The Wayne County Foundation is pleased to announce that twenty local organizations have been awarded a
total of $170,572 through its Grant Cycle I and other first quarter grant opportunities. The funding is to support
local programs or projects that enhance the spirit of the community and improve the quality of life across
Wayne County.
“It is so important to recognize the impact and support the work of the nonprofits in this community,” said
Executive Director Rebecca Gilliam. “The Foundation is very excited to have the opportunity to come
alongside these organizations who help make a better Wayne County.”
Grant Cycle I is the first of three cycles in 2023. Grant Cycle II will open on April 24, 2023.
The Wayne County Foundation’s grantmaking is made possible by many individual donors that create funds
to support Wayne County. Below is the list of the grants awarded through the first quarter of the year, as
approved by the Foundation’s board of directors.
Black Legacy Project of Wayne County ($3,800) to support the organization’s video interview program,
educational posters in local schools, and the 2023 Black Legacy Exhibition in partnership with the Wayne
County Historical Museum.
Boy Scouts of America – Crossroads Council ($5,000) to provide scholarship for Wayne County Scouts that
want to attend summer camp.
Children’s Justice and Advocacy Center, Inc. (JACY House) ($6,600) to defray the costs for staff to attend
a professional development conference in Dallas, Texas.
HELP the Animals ($5,000) for repair and improvements to the roof of one of the facility’s outdoor kennel
areas.
Independent Living Center of East Central Indiana ($10,000) to purchase assistive devices for clients to
help them maintain their independence.
Indiana University East Center for Entrepreneurship ($18,000) to support the expansion of the BOSS
Program for local graduates. The program seeks to encourage students to achieve their entrepreneurial goals.
Junior Achievement of Eastern Indiana ($10,000) to help fund the new position of Project Coordinator
within the organization, which will allow for expansion of services in Wayne County.
Model T Ford Club of America and Museum ($7,510) to support the creation of a small theater space to
offer short, education films for school groups and family audiences.
Oak Park Church ($15,000) to purchase a ‘concession-style’ trailer to help mobilize and distribute bread and
bakery goods through their Bread Box program.
Richmond Civic Theatre ($15,000) to help offset the costs of royalties for the 2023-2024 season.
Richmond Fire Department ($15,000) to support the purchase, installation, and upkeep of a ‘Safe Haven
Baby Box’ at Fire Station #1.
Richmond Rose Garden ($6,540) to support the repair of damaged walkways in the garden and to repaint the
fence along US-40.
Richmond Senior Recreation Center ($10,000) to provide funding to resurface the pickleball courts.
Richmond Symphony Orchestra ($2,622) for the purchase of new parking signs and shuttlebus service to
make handicap parking more accessible for RSO patrons.
Wayne County Cardinal Greenways ($10,000) to support the purchase of donor development software and
staff training.
Wayne County Historical Museum ($5,000) funding for two signature exhibitions in 2023.
Wayne County Railroaders Association ($7,500) for improvements to the caboose in Maplewood Park,
educational signage, and improved landscaping.
Wayne County Soil and Water Conservation District ($5,000) for the district’s youth programming,
including Conservation Days and Envirothon.
Whitewater Valley Pro Bono Commission ($8,000) to help offset the costs of the ‘Ask a Lawyer’ seminar
series, which provides legal counsel for individuals with limited financial resources.
Additionally, the Nettle Creek Elementary School Daycare received a grant for the amount of $5,000 to
offset the cost of the daycare for families in need. This project was funded in part by the Hagerstown Hometown Fund.