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Community Foundation offers 223,060 in grants and scholarships

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

Community Foundation assets grow

 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)

Trustee Honors

 

 

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).

Community Foundation Oks Seeley as trustee

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

Community Foundation assets top 10.3 million

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

Community Foundation to award 209,675 in grants scholarships

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.

Community Foundation adopts two new funds.

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

Community Foundation adopts two new funds.

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

Community Foundation offers 219,796 for projects

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

Hardin County Community Foundation assets climb to nearly 11 million

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

Former president of Liberty National Bank dies

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

Community Foundation tops 10 million in assets

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

Community Foundation to award 175,000 in grants and scholarships

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.

Community Foundation assets top $8 million

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

Longtime Trustee, Fred Markley, Passes Away

Frederick E. Markley  83

Of Kenton

A public visitation for Fred E. Markley will be held on Thursday, August 27, 2020 from 2-6 pm. at the Price-McElroy Funeral Home in Kenton. Pastor Welker of College First Church of God will be officiating a private celebration of his life service. Burial will take place at Walnut Hills Cemetery near New Hampshire, OH.

Frederick E. Markley was born April 3, 1937 in Kenton to Fred and Hazel (Chiles) Markley. Fred passed on August 21, 2020 at 7:38 a.m. at Campbell Place, Bellefontaine.

Fred married Phyllis Jean Brown on September 8, 1957 in Hardin County, and she predeceased him on September 3, 1995. On June 29, 2000, he married Susan (Below) Shull in Findlay, Ohio, and she also predeceased him on December 24, 2011.

Surviving are a son, Michael E. Markley (Barbara) of Beavercreek, Ohio, three step-children, Andrea (Mark) Miller of Bremen, IN, Shawn (Lea) Shull and Casey (Karen) Shull, both of Cincinnati; 2 grandchildren, Johnnah D’Alfonso (Keegan) of Columbus and Gabrielle Markley of Beavercreek, and 4 Step-grandchildren, Matt and Brad Miller and Jackson and Holden Shull.

A 1955 graduate of Kenton High School, Fred earned his Bachelor of Arts from The Ohio State University and his Juris Doctorate from The Ohio State University College of Law in 1961. Fred was admitted to practice of law in Ohio on October 11, 1961 and was admitted to practice before the U.S. Supreme Court on June 21, 1971

He commenced the private practice of law in Kenton in February 1962 and from 1964 thru 1972, he served as Hardin County Prosecuting Attorney. In January 1973, he entered into partnership with Carter W. Schwemer and David J. Schwemer under the partnership name of Wetherill, Schwemer, Markley & Schwemer. He practiced law for nearly 60 years.

 He was a member of the Hardin County Bar Association, a former Trustee of the Mary Lou Johnson Hardin County District Library, a trustee of the Hardin County Community Foundation and a lifetime member of the Kenton Elks Lodge #157.He attended the College First Church of God in Findlay and the First United Methodist Church in Kenton. 

In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to the: Hardin County Community Foundation, American Cancer Society and College First Church of God music program (Findlay).

Annual Meeting Highlights

The Hardin County Community Foundation’s officer team was reelected during the organization’s annual and quarterly meetings Tuesday in Kenton. Approved to serve another year in office were Matthew Jennings, president; Ronald Zimmerly, vice president; Gina Messner, treasurer and Mary Dickinson, secretary. In addition, Marie Sprang was approved as assistant secretary and Jannette Jacobs as assistant treasurer. Four trustees were approved for new seven-year terms. They are Sandy Neely, Messner, Sprang and Zimmerly. The board of trustees also granted trustee emeritus status to Fred Markley, who is stepping aside as a trustee. He was one of the foundation’s original trustees when it was formed in 1991. "The board of trustees would like to thank Fred for his many years of service to our organization,” Jennings said. Through June 30, the foundation has a fund balance of $8,232,770.

