Joellen Heatherly’s interest in local philanthropy helped lead her to service on the board of the Tipp City Foundation.

A Tipp City native, Heatherly participated in her first foundation board meeting in March.

“For some time now, I have routinely contributed to a variety of the funds linked to the Tipp City Foundation and believe firmly in supporting philanthropy locally.” Heatherly said. “Tipp City is a big part of my past and I hope to invest in a more inclusive future while retaining our small-town appeal.”

Heatherly said she sees herself working as a connector to bring people and resources together where it makes sense.

“I also consider myself to be a ‘big picture’ thinker who respects those who plan ahead and foresee how the decisions we make today impact future generations. I have good common sense, the ability for critical thinking and can conduct myself respectfully, even with difficult people,” she said.

She has focused her career in the area of public service, specifically adults with disabilities. Heatherly retired in 2019, then re-entered the workforce the same year. She now works for the State of Ohio as a vocational counselor, assisting people with developmental disabilities get jobs in their communities.

After serving four years on the Tipp City Exempted Village Schools Board of Education, Heatherly chose not to seek re-election last fall. After that high profile service, she said she “was searching for healthy functioning outlets to share my strengths.”

“The Tipp City Foundation is a community minded group of people with diverse values who seek to invest in Tipp City and the people who reside in surrounding communities. I have volunteered with several local nonprofits in Tipp City and also Miami and Montgomery County,” Heatherly said.

She is married to Jim Heatherly. Both are active in the Tipp City schools and the community. Jim Heatherly owns his own business and is a former football coach and umpire assignor in the area.

Both of their adult children graduated from the Tipp City schools. Their daughter is a Montessori teacher in Tennessee and their son is a medical cannabis cultivator in Dayton.

She said family and friends have inspired her willingness to give back to the community.

“My parents and in-laws were role models for civic inclusion and volunteerism. I also credit my high school civics teacher-turned lawyer, Tom Cochran; my professional mentor, Sue Curtis; and consider several past school board members as mentors,” Heatherly said.

She said she would also like people to know that, ‘I am proud of our community and the residents who want better for current and future generations.”

Joellen Heatherly’s interest in local philanthropy helped lead her to service on the board of the Tipp City Foundation.

A Tipp City native, Heatherly participated in her first foundation board meeting in March.

“For some time now, I have routinely contributed to a variety of the funds linked to the Tipp City Foundation and believe firmly in supporting philanthropy locally.” Heatherly said. “Tipp City is a big part of my past and I hope to invest in a more inclusive future while retaining our small-town appeal.”

Heatherly said she sees herself working as a connector to bring people and resources together where it makes sense.

“I also consider myself to be a ‘big picture’ thinker who respects those who plan ahead and foresee how the decisions we make today impact future generations. I have good common sense, the ability for critical thinking and can conduct myself respectfully, even with difficult people,” she said.

She has focused her career in the area of public service, specifically adults with disabilities. Heatherly retired in 2019, then re-entered the workforce the same year. She now works for the State of Ohio as a vocational counselor, assisting people with developmental disabilities get jobs in their communities.

After serving four years on the Tipp City Exempted Village Schools Board of Education, Heatherly chose not to seek re-election last fall. After that high profile service, she said she “was searching for healthy functioning outlets to share my strengths.”

“The Tipp City Foundation is a community minded group of people with diverse values who seek to invest in Tipp City and the people who reside in surrounding communities. I have volunteered with several local nonprofits in Tipp City and also Miami and Montgomery County,” Heatherly said.

She is married to Jim Heatherly. Both are active in the Tipp City schools and the community. Jim Heatherly owns his own business and is a former football coach and umpire assignor in the area.

Both of their adult children graduated from the Tipp City schools. Their daughter is a Montessori teacher in Tennessee and their son is a medical cannabis cultivator in Dayton.

She said family and friends have inspired her willingness to give back to the community.

“My parents and in-laws were role models for civic inclusion and volunteerism. I also credit my high school civics teacher-turned lawyer, Tom Cochran; my professional mentor, Sue Curtis; and consider several past school board members as mentors,” Heatherly said.

She said she would also like people to know that, ‘I am proud of our community and the residents who want better for current and future generations.”

As assets of the Tipp City Foundation endowments grow, so do the opportunities to broaden the impact on Tipp City. Contributions in 2021 exceed $1.3 million. Today endowed assets exceed $8.5 million. Four percent is awarded annually through grantmaking.

First quarter grant applications were inspiring. Equine therapy was reviewed for the first time in Foundation history. Schools requested help with theater, music, science, and literacy programs. Basic medical needs such as mental and dental health were also evaluated. Each of these was addressed through the grants awarded.

