The Tipp City Foundation held its quarterly meeting in mid-September. The socially-distanced meeting was the first face-to-face time the board has had in 2020. Until then, the business of the group had been managed virtually. Since the beginning of the year, nearly $100,000 has been awarded.
Grants requests were broad in nature. Health and safety grants lead the awards with a significant grant to support mental health care for our citizens. Bethel Local Schools made a creative request for teacher care packages. Ultimately, nine organizations were chosen to receive 10 awards serving a broad spectrum of needs. Grants totaled $24,744.95.
The following is a list of recipients, award levels and the impact grants will make. The additional support that donor advisors gave through their grantmaking is included.
COVID RESPONSE
Bethel Local Schools, $1,000.00, reinforces the work of the Social Emotional Awareness Counselor as attention is turned towards teachers’ needs. Wellness care packages will be given to staff as they navigate the stress of teaching in the time of COVID-19.
ARTS & CULTURE
Downtown Tipp City, $845.00, spruces up the exteriors of downtown properties identified by the Façade Improvement Program. This grant is awarded through the Urban Stewardship Fund, established in 2009.
Tipp City Public Library, $2,000.00, adds flair to the public alley between the Library and Coldwater Café by supporting a large mural installation. Tipp City native and muralist Atalie Gagnet begins the project in fall 2020.
ENVIRONMENT
Tipp City Parks Department, $3,060.00, plants tree species like Kentucky coffee, buckeye and northern catalpa in public parks and curb lawns. Look for their beautiful color each fall throughout the city. This grant was awarded from the Lucille L. Milner Trees for Tipp Fund, established in 1998 to provide for the planting of trees in Tipp City’s urban landscape.
RECREATION
Tipp City Enrichment Program, $336.00 and Award Swap, enhances the summer activities offered to the children who attend this extended care program. Portions of an earlier grant not fully used by another organization were reallocated to support this request.
Tipp City Parks Department, $1,754.00, rallies man’s best friends at the popular dog park in Kyle Park, as they romp on new exercise equipment. A jump bar, A-frame unit and stairways will be added to the play space.
SOCIAL SERVICES
Needy Basket of Southern Miami County, $3,500.00 and Award Swap,helps meet an expanding demand during the Holiday season. Baskets containing ingredients for a traditional Holiday meal will be distributed to an estimated 230 families. Partial dollars for this award represent the reallocation of a grant awarded earlier in the year that was not able to be used fully by another organization. Additional support from the Dave Drake Family Fund and the Robinson-Walters Family Fund advisors rounds out support of this grant for a total of $5,500.00.
Ronald McDonald House Charities of the Miami Valley Region, $1,000.00,aids families as they grapple with their child’s illness during their stay at Dayton Children’s Hospital. Last year, 34 families from the Bethel/Tipp City community benefitted from their support. Services include a bite to eat, a place to do laundry, and a private spot for a quick shower…all while staying close to their hospitalized child.
HEALTH & SAFETY
New Creations Counseling Center, Inc., $8,000.00, assists with counseling and psychiatric services for those with financial need. In the next year, this organization anticipates it will see 460 patients from the Tipp City, Bethel Township and Monroe Township communities over the course of over 2,300 sessions. Additional support from Robinson-Walters Family Fund advisors rounds out this request for a total of $10,000.00.
Tipp City Fire and Emergency Services, $3,249.95, equips emergency vehicles with immobilization devices called Reeves Sleeves, which will be used to aid patients who have experienced trauma. This grant is awarded, in part, through the Safety First Fund, established by Chief Steve Kessler in 2017. Additional support from the Dave Drake Family Fund advisors rounds out this request for a total of $3,749.95.
The deadline for 4Q grant submissions is December 1. Jim Ranft is available for your grant-related questions at 937-528-2482. Applications are available online at www.tippfoundation.org.