We Receive

Field of Interest Funds

Grant awards support specific charities or purposes identified by the donors

Century Milestone Fund iho The Lantz Family – 2017 Buildings authenticated as being at least 100 years old and within Tipp City will be recognized through this fund.  After moving to Tipp City in 1973, Phil and Paula Lantz enjoyed the history exuded by the town. Specifically, they recognized that strong communities don’t happen by chance but rather through the commitment of individuals to invest in the maintenance and upkeep of aging properties.

Eichmeyer Family Fund – 2024, Arriving in 1854, the Eickmeyer family has a long history in Tipp City. This includes the service of Patrolman George Bernard Eichmeyer, struck and killed by a train in the line of duty on September 17, 1945. Grants support the Tipp City Police Department to enhance personal and public safety. 

Gillis Family Fund for Self-Sufficiency – 2012 Founded by Kelly and Dee Gillis, who believe in the proverb, “Give a man a fish and he will eat for a day, teach a man to fish and he will eat for a lifetime.” Grants support activities that help adults reach self-sufficiency through programs such as preparation for high school equivalency certificates (GED) or adult literacy training.

Arthur J. and Nancy E. Hattan Fund – 2022 Animals, especially dogs, are important to this Bethel Township couple. Each year, grants will be awarded to organizations serving the welfare of animals or the training of service dogs. Also, scholarships for Miami County residents attending veterinary-related courses are available from this endowment.

August Henke Comfort for the Needy Fund – 1950 Emma Henke Warner, daughter of August Henke, established this fund to provide comfort and support for needy and aged men. A native of Germany, August Henke was considered the oldest living resident in Tippecanoe when he died in 1923 at the age of 92.

Hidden Picture Puzzles by Liz Ball Fund – 2020 – Supports Miami Valley programs that encourage brain development, cognitive skills, and stress relief for mental wellbeing. Liz is the artist and illustrator behind the popular Hidden Treasures newspaper syndication and hidden picture puzzle book series.  Through letters from fans, she has an appreciation for the connection between activities that promote healing, learning and encouragement while improving quality of life.  

Koerner Family Fund – 2022 Classrooms, laboratories, or equipment in technical education facilities around the Miami Valley will be updated through this fund. Claudia Houdeshell Koerner established this endowment in honor of her husband Philip, who had a lifelong respect for technical training.

Live Loud Like Carson: A School Spirit Fund – 2024 Carson Robbins’ example of “school spirit” endures even after his passing in 2023. Grants to build connections among students of all ages at Tipp City schools may include support for academics, athletics, clubs, or special events aimed at fostering an affirming environment. 

Lucille L. Milner Trees for Tipp Fund – 1998 For over 70 years, Mrs. Milner enjoyed the beauty, shade, fragrance and texture added to Tipp City’s parks and streets by its urban forest. Her desire to help ensure the same beauty for future generations led her to establish this fund, which provides for the purchase of trees for planting in the parks and along the streets. Plantings are coordinated by Tipp City and its Park Board.

Warren E. Miltenberger Parkland Fund – 2008 This fund supports the out-of-doors that Warren held dear through the acquisition, upkeep, maintenance, and preservation of public parkland or other natural areas. 

Outdoor Experiences Fund iho Abby Kessler Bowling – 2017 Outdoor recreation and education as well as parks in Tipp City and Monroe Township receive support from this fund. Abby, a retired teacher and nature enthusiast, encourages people to explore the great outdoors through the creation of this fund.

Radle Family Fund for Science Education – 2007 This fund provides assistance with science and conservation activities for the Bethel Local Schools, which could include scholarships for students or faculty, materials in the science classroom, or student-initiated projects within the community. Woodrow and Mary Radle called Bethel Township “home” since 1946; it is here that they raised their two children.

Safety First Fund – 2017 Public safety initiatives, delivered through emergency services departments in Tipp City, Monroe and Bethel townships, receive support through this fund. Equipment purchases and public education are examples of how these resources may be used. Steve Kessler, who became Tipp City Fire Chief in 1998, established this fund.

Senior Wellness Fund – 2016 Promoting senior health and wellness programs such as eyesight, hearing and dental needs is the mission of this fund. This fund is established in memory of Billy Berk by his parents, John and Kay Berk.

Spirit of Tipp City Fund – 2019 This fund helps energize and stimulate citizens to continue to come together to advance the hometown vibe and spirit of generosity that makes Tipp City inviting. Established by Matt And Karmyn Buehrer, grants assist in the purchase of material things such as building projects, or in support of intangible things such as an event. Ultimately a grant should promote and inspire a spirit of community and generosity amongst citizens.

Urban Stewardship Fund – 2009 An architectural mix adds to the streetscape enjoyed by fund founders Heather Bailey and Frank Scenna. This fund has been created to help maintain that charm. Grant awards support the exterior maintenance and upkeep of properties in and around a close proximity of Tipp City’s historical downtown district.

Veterans Tribute Fund – 2013 Public spaces set aside to salute military veterans receive grants from this fund for maintenance and upkeep. This fund is an extension of a commitment to honor those who have served our country, which began in 2005 by a band of volunteers who laid the groundwork for the Veterans Memorial Park at the corner of West Main and Hyatt Streets.

William’s Gift Fund – 2018 Enhancing the quality of life of physically handicapped citizens in the Miami Valley (with an emphasis on Miami County) is the aim of this fund. Organizations providing services such as assistive technologies, therapies that involve service animals or the arts, or other therapeutic experiences are encouraged to apply. Established by the Heinl Family in honor of William, a member of their family, the Heinls made Tipp City their home in 1974.

Youth of Tipp City Fund imo Sara Drexler – 2018 – Education experiences that inspire youth to find joy in learning and zest for life are supported through this fund. Sara Drexler, whose passion for teaching inspired students and teachers alike, continues to share her vitality through this fund.