Ultimately, 11 organizations were chosen to receive 15 awards.  Grants totaled $60,301.44.

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.

ARTS & CULTURE

Project T.I.P.P. (Teens Impacting and Promoting Philanthropy), $5,000.00, gives teens grantmaking responsibility over these dollars as they play the role of a grant distribution committee. This exercise is in conjunction with the Tipp City Chamber of Commerce’s Teen Leadership Academy in June 2022.

Tipp City Exempted Village Schools, $3,000.00, supports the purchase of a new band trailer.

Tipp City Exempted Village Schools, $2,000.00, promotes Stagecrafters Summer Theatre Drama Camp, giving children a two-week experience working both on stage and behind the scenes of a play.

Tipp City Public Library, $462.99, makes eight multisensory skills kits, which will be available for checkout.

EDUCATION

Bethel Local Schools, $2,440.45, supplements K-2 reading to grow proficiency. Heggerty Decodable Books provide the instruction. An H.E. and Emma Drewing Fund grant.

Bethel Local Schools, $2,398.00, aligns science learning with Ohio standards via a Mystery Science subscription for pre-K through 5^th grade. Over 850 students will benefit. A Radle Family Fund for Science Education grant.

Miami County Educational Service Center, award, connects play-based learning therapy to 60 local young students. The Robinson-Walters Fund advisors awarded the grant request of $500.00.

Tipp City Exempted Village Schools, award, adds a designated sensory area to Broadway Elementary. The Tipp Giving Fund advisors awarded the grant request of $1,290.91.

RECREATION

Bethel Local Schools, $5,000.00, represents a payment towards the Foundation’s commitment of $25,000.00 to build a new stadium. The stadium will be used for sports and marching band activities. Funded, in part, by Bethel Community and Bethel Arts Funds.

Tipp Pride Association, $7,500.00, represents a payment towards the Foundation’s commitment of $75,000.00 to build a new stadium in City Park.

HEALTH & SAFETY

Miami County Dental Clinic, $4,500.00, nods to the importance of oral health by supporting exams, x-rays and cleanings for uninsured patients. About 50% of their 9,632 Miami County patients are uninsured. A Senior Wellness Fund grant. Additional support from Robinson-Walters Fund advisors rounds out this request for a total of $5,000.00.

New Creations Counseling Center, Inc., $6,000.00, assists with counseling and psychological services for those with financial need. In 2022, a 7% patient increase from the Tipp City, Bethel Township, and Monroe Township communities is expected.

Tipp City Fire and Emergency Services, $6,500.00, promotes fire safety education with a new “smoke house”. A Safety First Fund grant.

SOCIAL SERVICES

Eagles’ Wings Stable, Inc., $2,500.00, fills a vacancy within the herd of equine “therapists”. A William’s Gift Fund grant.

Tipp City Enrichment Program, Inc., $5,000.00, urgently addresses their bulk nutrition supply shortage. Gordon Food Services discontinued their contract because of the national labor shortage; now this program is faced with buying from retailers.

Tipp City Enrichment Program, Inc., $3,000.00, updates essentials in this 100+-year-old building such as paint, carpet, and repairs.

Tipp City Seniors, Inc., $5,000.00, underwrites the addition of a restroom to the newly remodeled second floor.

The deadline for 2Q grant submissions is May 15. Jim Ranft is available for your grant-related questions at 937-528-2482. Applications are available online at www.tippfoundation.org.

Since 1943, the Tipp City Foundation has awarded $2,560,988.44 through December 31, 2021.

Members of the Foundation are Heather Bailey, Richard Bender, vice president, Mary Bowman, Diana Featherstone, treasurer, Dee Gillis, Joellen Heatherly, Bruce McKenzie, Patrick Reese, Jim Ranft, president and distribution chair, Nathan Rentz, Julie Taylor, Jackie Wahl, secretary, and Bill Wendel,

The Tipp City Foundation is a component fund of The Troy Foundation. If you would like information about how to make a tax-deductible contribution, please contact Heather Bailey at (937) 528-2482.

For more information visit www.tippfoundation.org or Tipp Foundation on Facebook and Instagram.

By Nancy Bowman

Sometimes a young person’s life involves more than what people see.

For area high school seniors who may have taken time away from school and extra activities to help care for a family member during a time of medical crisis, there’s the Life’s a Journey Don’t Stop Believing Scholarship.

This $1,000 scholarship was established in 2013 through the Tipp City Foundation by Kelley Seto Andary with the first scholarship awarded in 2014.

