Serving Van Wert County and surrounding areas since 1925

The Van Wert County Foundation was incorporated under the laws of the State of Ohio on September 15, 1925. The general purpose of The Van Wert County Foundation is set forth in it's Charter, as follows:

"Said corporation is formed for the purpose of soliciting and receiving charitable contributions, by bequest, devise, gift or otherwise from individuals, corporations, associations, firms and others; for the purpose of holding and investing such contributions in such manner as the donor may direct, and in the event no direction is given by the donor, then in accordance with the laws of the State of Ohio governing the investment of institutional funds held by an organization that is organized and operated exclusively for educational, religious or charitable purposes, excepting, however, testamentary trusts, the assets of which shall be invested in such manner as provided for by the laws of the State of Ohio governing investments by trustees; for the purpose of applying the principal and income thereof in such manner as the corporation shall deem best among philanthropies and charities which may come to its attention and which may receive its approval; and for such other purposes as are necessary and incident to the mental, moral, intellectual and physical welfare and advancement of the citizens of Van Wert County, Ohio, and of such other geographical areas as may be directed by donor, including but not limited to stimulating, promoting and support interest in, and fostering community appreciation of, the performing arts by sponsoring and providing facilities for the public performance of concerts, dance, theater, and other similar programs; and to do all things necessary or incident to be done in order to carry the foregoing charitable purposes into effect."

The Foundation received its first funds in 1934 and made its first grants in 1938. Through 2008, The Foundation will have made grants of some $24,150,000. A major part of our grants are designated for Scholarships. Since 1993 the Foundation has granted approximately $ 4,524,000 for this purpose.

Each trust in excess of $5,000 left to The Van Wert County Foundation is set up as a separate Memorial Fund with a name as requested by the donor. The principal is always kept intact and only income is used for grants.

The Foundation is administered by fifteen Trustees who serve without compensation. A total of fifty-four men and women have served as Trustees of The Foundation. The Trustees are selected from persons with legal, financial, professional, industrial, business and agricultural backgrounds.

The Foundation operates through a committee structure. The committees meet as needed and make recommendations, all of which must be acted upon by the entire Board of Trustees. Presently there are seven committees operating; Property, Investment, Scholarship, Bequest, Art, Endowment and Executive.