Big Plans Ahead: 2025 Grant Cycle I Recipients Revealed

The Community Foundation recently awarded up to $32,762 in grants to eight community nonprofits! Recipients received funding from the Foundation’s 2025 Grant Cycle I to support a variety of impactful projects. The Foundation is eager to see how these valuable organizations will utilize funding to further their missions and serve the community of Huntington County. 

Place of Grace, Inc. received $13,491 to support the expansion of Gracefully Gourmet, a social enterprise that provides residents with job readiness training and employment opportunities that foster family stability and self-sufficiency. By equipping residents with transferable skills, Gracefully Gourmet fosters financial independence and self-confidence as women transition back into the workforce.

The grant will help Gracefully Gourmet increase its diverse product offerings, enhance revenue potential and further its mission of empowering women and strengthening the community. All profits will support Place of Grace, ensuring their ability to continue providing housing, financial support for vital recovery services and training programs for individuals in need.

The grant included $11,675 from unrestricted funds, $1,256 from the Stephanie A. Pyle “Spirit of the Community” Fund, and $560 from the Gerald W. & G. Edward Yeoman Memorial Fund. The grant was generously sponsored by the following Community Funds: Bippus State Bank, Donald & Nancy McDaniel, John & Midge Decker, Donald & Lou Rayne Scheiber, Paul Family, Roger & Debbie Dyson, Dr. Ron & Judy Frischman, and an Anonymous Community Fund.  

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Helping Paws Pet Haven, Inc. was awarded $2,500 to cover the costs of a new commercial washer and dryer that will allow for continued care of the facility’s felines. Helping Paws provides a safe space for abandoned, abused and lost cats and kittens until they find forever homes. The washer and dryer will allow their dedicated team to ensure proper care and cleanliness as they continually refresh laundry, blankets, towels and rugs.

After providing housing, food, socialization, vaccinations and medical treatments as needed, Helping Paws is eager to connect community members with their future feline friends. The grant was generously sponsored by the James & Nancy Breiner Community Fund.  

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Warren Area Chamber of Commerce received a matching grant of up to $3,200 to enhance the visitor experience at the beloved Riverside Park by providing much-needed seating under the existing shade sails.

Following the resounding success of the ‘Final Friday’ concerts, the vibrant space has gained interest from those looking to reserve the park for a variety of events. The new seating areas will improve comfort and enjoyment for concertgoers, as well as accommodate the growing demand for park usage during diverse events.

Those interested in contributing toward the $1 for $1 matching grant to support Riverside Park seating installation can direct questions to the Warren Area Chamber of Commerce.

The grant was generously sponsored by the following funds: First Federal Savings Bank Community Fund, Philip & Jackie Karst Family Community Fund, James & Regina Ditzler Community Fund, Jim & Linda Howell Community Fund. 

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Huntington Erie Jazz Band was awarded $2,000 from the Hiner Family Fund to increase sheet music selection, and assist with purchasing costs for a new keyboard, stand and amplifier. The Huntington Erie Jazz Band launched in 2023, representing a division of the Huntington Erie Community Band.

Established in 1915, the Erie Band is one of Indiana’s oldest and longest-running community bands. The Erie Band consists of a wind band, jazz band and small ensembles who perform around Huntington County throughout the summer months. Funding will enable the Jazz Band to continue uniting the community through music—fostering connection and shared experiences for all. 

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Huntington County Council on Aging received $3,375 to support necessary technology upgrades. Current technology constraints affect their ability to efficiently manage transportation routes, leading to delays and reduced service capacity. After investing in new management software, their team realized a need for tablets for the system to function effectively.

By investing in tablets, chargers and protective cases, the software can be fully implemented, which will significantly reduce costs and increase operational efficiency. This will ultimately allow their dedicated team to provide more rides, ensuring greater access to services for those in need. Funding will help the Huntington County Council on Aging continue serving Huntington County’s aging population with excellence and care.

The grant included $187 from the Huntington County Community Network Technology Fund, $2,300 from the Riverview Terrace Fund and $888 from the Dadd/Decker Fund. 

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Huntington North High School Band Parents & Boosters, INC. received a matching grant of up to $5,000 to cover costs of a necessary electronic sound system upgrade. Over the past decade, the Marching Vikes have seen impressive growth in both size and success thanks to the support received from families, the school system and the community.

Funds will aid in purchasing costs for speakers and required power cabling. These items will be used well into the future, benefiting hundreds of students for seasons to come. HNHS Band Parents & Boosters, INC. plans to hold a donation/fundraising drive to raise the remaining funds required for supplemental items such as microphones, stands, etc. With the match potential, the Marching Vikes could receive $10,000, allowing students to become even more successful, competitive performers. Those interested in contributing toward the $1 for $1 matching grant to support the sound system upgrade can direct questions to HNHS Band Parents & Boosters, INC.

The grant included $2,000 from the Hiner Family Fund and has the potential to receive up to $3,000 from unrestricted funds given they qualify for the matching grant. The grant was generously sponsored by the following Community Funds: Hiner Family Fund, Erik & Heather Larr, Robert & Vera Deal, Helen & Frederick Krueger and Margaret Krueger.  

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McKenzie’s Hope received $1,900 to purchase a secure printer to uphold the Fort Wayne Sexual Assault Treatment Center (FWSATC) Satellite Office’s commitment to delivering compassionate, confidential care to survivors of sexual assault and abuse, while adhering to the highest standards of privacy and compliance with HIPPA regulations.

The printer will rely on the internet line for FWSATC, ensuring security for sensitive client information and HIPPA compliance. This is essential for maintaining confidentiality and upholding the legal and ethical standards required in the care of sexual assault and abuse survivors. Funding will also cover the costs of a storage closet for items clients are given when they receive an exam, such as a stuffed animal for comfort and a change of clothes.

The grant included $1,500 from the Stephanie A. Pyle “Spirit of the Community” Fund and $500 from the Fred Bailey Charitable Fund.  

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Pathfinder Services was awarded $1,296 from the Fred Bailey Charitable Fund to cover start-up costs of an impactful project aimed at assisting students with disabilities in their journey towards independence—Toolkits for Students with Disabilities. The project, which will support 18 students over the course of 32 weeks, will equip teenagers and young adults with essential life skills through hands-on home repair training.

Classes will be taught through Pathfinder’s Pre-Employment Transition Service (Pre-ETS) program, which helps students still enrolled in school explore career and educational options beyond high school. During the classes, participants will learn how to operate various tools used in trade schools, jobs and home repair through instruction, demonstration and hands-on work. Tools will be added to each student’s personalized toolkit following classes. The toolkit can be used until the student graduates and then they will be able to take the toolkit home as a graduation gift. 

The Community Foundation of Huntington County is able to provide funding for impactful projects like these, thanks to the generosity of valued donors. Interested in investing in Huntington County through charitable giving? Donate now or contact us to start your philanthropic journey today! For more information on Community Foundation Grants, visit our Grants Page.