“Years ago at our restaurant, we had a young man that worked for us at Harrison’s in Tipp City. He was an excellent employee. And then, all of the sudden, he started calling off work, showing up late, exhausted etc.” Andary said. “We found out that his step-mom was going through treatments and he had to do more things at home to help the family. We almost let him go because we thought he didn’t want to work!”

With that experience in mind, Andary said the desire arose to create a scholarship that acknowledged high school seniors that maybe had to give up some things that kids do in order to be there for a loved one.

“Our scholarship is HEART-based…we don’t look at grades, extracurriculars… We felt that these kids get passed over for some of these scholarships because they could not always worry about studying for exams or making all the practices to be a part of group,” she said.

High school seniors in Miami, Greene and Montgomery counties are eligible for the scholarship. Students must be nominated for the scholarship, with nominations often coming from teachers, said Lisa Reynolds of The Troy Foundation. Students should be planning to continue their education at any college, university, trade or technical school.

“I send it (scholarship details) out to all the high schools in the counties and recommend that the information be shared with teachers and counselors, because sometimes they are more aware of these everyday rock stars,” Reynolds said. “It is one of my personal favorite scholarships although it is bittersweet knowing the student had suffered a rough time and more than likely lost a loved one in the process, but maintained their grades and attendance during the process.”

To nominate a student or for more information, visit The Troy Foundation’s website at thetroyfoundation.org and complete the nomination instructions found under the “Scholarship” tab and the Scholarships Available under Life is a Journey tab. Nominations for this year’s scholarship are due March 18.

“Our goal is to acknowledge those kids that made sacrifices and they go above and beyond for their family and/or loved ones.  We wanted to leave a legacy of our efforts and a fully funded scholarship via the Tipp City Foundation was the perfect vehicle for us to do so,” Andary said.

Andary started working or her families’ restaurants following college graduation in 1993. She opened Harrison’s Restaurant in downtown Tipp City in 2005, serving as general manager until 2014. She now is with the Blue Berry Café in Bellbrook.

By Nancy Bowman

The Rides to Work program has been helping those who need a hand getting to work in Troy and Tipp City since 2013.

The nonprofit organization is a program of the Miami County Continuum of Care, an organization of more than 30 agencies that collaborate to address the needs of homeless and lower income people in the county.

Since its beginning, the service has provided more than 36,000 rides to more than 1,000 individuals, said Jim Taylor, Rides to Work program director. In 2020, 1,149 of those rides were to Tipp City area residents.

The program expects to celebrate its 40,000^th ride in coming weeks and will be expanding the hours of available rides.

Among those helping fund the program are the Tipp City Foundation, which granted the program $2,500 last year, and The Troy Foundation.

Recently, the city of Troy awarded the program a $45,000 check from its American Rescue Plan Act, or ARPA funds, to help increase the number of rides as well as hours of service. The contribution also will allow for hiring an executive director to expand program awareness, raise more funds and work with Troy and Tipp City businesses to connect potential employees to employers.

Rides to Work today has three vans, four drivers and a program coordinator. Among employer destinations in Tipp City are Meijer and Trophy Nut.

Transportation has been identified for years as among the top needs in Troy and beyond – along with childcare and housing.

Rides to Work transportation is available Monday through Friday and accommodates rides to all three work shifts, Taylor said.

These rides are free until the rider receives their first paycheck. A $1 fee per ride then is charged for the next two weeks and $2 per ride starting in the third week.

The nominal fee is charged to encourage accountability and responsibility of clients.

The cost of providing rides is hard to compare with the long-term benefits to an individual, and beyond, Taylor said.

“What you don’t see is what it means to the family, the community,” he said. ”We have gotten letters saying how it makes a difference.”

“Few grants could have been more timely than our support for the Ride to Work program,” said Dr. Jim Ranft of the Tipp City Foundation. “This program helps hard working people remain in the work force at a time when employees are in high demand. We are fortunate the Miami County Continuum of Care fills this need.”

For more information on Rides to Work contact Taylor at 937-335-0448 extension 103.

By Nancy Bowman

From humble beginnings in 1943, with Ed Timmer’s endowed gift of $1,300, the Tipp City Foundation has grown.  Endowed assets now surpass the $7.5 million mark. Yet more important is the yardstick that measures grantmaking back to the community.

As of September 2021, the Foundation has surpassed $2.5 million in total grantmaking. A grant to the Tipp City Fire & EMS Department was the award that put the Foundation’s lifetime giving past the special milestone.  The lifesaving equipment that will be bought with this grant is detailed below.