Source Kenton Times 07/22/2020

Grants Approved

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE: 
 
Kenton, Oh - The Board of Trustees of the Hardin County Community Foundation is pleased to announce the approval of grants and scholarships totaling $164,722 for the 2020 grant cycle.  Grant Committee Chairman Charles Van Dyne stated “Our committee recognized the need for immediate funding of grants during these difficult times.  Grant applications were thoroughly reviewed, discussed and although we cannot fund every request, we believe that we distributed the funds to areas of most need as well as to worthy community projects”.   
 
Trustees, in online balloting, immediately approved the grant recommendations from the committee and funding of grants will take place beginning next week with a target of mailing all checks by Friday, April 17th.  Letters will be sent to all applicants notifying the organization of the outcome of their application.  “In light of the current crisis that we are all navigating, the Trustees agreed that our annual grant award celebration should be cancelled this year.  The event was scheduled for May 14th and we agreed that the prudent action for public safety would be to forego the event this year” stated Matt Jennings, Foundation President.  The Grant committee would like to remind all grant recipients that although we will not have our award celebration the grant reporting requirements are still in effect with grant reporting due no later than December 31st, 2020.  A full listing of grants approved will be supplied to the media later in the month of April, posted to our website and will appear in our 2020 Annual Report. 
 
“The Hardin County Community Foundation would like to thank the entire community for your support over the last 30 years and believe that during trying times such as these, our mission is to serve the needs of our community to the best of our ability.  We hope that the early distribution of grant funds assists our community in some small way.  We wish everyone health, wellness and safety” stated Jennings

Board Meeting Postponed

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE: Kenton, Oh - The Board of Trustees of the Hardin County Community Foundation has announced that they will be postponing their annual meeting of members scheduled for April 21st, 2020. The meeting has been tentatively rescheduled for July 21st, 2020 and ample notification will be given to all members of the date once confirmed.

 

During this difficult time, the Hardin County Community Foundation understands that many of the charitable organizations and agencies in our community are struggling. “The Foundation will continue with our grant process and have agreed as a Board of Trustees that we are obliged to fund grant requests in a timely manner” stated foundation President Matt Jennings.

 

Grant applications received will be reviewed and as usual, awarded based on merit of the project and following our standard timetable. Organizations and agencies that applied for funding will receive notification of the outcome of their application no later than May 1st, 2020 and for those awarded grants, will receive funding no later than May 14th, 2020.

 

“The Hardin County Community Foundation is dedicated to assisting our community as best we can during these trying times and we wish everyone in our community health, wellness and all the best” stated Jennings.

William D. Hart

It is with extreme sadness that we learned of the passing of founding member, former trustee and past president of the Hardin County Community Foundation,  William D. Hart,  on November 19th, 2019.  Bill’s endless contributions to the foundation will be everlasting. Our thoughts and prayers are with his family.

 

— Officers and Trustees of the Hardin County Community Foundation

Community Foundation Presents $157,698 in Grants

Kenton Times May 17th, 2019

The Hardin County Community Foundation awarded $157,698 in grants and scholarships during its annual Grant Celebration on Thursday at the Hardin County Armory in Kenton.

 

The grants were presented to 137 community/civic organizations, along with funds for five scholarships.

 

Money for the grants is generated through the investment of the Foundation’s nearly $6.8 million in assets.

 

The grant recipients are as follows: Ada Exempted Village School – reading department books for grades 1-2, $750.

 

Ada Public Library – summer reading program, $1,250.

 

Alger First United Methodist Church – Backpack Blessings program, $1,500.

 

Alger First United Methodist Church-Home Missions – tables and chairs for the newly built Neighbor to Neighbor Outreach Community Center, $600.

 

Alger Public Library – summer reading program, $1,250.

 

Bark Park, Kenton – repairs and maintenance, $500.

 

Belle Center Free Public Library – summer reading program, $500.

 

Blanchard Dunkirk EMS – oxygen regulators, $590.

 

Blue Star Mothers of America, Inc. OH 32 – postage for care packages sent overseas to deployed men and women, $2,000.

 

Blue Star Mothers of America, Inc. OH 32 – Thank-A-Vet program goodie bags, $500.

 

Boy Scout Troop 124 – summer camp, $500. Boy Scouts of America Troop 150 – summer camp, $500.

 

Camp Common Ground – Camp Wednesday Program, $500.

