Community Foundation awarded up to $32,762

The Community Foundation of Huntington County recently awarded up to $32,762 in grants to eight community non-profits. Recipients received funding from the Foundation’s 2025 Grant Cycle I to support a variety of impactful projects.

Place of Grace, Inc. received $13,491 to support the expansion of Gracefully Gourmet is a social enterprise that provides residents with job readiness training and employment opportunities that foster family stability and self-sufficiency. The grant included $11,675 from unrestricted funds, $1,256 from the Stephanie A. Pyle “Spirit of the Community” Fund and $560 from the Gerald W. & G. Edward Yeoman Memorial Fund. The grant was generously sponsored by the following Community Funds: Bippus State Bank, Donald & Nancy McDaniel, John & Midge Decker, Donald & Lou Rayne Scheiber, Paul Family, Roger & Debbie Dyson, Dr. Ron & Judy Frischman and an Anonymous Community Fund.

Helping Paws Pet Haven, Inc. was awarded $2,500 to cover the costs of a new commercial washer and dryer that will allow for continued care of the facility’s felines. Helping Paws provides a safe space for abandoned, abused and lost cats and kittens until they find forever homes. The grant was generously sponsored by the James & Nancy Breiner Community Fund.

Warren Area Chamber of Commerce received a matching grant of up to $3,200 to enhance the visitor experience at Riverside Park by providing much-needed seating under the existing shade sails. The grant was generously sponsored by the following funds: First Federal Savings Bank Community Fund, Philip & Jackie Karst Family Community Fund, James & Regina Ditzler Community Fund, Jim & Linda Howell Community Fund.

Huntington Erie Jazz Band was awarded $2,000 from the Hiner Family Fund to increase sheet music selection, and assist with purchasing costs for a new keyboard, stand and amplifier. The Huntington Erie Jazz Band launched in 2023, representing a division of the Huntington Erie Community Band.

Huntington County Council on Aging received $3,375 to support necessary technology upgrades. Current technology constraints affect their ability to efficiently manage transportation routes, leading to delays and reduced service capacity. The grant included $187 from the Huntington County Community Network Technology Fund, $2,300 from the Riverview Terrace Fund and $888 from the Dadd/Decker Fund.

Huntington North High School Band Parents & Boosters, Inc. received a matching grant of up to $5,000 to cover costs of a necessary electronic sound system upgrade. The grant included $2,000 from the Hiner Family Fund and has the potential to receive up to $3,000 from unrestricted funds given they qualify for the matching grant. The grant was generously sponsored by the following Community Funds: Hiner Family Fund, Erik & Heather Larr, Robert & Vera Deal, Helen & Frederick Krueger and Margaret Krueger.

McKenzie’s Hope received $1,900 to purchase a secure printer to uphold the Fort Wayne Sexual Assault Treatment Center (FWSATC) Satellite Office’s commitment to delivering compassionate, confidential care to survivors of sexual assault and abuse, while adhering to the highest standards of privacy and compliance with HIPPA regulations. The grant included $1,500 from the Stephanie A. Pyle “Spirit of the Community” Fund and $500 from the Fred Bailey Charitable Fund.

Pathfinder Services was awarded $1,296 from the Fred Bailey Charitable Fund to cover start-up costs of an impactful project aimed at assisting students with disabilities in their journey towards independence – Toolkits for Students with Disabilities.

The Community Foundation is eager to witness how these impactful projects will benefit the community of Huntington County. For more information on Community Foundation Grants, visit huntingtonccf.org/grants/.