDyne that all grant checks have been delivered to the recipients. – Approved two pending funds, Lance and Sandra Lange Fund and James and Sandra Prudent Fund. It was noted that neither of these will be funded immediately. – Jennings mentioned that Stratos Wealth Partners has graciously offered to fund a donor reception, possibly in the fall of 2023. The Event Committee will look at dates and venue options. – Learned from Jennings that Ty Sherman continues to mow and maintain the lawn at the Foundation’s office facility. He also mentioned that the property next door is slowly being cleaned up by the new owners. The Foundation’s next meeting will take place at the Kenton Elks on Oct. 17 at noon. Courtesy Kenton Times 07/22/2023

The Hardin County Community Foundation will offer $209,675 in grants and scholarships this spring. The funds are generated through earnings on the foundation’s assets. The grants to non-profit organizations in the county support programs and projects in the fields of education, youth services, recreation, arts and culture, social services, and civic and community development. The foundation will accept grant applications from Feb. 1 to Feb. 28. Application forms are on the foundation’s website, hardinfoundation.org. Grant applications will be reviewed by the Grants Committee and checks for those entities awarded grants will be mailed in late April.

The Hardin County Community Foundation accepted two new funds and amended another one at its quarterly meeting Tuesday in Kenton.

Trustees approved the creation of the Ada Area Doctor Committee Scholarship Fund. It is being established out of the remainder of funds originally collected to recruit doctors to the village.

 Earnings on the fund will go toward healthcare-related continuing education for people residing in the Ada, Hardin Northern, and Upper Scioto Valley school districts.

 Also established was the George F. and Patricia Lee Smith Fund.

 An amendment was made to the Frank and Betty Bondi Fund. Originally set up to help with funding for a new church building that has been completed, earnings now will benefit children’s youth outreach at the First Baptist Church in Kenton.

 Trustees also made a change in the creation of new funds. A general dedicated fund can be established with a $5,000 contribution, while the minimum to start a specified fund will be raised to $10,000. Kenton Times 10/19/22

The Hardin County Community Foundation accepted two new funds and amended another one at its quarterly meeting Tuesday in Kenton.

Trustees approved the creation of the Ada Area Doctor Committee Scholarship Fund. It is being established out of the remainder of funds originally collected to recruit doctors to the village.

 Earnings on the fund will go toward healthcare-related continuing education for people residing in the Ada, Hardin Northern, and Upper Scioto Valley school districts.

 Also established was the George F. and Patricia Lee Smith Fund.

 An amendment was made to the Frank and Betty Bondi Fund. Originally set up to help with funding for a new church building that has been completed, earnings now will benefit children’s youth outreach at the First Baptist Church in Kenton.

 Trustees also made a change in the creation of new funds. A general dedicated fund can be established with a $5,000 contribution, while the minimum to start a specified fund will be raised to $10,000.  Source: Kenton Times 10/19/22

The Hardin County Community Foundation will offer more than $200,000 in grants this spring to non-profit organizations in the county. The grant total is $219,796, with another $8,000 to be awarded in scholarships. The funds are generated through earnings on the foundation's assets. The grants support programs and projects in the fields of education, youth services, recreation, arts and culture, social services, and civic and community development. The foundation will accept grant applications from area organizations from Feb. 1 to Feb. 28. Applications are on the foundation's website, hardinfoundation.org. Grant recipients will be announced in April. Kenton Times 01/29/2022

Assets of the Hardin County Community Foundation grew by 16.42 percent during 2021 to nearly $11 million, it was reported Tuesday afternoon at the organization’s quarterly meeting in Kenton. The asset total of $10,963,404 represents an increase of $1.2 million for the year, said Ron Zimmerly, chair of the Finance Committee. During the quarter the foundation reported income received of $128,990, with $108,657 from as donations to designated funds. Another $8,710 was contributed through its annual fund drive.. In its managed funds, the community foundation received $5,000 for the Hardin County Historical Museums fund and $4,754 for the Hardin County Fair Foundation. Trustees formally approved the addition of two memorial funds which were accepted via an email vote late last year. One is the Edward and Deborah Dick Memorial Fund to benefit Simon Kenton clients with mobility needs. The other is the Terry Keiser Tree Trimming Fund to benefit tree maintenance in the Ada downtown business district. Also at the meeting, trustees discussed creating a donor reception to recognize those who support the foundation. More details will be released at a later date. Applications for foundation grants will be accepted online at hardinfoundation.org from Feb. 1 to Feb. 28. Recipients will be notified in April. The amount of money available for 2022 grants will be announced next week. The annual meeting of the foundation will begin at noon on April 19 at the Kenton Elks, followed by the quarterly meeting at

1 p.m. 