 

Christian Missionary Alliance Church – NextGenKids program for kids 4 years old through 6th grade, $500.

 

City of Kenton – flowers, mulch and updating and replacing equipment at the parks, $1,000.

 

Dolly Parton Imagination Library, Hardin County – provides monthly books to children birth to age 5, $1,500.

 

Dunkirk Community Improvement Corporation – playground equipment and miscellaneous projects, $625.

 

Dunkirk Firefighters – fire safety education materials for youth, $700.

 

Dunkirk Masonic Lodge 549 – Annual Winter Fest, $500.

 

Epworth United Methodist Church Youth Group – summer camp, $500.

 

Forest Area CIC Community Committee – Charlie Brown Christmas lighting display, $1,000. Forest Fire Department – 2.5" gate valves, $1,050.

 

Forest Firefighters’ Association – Fire Prevention Week educational materials, $500.

 

Forest Police Department – bulletproof vest, $1,000.

 

Forest Tree Commission – trees, $1,000.

 

Forest United Methodist Church – summer lunch program in conjunction with the Forest- Jackson Public Library's summer reading program, $500.

 

Forest-Jackson Public Library – summer reading program, $1,250.

 

Friends of the Alger Public Library – assistance with the 5th annual art exhibition, $750.

 

Hardin County 4-H Council – 4-H camp partial scholarships, $1,000.

 

Hardin County Agricultural Society – Fourth of July fireworks, $3,000.

 

Hardin County Agricultural Society – digital sign for the fairgrounds entrance, $2,500.

 

Hardin County Agricultural Society – Junior Fair Board COSI's Science Spot exhibit for youth at the fair – $600.

 

Hardin County Armory Restoration Foundation – front roof repairs, $2,500.

 

Hardin County Collective Youth Group – local mission projects, $750.

 

Hardin County Common Pleas Court – 12-step and self-help reading materials, $325.

 

Hardin County Council for Retarded Citizens (ARC) – Move and Learn program workshop, $750.

 

Hardin County Dog Shelter – medical care assistance, $1,500.

 

Hardin County Family YMCA – HVAC installation, $4,500.

 

Hardin County Family YMCA – youth summer camps, $1,702.

 

Hardin County Health Department – miscellaneous projects, $915.

 

Hardin County Historical Museums, Inc. – Past Perfect software, $1,000.

 

Hardin County Humane Society – emergency veterinary care assistance, $500.

 

Hardin County Humane Society – spay/neuter program and starter kits for new pet owners, $1,500.

 

Hardin County Juvenile Court – Moral Reconation Therapy workbooks and other educational materials, $325.

 

Hardin County Players – Children's Theatre Workshop, $750.

 

Hardin County Poultry Banquet Committee – signage for the poultry tent at the fair, $500.

 

Hardin County Young Professionals Alliance – playground equipment for Pioneer Park project, $500.

 

Hardin Hills Health Center – updated lighting, front lobby chairs, bedside cabinets and wardrobe closets, $3,613.

 

Hardin Leadership, Inc. – scholarships to attend Hardin Leadership, $750.

 

Hardin Memorial Community Outreach – Loads of Love program, $442.

 

Hardin Northern Community Center – electric upgrade, $500.

 

Hardin Northern Public Library – summer reading program, $1,250.

 

Hardin Northern School-History Brigade – Trip to Gettysburg student activities, $1,250.

 

Hardin Northern School Library – reading programs throughout the year, $500.

 

Heartbeat of Hardin County – sex trafficking education and awareness programming and supplies, $500.

 

Heartbeat of Hardin County – crib and car seat program, $750.

 

Helen Mabrey Shoe Fund, Inc. – shoes for less fortunate children, $5,000.

 

Helping Hands Outreach Ministries – Summer Back to School project, $4,500.

 

Jackson-Forest Ambulance District – lettering and graphics for new ambulance, $1,000.

 

Jackson-Forest EMS – training equipment and educational materials for EMS week, $750.

 

Keep Hardin County Beautiful – flowers and supplies for urns and Jackson Garden, $1,000.

