CONTACT: HEATHER BAILEY
(937) 478-3400
TIPP CITY, OH-
Stepping into the Spotlight Broadens Impact
Chances to serve the community in new ways continue to land in the Tipp City Foundation’s mailbox. These can become partnerships helping magnify the good work of both a nonprofit and the foundation. Though it is the foundation’s habit to lead from behind the scenes, sometimes stepping into the spotlight can do more good for the community overall.
That is where the foundation finds itself with one of this quarter’s grants. ThinkTV PBS comes into every home in southwest Ohio with content that makes us think. Thanks to a grant, the new documentary series, “Workforce Ready: The Future is Now”, launches this fall and begins with a focus on our Northern Miami Valley region. More on the award is below.
The board is proud of every nonprofit relationship it nurtures. Since 1943, $3,407,425.02 has been awarded to nonprofits serving our community. Ultimately, this quarter, 12 organizations received 12 awards totaling $43,546.
The following is a list of recipients, award levels and the impact these grants will have. Donor advised funds support given towards requests is noted with an asterisk (*).
ARTS & CULTURE
Downtown Tipp City Partnership, $2,436, draws attention to the importance of preserving historical homes through a 40-page printed guide for each visitor attending Tippecanoe and Christmas Too. This year’s featured homes are on First and Second Streets, some being the earliest homes in the region. A Century Milestone Fund iho The Lantz Family award.
Downtown Tipp City Partnership, award*, launches “Tipp the Halls”, a new Holiday tradition in Downtown Tipp City in an imaginatively decorated public gathering space on the corner of Main and Third Streets. People will experience community engagement events all Holiday season. *The Lucky 13 Fund supported the full $5,221 request.
ThinkTV, $10,000*, produces a 4-part documentary exploring the opportunities and challenges shaping workforce development throughout Southwest Ohio. *Additional support from Walter E. Caton and Lucky 13 Funds rounds up this request for a total of $18,000.
Tipp City Public Library, $7,500, preserves history by professionally scanning and digitizing editions of the Tippecanoe City Herald (founded circa 1869) and all subsequent newspapers. Editions will be found in a free, fully searchable online archive.
Vandalia Youth Theatre, $2,500, casts every Tipp City or Bethel student who auditions into a production of this regional youth theatre through a scholarship stipend.
EDUCATION
Child Care Choices, $4,500*, tackles kindergarten readiness head-on through targeted programming in conjunction with the Tipp City Library. Only 36% of incoming Tipp City kindergarten students were identified as “on track” for the 2024-2025 school year. That is 10% below the State average.*Additional support from Robinson-Walters Family Fund rounds up this request for a total of $5,000.
Tipp City Exempted Village Schools, $2,000, flips ON the curiosity switch for reluctant 5th grade readers with First Chapter Friday. As a class, only the first chapter of a classic book will be read aloud leaving listeners with the question, “What happens next?” Through a variety of genres, students will be exposed to the joy of books and will be encouraged to explore the library more deeply.
HEALTH & SAFETY
Zion Lutheran Church, $605, recertifies users of AED equipment originally purchased through a grant in 2024. Centrally located downtown, the church opens its doors to community events year-round.
Seeds of Hope OH, award*, removes practical barriers, keeping potential foster families from saying “yes” when they receive a placement call. At least 26 car seats and 40 sets of bedding will be purchased with this grant. Last year, 37 children were served in Tipp City and Bethel Township. *The Edward C. & Sherry S. Hartwell Memorial Fund supported the full $4,000 request.
RECREATION
Camp Honor, $2,500, combats PTSD with outdoor recreation for area veterans. This award will be used towards an UTV purchase, ensuring vets can fully participate in outdoor experiences, regardless of physical limitations.
SOCIAL SERVICES
Isaiah’s Place, $3,000, aligns Child Safety Matters age-appropriate child sexual abuse prevention curriculum for Tipp City students.
LifeCare Alliance, $2,233*, delivers daily Meals-on-Wheels to homes of 19 Tipp City and 4 Bethel Twp seniors. An August Henke Comfort for the Needy Fund Award. *Additional support from the Lucky 13 Fund rounds up this request for a total of $10,000.
Ronald McDonald House Charities of Dayton, award*, aids families as they grapple with their child’s illness during their stay at Dayton Children’s Hospital. Last year, Miami County families were served with 92 nights of lodging. *The Tipp Giving Fund supported the full $3,000 request.
NATURE
Tipp City Parks Department, $3,772, continues the partnership with Tipp City to plant a tree grove in Kyle Park to honor donors. A Lucille L. Milner Trees for Tipp Fund award.
Tipp Kitty Refuge, $2,500*, rescues the stray cats roaming Bethel Twp. and Tipp City. Once caught, cats receive veterinary care, including vaccines, and are spayed/neutered before being placed for adoption. *Additional support from Lucky 13 Fund rounds up this request for a total of $5,000.
Discretionary grants are made possible because of contributions, of any size, from the public. A full list of the foundation’s 70 endowment funds is available at tippfoundation.org.
Quarterly grant deadlines are February 15, May 15, August 15, and November 15 each year. Jim Ranft is available for your grant-related questions at 937-528-2482. Applications are available online at www.tippfoundation.org.
Members of the Foundation are Heather Bailey, Richard Bender, president, Bryan Blake, Sarah Gillenwater, Kelly Gillis, Cameron Haller, Joellen Heatherly, Susan Kuntz, Renee Matsunami, Glen McMurry, Jim Ranft, distribution chair, Julie Taylor, treasurer, Julia Watson, Bill Wendel, secretary / vice president, and Carolyn Wright.
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 or how to establish an endowment fund, please contact Heather Bailey at (937) 528-2482.
For more information visit tippfoundation.org or TippCityFoundation on Facebook, Instagram and LinkedIn.