Sandusky County Communities Foundation

The Sandusky County Communities Foundation is announcing our “25 for 25” campaign, where we are asking you to donate 25 dollars or more, to celebrate our 25 year anniversary. Our goal? To raise a total of $25,000 dollars before the end of 2023 to help Sandusky County area organizations and causes. Your contributions stay local and help make our community a great place to live, work and play.?To date, we have distributed over 1 million dollars to over 130 area agencies! You can donate now by following this PayPal Link to our Discretionary Fund: https://lnkd.in/dm9zmZBJ or by visiting our website at: www.sanduskyccf.org.

Join us for the 2nd Annual Board & Volunteer Fair! The Sandusky County Non-Profit Collaborative Group has organized a unique event that connects local nonprofits and the community. Meet representatives from local nonprofits and explore volunteer roles that match your skills, interests, and schedule. Discover board membership opportunities and connect with a network of passionate individuals all working to make a positive impact within Sandusky County. Stop by on November 14 from 4:30–6:30 PM at Live Edge, 115 S Front Street, Fremont to find a cause that speaks to you and help make a difference within our community. Don't miss it! Enjoy free appetizers, refreshments, and a cash bar. Go to: https://bit.ly/4hkyitN and preregister to be entered into the Tailgating themed basket/door prize! You will also receive extra door prize tickets from each nonprofit table you visit! #connectingpeoplewhocarewithcausesthatmatter

On October 10th, the Sandusky County Communities Foundation (SCCF) hosted a Celebration of Philanthropy at The Neeley Center. Angie Morelock, the 2024 Chair of the Foundation’s Board, welcomed over 100 attendees and shared the purpose of the event: to honor the Foundation’s fund holders, donors, and supporters, provide important updates, and celebrate community grant recipients. Morelock emphasized that the event symbolizes connecting individuals who care with causes that matter. Andrea Gibson, Executive Director of the Foundation, introduced the board of trustees, offered a brief history of SCCF, welcomed new fund holders, and shared the Foundation’s 2024 milestones. She highlighted the remarkable contributions of fund holders, noting that the Foundation’s Board of Trustees approved 145 awards in 2024, distributing nearly $600,000 in grants and scholarships. Since its founding in 1998, SCCF has provided or facilitated gifts amounting to $5.13 million, benefiting Sandusky County residents. The youth division of the Foundation, Building Community Together (BCT), also presented a 2024 update. Bryce Estep and Abbie Rogish discussed grants awarded to Lutz Elementary for Kindergarten Graduation, Bellevue Society for the Arts for lighting, and Gibsonburg Schools for a theatre camp. BCT member Ellis Wylykanowitz gave the invocation before a dinner was served by Terra State. After dinner, Denice Hirt, Foundation Board Member and Chair of the Grant and Scholarship Committee, shared insights on the Foundation’s community grant program. The Foundation received 32 grant applications totaling $214,050.93 in funding requests. After thorough consideration, 17 organizations were selected to receive grants, totaling $86,119.08, distributed during the evening. Since the launch of its community grant program in 2009, SCCF has awarded $1.15 million in discretionary funds to non-profits throughout Sandusky County. In her closing remarks, Gibson expressed gratitude to the Foundation’s fund holders and donors, highlighting that their support is the driving force behind the Foundation’s success. The evening concluded with thanks to the event’s sponsors—ProMedica Memorial Hospital, Genoa Bank, Croghan Colonial Bank, First National Bank, and Style Crest. Guests were also encouraged to consider starting a fund or making a donation to continue growing the impact of philanthropy in 2025 and beyond.

Today is the last day to RSVP for the Celebration of Philanthropy event on October 10th! We are looking forward to celebrating with you!

Attention Nonprofit Organizations!! The second annual Board and Volunteer Fair is a few months away and nonprofit spots still remain.