 

Keep Hardin County Beautiful – recycling program to teach children the benefits of recycling, $500.

 

Kenton Area Swim Team (KAST) – flag strands and lane lines, $500.

 

Kenton City Schools Cafeteria – assistance to children who have exhausted their ability to charge their lunch cost, $1,000.

 

Kenton City Schools-Elementary – The Book Room Project which will provide guided reading books for grades K-2, $1,000.

 

Kenton City Schools Elementary Vocal Music Department – – sheet music, $300.

 

Kenton City Schools-High School – refrigerator and kitchen supplies to instruct special needs students living skills, $500.

 

Kenton City Schools-High School – reading books for leadership course, $250.

 

Kenton City Schools-High School Vocal Music Department – SmartMusic and Total Tone Savvy subscriptions, $750.

 

Kenton City Schools-Third Grade – supplies for leadership clubs, $500.

 

Kenton Fire Department – King Vision LED Video Laryngoscope kit, $1,000.

 

Kenton First Baptist Church – building fund, $866.

 

Kenton Full Gospel Bread of Life Food Pantry – food pantry supplies, $1,000.

 

Kenton Historic Courthouse District – downtown flower pot and hanging basket project, $1,000.

 

Kenton Historic Courthouse District – maintenance of the Gene Autry Park, $500.

 

Kenton Little League, Inc. – scholarships and maintenance, $1,700.

 

Kenton Police Department – bullet-resistant vests, $1,000.

 

Kenton Tree Commission – trees, $1,000.

 

Lake of Lights – light conversion to LED lighting, $750.

 

Love INC of Hardin County – special needs requests, $1,000.

 

Master Gardeners of Hardin County – garden description signs, $500.

 

McGuffey Church of Christ – youth group meals and programming, $750.

 

McGuffey Church of Christ – Summer Block Party event, $1,000.

 

McGuffey Volunteer Fire Company – update emergency and scene lighting, $1,000.

 

Memorial Park Golf Club, Inc. – youth golf program, $896.

 

Midwest Regional Educational Service Center – educational supplies for preschool classrooms, $500.

 

Midwest Regional Educational Service Center – Smart Board, iPads, visual timers and classroom computers for the Little River Preschool at USV School, $500.

 

MLJ Hardin County District Library – senior citizen and disabled patrons program and other adult programming, $425.

 

MLJ Hardin County District Library – summer reading program, $1,250.

 

Mt. Victory Community Improvement Corporation – old walking path removal and installation of a new walking path, $2,000.

 

New Creations – program to teach veterans skills to learn a new trade, $804.

 

New Hope Ministry Park, LLC – homeless shelter renovations, $1,500.

 

Northern Hardin Fire District – iPads and software to track firefighters operations and locations at fire scenes, $1,500.

 

Not By Choice Outreach – Beautiful Warrior program, $2,500.

 

Not By Choice Outreach – Chemo Bags of Hope program, $1,500.

 

Ohio State University, Hardin County OSU Extension – water bottles and hands-on activities materials for the Healthy and Hydrated: It’s in Your Hands program at the Hardin County Fair, $250.

 

Ohio State University, Hardin County OSU Extension Girls' Group – activities and programming for grades 4-8, $250.

 

Ohio State University, Hardin County OSU Extension – Cooking Matters program, $1,000.

 

Painter Creek Community Grange – metal roof, $750.

 

Patterson United Methodist Church – furnace for the sanctuary, $1,000.

Pawsitive Pals – medical care assistance, $1,000.

 

Project Linus – Blankets for children going through illness, injury, trauma or loss, $1,000.

 

Quilts for Kids NW Ohio – quilting supplies to make quilts for long term or terminally ill children, $300.

 

ReStore Community Center, Ada – tape, wrapping paper and photo paper for their Christmas programming, $150.

 

ReStore Community Center, Ada – various community meals, $1,500.

 

Ridgemont Public Library – summer reading program, $1,200.

 

Ridgemont Youth Summer Sports Association – shelter house at the Ridgeway ball park, $750. Ridgeway Firefighters – backup cameras for tankers, $500.