Available grantmaking dollars are determined through a formula that ensures that the principal is preserved while making the interest available for area nonprofits.

A broad range of grant requests submitted for third quarter review stood out because of the variety of services brought to our citizens. For the first time in 18 months, no grant requests served a need borne from the pandemic. 

Ultimately, 8 organizations were chosen to receive 16 awards.  Quarterly grants totaled $30,917.91.

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.

ARTS & CULTURE
Bethel Local Schools, $1,240.13, purchases Boomwhacker xylophones for elementary music classes.  Used in combination with Orff instruments purchased with a Foundation award in 2020, students will be able to play as an ensemble. This is a Bethel Arts Fund grant.

Downtown Tipp City Partnership, $112.00, spruces up the exteriors of downtown properties identified by the Façade Improvement Program. This is an Urban Stewardship Fund grant.

Tipp City Exempted Village Schools, $400.00, spreads a layer of tarp protection on the gym floor while spreading the joy of Indoor Percussion Ensemble in 7th – 12th grades. Additional support from Lucky 13 Fund advisors rounds out this request for a total of $800.00.

Tipp City Public Library, $967.88, invests in the space assigned for teens by purchasing comfortable furnishings.

EDUCATION
Bethel Local Schools, $592.29, blends 1st grade literature with science concepts. Hands-on materials purchased with this grant include fertilized eggs and incubators. Additional support from Lucky 13 Fund advisors rounds out this request for a total of $992.29.

Tipp City Exempted Village Schools, $796.76, takes learning outdoors into a newly restored garden at Broadway Elementary School with the purchase of durable portable tables. This is a Youth of Tipp City Fund imo Sara Drexler grant.

Tipp City Exempted Village Schools, award, funds the 3rd grade field trip to Ohio Caverns. The Tipp Giving Fund advisors awarded the entire grant request of $1,365.00.

Tipp City Exempted Village Schools, $1,300.00, expands the skill sets of students enrolled in the Homebuilding Class. Originally promoted as a class to build a tiny house, skills will now expand to landscaping. A wet saw and auger are among the tools purchased through this grant.

Tipp City Exempted Village Schools, $1,000.00, fuels the Power of the Pen, an interscholastic writing competition for 7th and 8th graders designed to help young people find and develop a creative voice that is uniquely their own.

Tipp City Exempted Village Schools, $689.00, supports the Family, Career and Community Leaders of America (FCCLA) students through the purchase of blazers. Students will represent Tipp City at State and National leadership conferences while wearing these red jackets. FCCLA is a new organization in Tipp City Schools.

Tipp City Exempted Village Schools, award, pairs up the industrial arts, visual arts, and intervention classes, to move the current sensory garden to a larger, more accessible space. The Wahl Family Fund advisors awarded the entire grant request of $230.00.

ENVIRONMENT
Tipp City Parks Department, $1,131.00, plants sweetgum and red maple trees in Windmere Park. This is a Lucille L. Milner Trees for Tipp Fund grant.

RECREATION
Tipp City Exempted Village Schools, $2,571.85, updates the playgrounds at Broadway, Nevin Coppock and LT Ball schools with ADA accessible swings.

Tipp City Parks Department, $2,767.00, adds benches and trees for the Miles Park neighborhood to enjoy. This is a Warren E. Miltenberger Parkland Fund grant.

Tipp City Preschool Learning Center, $5,000, supports the replacement of well-worn playground equipment on the grounds of the Tipp City Church of the Nazarene.  The Learning Center is open to families of all faiths.

HEALTH & SAFETY
Tipp City Fire and Emergency Services, $3,925.00, purchases thermal cameras to perform searches for victims inside of structures during fires, as well as to locate victims during missing persons incidents.  This is an award from the Safety First Fund, founded by Steve Kessler, fire chief from 1998 – 2018.

SOCIAL SERVICES
Rehabilitation Center for Neurological Development, $5,925.00, replaces a hydraulic lift chair used for movements / exercises vital to the success of Brain & Body Integration participants. This organization provides services to children and adults who are disabled or physically or mentally disadvantaged with brain injuries. This is the first award from the William’s Gift Fund.

Ronald McDonald House Charities of the Miami Valley Region, award, aids families as they grapple with their child’s illness during their stay at Dayton Children’s Hospital. Last year, over 60 families from the Bethel/Tipp City community benefited from their support. The Tipp Giving Fund advisors awarded the grant request with $2,500.00.

We Care Arts, $2,500.00, opens the doors for children with profound physical and developmental disabilities to participate in art classes. This learning is available year-round as well as in Transition to Work classrooms of Tippecanoe High School.

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.