Source: Kenton Times 01/19/2022

C. Richard “Dick” Hubbard of Ada, former president of Liberty National Bank, died Sunday. He was 86. Dick served as bank president for 10 years and remained a director for another 10 years, retiring in 2010. He was involved in many community activities upon moving to Hardin County. This included being a founding trustee of the Hardin County Community Foundation, where he also served terms as vice president and president. Dick was coordinator of the Volunteers in Police Service (VIPS) through the Hardin County Sheriff’s Office. He was a past chairman of the Hardin County Economic Development Council, past president of the Hardin County Airport Authority and past trustee of Hardin Memorial Hospital. He was inducted into the Hardin County Business Hall of Fame in 1999. 

Source Kenton Times 10/28/2021

Assets of the Hardin County Community Foundation, for the first time in its 30-year history, have topped the $10 million mark. The financial report at Tuesday’s quarterly meeting of the foundation listed its assets at $10,169,660. The foundation invests its assets to generate income for annual grants awarded to community organizations. “The vision of our founders was incredible to establish an organization with the forethought that it would grow to over $10 million in assets in its first 30 years,” said Matt Jennings, president. “The founders of the Hardin County Community Foundation, incorporated on August 16th, 1991 set the future generation of trustees up for continued growth and success by insuring that our organization was built for the long term with sound bylaws and strict rules regarding the invest and subsequent disbursement of funds.” Jennings said, “I am more than proud and very humbled to have the opportunity to serve as president of the foundation and at our 30 year anniversary, I congratulate and thank our community for their continued support as we have surpassed the $10 million mark for assets under board management. “Thank you to our past and present trustees for your dedication and diligence overseeing a true community asset that will provide a long term return on investment for Hardin County,” Jennings said. The foundation also manages four funds for area organizations. Any charitable organization looking to establish a dedicated fund can contact a trustee to discuss the issue.

Courtesy Kenton Times

The Hardin County Community Foundation will award approximately $175,000 in grants and scholarships this spring, it was announced Tuesday at the organization’s quarterly meeting in Kenton. The figure includes $7,500 in grant money returned by recipients who were unable to complete projects during 2000 due to the COVID-19 pandemic. The foundation will accept grant applications from area organizations from Feb. 1 to Feb. 28. Applications will be available on the foundation’s website, hardinfoundation.org. Because of the pandemic, trustees decided not to hold a grant award banquet this year. That means as soon as the grant committee approves grants for 2021, checks will be issued to recipients. Also during the meeting, Dr. Todd Oates, a Kenton optometrist, was welcomed as a trustee. The foundation reported that as of Dec. 31, 2020, total assets were $9,469,979, which included $78,218 in property and equipment. Assets invested through Stratos Wealth Partners increased $1.5 million (15.1%) during the year. It also was announced that $10,550 was collected through the foundation’s annual fund drive conducted during the final quarter of the year.

Assets of the Hardin County Community Foundation have topped the $8 million mark, it was reported at the organization’s quarterly meeting on Tuesday in Kenton. That includes $8,071,383 invested through Stratos Wealth Partners, which is up 6.6% for the quarter. When combined with $612,527 in funds in board possession and $77,919 in property and equipment, total assets are $8,761,829 as of Sept. 30. Also at the meeting it was announced that two new funds have been created. One is the Ruthanna Tobey Fund, established in honor of the foundation trustee emeritus and former president of the Mount Victory State Bank. Income generated by the fund is designated to go toward downtown improvements in Mount Victory. The other fund established is the James and Carole Crates Family Fund in honor of the late James Crates, a longtime attorney in Kenton, and Carole Crates. Proceeds will go toward any foundation project. President Matt Jennings announced that a sign for the foundation’s building on East Franklin Street in Kenton has been erected. Funding for the sign and landscaping were donated by Home Savings and Loan Co. (HSLC) in honor of the foundation’s founder and former HSLC director, John Jester. In addition, Dr. Todd Oates, a Kenton optometrist, was approved to join the Board of Trustees. He takes the place of the late Fred Markley, who had been granted trustee emeritus status by the board in July

 

Courtesy Kenton Times 10/21/20