 

Riverdale Youth Soccer – paint sprayer, $1,500.

 

Robert Reed Jr. Genealogy Library and Hardin County Genealogy Society – replacement of computers and associated equipment, $2,070.

 

Ronald McDonald House Charities of Central Ohio – housing for families with hospitalized children, $1,000.

 

Roundhead McDonald Park Board – playground equipment, $1,250.

 

Roundhead United Methodist Church – wheelchair ramp, $2,500.

 

Safe Haven of Hardin County – storage unit, shelving and totes to store donations for the domestic violence shelter, $500.

 

St. Vincent dePaul Society of Immaculate Conception Church – hygiene and cleaning items for the less fortunate, $1,500.

 

Silver Creek United Methodist Church – various youth activities, $750.

 

Silver Creek United Methodist Church – Turn Around Outreach, $750.

 

Some Of Us People (S.O.U.P.) – monthly meals for the less fortunate, $3,000.

 

Southeast Hardin Northwest Union Joint Fire District – SCBA carbon fiber air bottles, $1,000.

 

St. John Evangelical Lutheran Church – food for Kids Backpack Program, $1,000.

 

Table One Ministries – Tuesday night meal sponsorship, $1,500.

 

The Neighborhood Opportunity Center – food boxes for the less fortunate, $2,000.

 

Tree Town Festival – youth exhibits for the festival, $2,000.

 

Trustees of Memorial Hall – ox roast, $750.

 

Upper Scioto Valley School – Parental Read Aloud handbook for Title I participants, $500.

 

Upper Scioto Valley School – summer literacy program for grades K-6, $2,000.

 

Upper Scioto Valley School-Middle School Student Council – Backpack Blessings program, $1,000.

 

Upper Scioto Valley School-Music Department – speaker system for the marching band, $500.

 

USV Ambulance District Alger Unit – free county EMS training, $2,000.

 

USV Ambulance District- Alger Unit – CPR adult mannequins, new stethoscopes and blood pressure cuffs, latex glove holders, and other CPR equipment, $2,000.

 

Veterans' Service Office – annual veterans dinner, $1,000.

 

Village of Dunkirk – HN Community Family Fun Day, $500.

 

Village of Dunkirk – flowers and seasonal decorations, $500.

 

Village of Dunkirk – trees, $1,000.

 

Village of Forest – downtown planter flowers, $1,000.

 

Village of Forest-Recreation Board – resealing of the walking paths at Gormley Park, $1,500.

 

Village of Mt. Victory – trees, $1,000.

 

Village of Mt. Victory – outdoor metal waste receptacles, $750.

 

Wolf Creek Center for the Arts of Hardin County, Ohio, Inc. – art classes, $750.

 

Scholarships

 

Jerry Jester – Kenton Dollars for Scholars, $1,000.

 

Catherine Lens – Kenton Dollars for Scholars, $500.

 

Mr. and Mrs. OJ Hogan – Kenton Dollars for Scholars, $500.

 

Mr. and Mrs. Donald Spath – two USV students, $2,500 each.

Community Foundation Invites Public to View New Offices

Kenton Times July 24th, 2019

The Hardin County Community Foundation introduced its new office facility to the public on Tuesday with an open house.

 

The building is called the Judge William D. Hart Community Foundation Building and is named in honor of the man who led it for several years, said Board President Matt Jennings.

 

He noted the spacious building will be used not only to house records of the organization, but to serve as a meeting place for the board and its officers. The Hardin County Community Foundation was started in 1991 by John Jester and Al Horn, noted Hart in his comments to the crowd who gathered at the event.

 

“He (Jester) was very philanthropic and a man who believed in the goodness and greatness of Hardin County,” recalled Hart.

 

Jester and Horn approached area businessmen and community leaders and encouraged them to invest in the foundation. The money raised would be used for projects requested by municipalities and organizations to better the community.

Their vision of the group grew over the years to the point that the foundation this year could exceed $10 million in funds, noted Hart.

 

In recent years, he continued, there was a growing need to gather the records of the foundation to a central location.

 

“The records were kept all over the county,” said Hart.

