RICHMOND, Ind. — A dozen Wayne County organizations will receive a combined $366,731 through the Wayne County Foundation's first grant cycle of the year, funding projects ranging from accessibility improvements and food assistance to facility upgrades and educational initiatives.
The largest award, $50,000, went to the Golay Community Center for replacement of its dehumidification system.
Other major grants included $48,558 for cemetery mapping and record-management improvements through the Lutheran Cemetery Foundation of Pershing Indiana and $39,423 for accessibility upgrades at Cope Environmental Center's outdoor classroom.
Several grants focused on improving access and inclusion. Ainsley's Angels of America received $25,000 for adaptive equipment that will allow more people with disabilities to participate in community fitness events, while the Independent Living Center of Eastern Indiana was awarded $35,000 for assistive technology devices.
Food security efforts also received support. The Nettle Creek Community Coalition was awarded $25,000 for equipment and supplies for its food pantry, and Well Care Community Health received $10,000 for pantry-related purchases. Neighborhood Health Center was awarded $25,000 to expand services that help patients access nutrition assistance and health insurance programs.
Other recipients included Brighter Path Inc., Noah's Ark Day Care Center, Shepherd's Way Christian Ministries and the Richmond Family YMCA, which received funding for a feasibility study exploring a future facility project.
The grants were awarded through a combination of unrestricted and donor-directed funds administered by the foundation.
In addition to the primary grant cycle awards, the foundation has approved five Rapid Response grants this year totaling $21,950. The funding supported building repairs, equipment replacement, community engagement programming and events tied to the nation's upcoming 250th anniversary celebration.
Recipients included the Dublin Community Club, NAACP, Noah's Ark Day Care, Richmond Civic Theatre and Rock Solid Ministries.
The foundation also approved two separate education-related grants earlier this year. Northeastern Wayne Schools received $27,300 for a countywide work-based learning software platform, while Wayne County school districts shared $25,000 to support early childhood education programs.
Combined with the additional grants awarded outside the cycle, foundation funding announced this year totals more than $440,000.