Attention Nonprofits! The deadline for the Community Grant Program is only 10 days away! 2023 Grant Spotlight: Sandco's Sweeties Sandco Industries/ Sandco's Sweeties received a 2023 grant of $6,754.30 for training and retail expansion of their Homemade (made in-house) Fudge line!

BLACK SWAMP CONSERVANCY ANNOUNCES DR. DONALD R KNEPPER MEMORIAL SCHOLARSHIP Fremont, OH - The Black Swamp Conservancy, in partnership with Sandusky County Community Foundation (SCCF), is pleased to announce the launch of the Dr. Donald R. Knepper Memorial Scholarship. This scholarship has been funded in perpetuity by an estate gift to the Conservancy by Dr. Knepper. Dr. Knepper was a well-loved veterinarian by the community that held a passion for conservation. He put this passion into action by permanently protecting his family’s farm in Gibsonburg so that it may continue to grow food, provide habitat for wildlife and serve as a cultural heritage site for the betterment of future generations. This scholarship will help those future generations continue the spirit of the work he did for conservation and his farm as they traverse their own path in the environmental field. About the Scholarship This scholarship will be housed and administered by the SCCF. The Dr. Donald R. Knepper Memorial Scholarship will be awarded to one (1) graduating high school senior per year pursuing a degree related to the mission of the Black Swamp Conservancy. Degrees considered for the scholarship include those in the environmental field, such as biology, environmental science/policy, agriculture, etc. Students must be a graduating high school senior from the 12-county northwest Ohio service area of the Black Swamp Conservancy and can apply toward an environmental degree from any university or college. The scholarship will award $1,000 per year to an eligible graduating high school senior and will be renewable by eligible scholars for a maximum of four (4) years. To be eligible for renewal, the scholar must maintain a 3.0 GPA and remain in a program related to the Conservancy’s mission. In addition to the $1,000, scholars will receive four (4) free tickets to the Black Swamp Conservancy’s annual fundraising event and are eligible (but not obligated to) for a spot on the Black Swamp Conservancy’s paid seasonal field crew during summer breaks. About Black Swamp Conservancy Black Swamp Conservancy is a land trust dedicated to protecting natural habitats and family farms, now and for future generations, through land conservation agreements. The Conservancy does this to preserve the rural heritage, unique natural habitats, and streams of northwest Ohio. Founded in 1993, the organization permanently protects more than 21,000 acres of woods, wetlands, and family farms in northwest Ohio. By protecting the region’s valuable land and water resources, the Conservancy supports healthy communities with strong, sustainable economies including agriculture and ecotourism. To learn more, or to donate, visit our website at www.sanduskyccf.org or contact Andrea Gibson at 419-334-6299 or [email protected]

Let Freedom Ring! The SCCF office is closed today to celebrate Independence Day. We wish you all a happy and safe 4th of July!

It's official! The Foundation has relocated to 2511 Countryside Dr. Suite C. Stop in or give us a call at 419.334.6299.

Congratulations to the 2024 recipients of the Dick and Barb Berger Athletic Scholarship and Charitable Fund... Audra Miller, Isiah Perez, Sophia Turner, Delinda Gore, Eva Hancock, Blake Hunter, Jax LaPata, Carma Johnson, William Kiser, Elijah Simms, Ella Warner, Landon Witte, Jackson Beasley, Alexa Taylor, Kamdyn Periat, Evan Hall, Scott Smith Jr., Megan Rife, Reese Adkins, Ben Wott, Kenyon Bilbrey, Cora Liskai, Aubrey Sangstock, Lauren Ritman, Aubrey Reiter, Grant Pert, and Jake Kelbley!! ?? The Dick and Barb Berger Athletic Scholarship and Charitable Fund provides a $500 scholarship to graduating High School seniors throughout Sandusky County. Since the funds' inception in 2021, Mr. and Mrs. Berger have disbursed $117,450.00 to students and organizations throughout Sandusky County. Congratulations again to this year's recipients!