 

The board began looking for a suitable location for its offices and when the former McKinley and Crates Law Office building on E. Franklin Street became available, the community supported its development to fulfill that need, said Jennings. Through the generosity of Clarence and Melba Jean Hensel the building was purchased and with the further assistance of the community of volunteers within and outside the board, the building became the new home of the organization.

 

Donations from the family of Ray and Mary Thompson were recognized by the board naming one room the Thompson Conference Room. Office furniture from Farm Credit was donated to the project, noted Jennings, and many hours of cleaning and painting were donated by a group of dedicated board members to bring the building to the point it is today.

 

Those who are seeking grants and other assistance for projects can seek information at the office, said Jennings. All the trustees are listed on the organization’s webpage and each will be “more than happy to talk with them.”

Eventually, said Jennings, the board hopes to be open to the public for regular hours. The board also approved a new logo designed by local artist Wes Goldsmith, Jennings continued, which will be featured on a sign in front of the building in the near future.

 

State Representative Jon Cross presented Jennings with a proclamation from the legislature honoring the opening of the new building. The decision to name the building in honor of Hart was easy for the board, said Jennings. Hart has dedicated himself not only to foundation through his endless hours of dedication, but has been a leader in the community.

 

“We are a very public organization,” said Hart. “We work well together … We need to do a better job of selling what we have to the community. We are here to help people and I will be behind that and pushing as far as I can go.”

Community Foundation approves more than $130,000 in grants.

Kenton Times 04/26/17

The Hardin County Community Foundation will award $132,602 in grants,
scholarships and bequests for 2017.


Foundation trustees, at their quarterly meeting Tuesday night in Kenton,
accepted a report from the Grants Committee which approved the awarding of
grants to 119 applicants. Five scholarships and two bequests also were
included.


Applicants will be notified via postal mail in the next few days if they
have been awarded a grant. The grants will be presented at an Awards
Reception on May 18 at 4:30 p.m. at the Armory in Kenton.


Charles VanDyne, chairman of the Grants Committee, said 174 applications
were received requesting $342,894.


Also at the meeting, trustees learned the foundation's assets have grown to
$6,229,626 as of March 31. The principal is never spent, but invested.


Income generated by the investments is used to provide the annual grants.
Trustees unanimously approved continuing with the same leadership team.
Re-elected were President William Hart, Vice President Matthew Jennings,
Treasurer Russell Berger and Secretary Gina Messner.


The session was preceded by the annual meeting of the foundation's
membership. It was highlighted by the re-election of trustees Russell
Berger, LeeAnn Loveridge, Donald Ritchey, David Schwemer and Charles
VanDyne.

Community Foundation Funds Recover From Market Losses

Kenton Times 10/21/15
The volatile stock market has taken its toll on many funds in recent weeks, but the Hardin County Community Foundation has recovered to be ahead for the year.  The foundation started 2015 with assets of $5,517,739, and is up about $45,000 as of this week, reported Keith Gensheimer, finance chair, at Tuesday's quarterly meeting of the foundation board.  The Sept. 30 quarterly report showed assets had dropped to $5,391,209.
 
Also at the meeting, trustees discussed whether to continue offering to manage funds for local non-profit groups. It currently does so for the Hardin County Fair Board, Hardin County Family YMCA and Hardin Northern School.  President William Hart said three other organizations have approached the foundation to manage their accounts as well. The discussion centered around the amount of time it takes to keep track of the accounts versus the community service the foundation offers. There will be an investigation into other foundations that offer this service and the issue will be discussed at the group's January meeting. 
 
There also was discussion about whether to continue producing a paper copy of the foundation's annual report or just offer it online to save printing and mailing costs.  Not only does the report detail the foundation's finances and grant recipients, it also contains stories and photos about the memorials that have been established to benefit the foundation. The overwhelming majority of the board said they want to continue to offer the paper version which they hope will lead to more memorials and contributions to the foundation.  It also was decided to continue the organization's annual solicitation campaign through mailings to members and potential members.
 
Finally, trustees learned the foundation's website has been redesigned and people are invited to check it out at hardinfoundation.org.
 
 
 

Hardin County