Knox County Foundation has approved grants totaling $718,000 during its competitive grant program at the February 2024 Board Meeting. This achievement represents the highest funding ever awarded in a single competitive grant cycle, reinforcing the Foundation's commitment to supporting and enhancing the community.
Nine nonprofit organizations were selected as recipients of these grants, each contributing to the betterment of Knox County and its residents. Additionally, $30,000 of the funds will be allocated to the Foundation's scholarship programs, furthering educational opportunities within the community.
List of Grantees and Project Details:
- The Salvation Army of Mount Vernon - “Light the Day” Campaign - $300,000
- Behavioral Healthcare Partners of Central Ohio, Inc. – Knox County Behavioral Health Crisis Center - $300,000
- United Way of Knox County – Knox County Housing Strategy - $30,000
- Knox Area Transit – Bus Security Initiative - $22,000
- 4-H Camp Ohio – Office Building Renovation - $10,000
- Junior Achievement of North Central Ohio – Inspiring Knox Couty Students Through Junior Achievement Programs - $10,000
- Down Syndrome Association of Central Ohio – Summer Learning Academy - $8,000
- Food for the Hungry – 2024 Drive Support - $5,000
- Girls on the Run of Central Ohio – Knox County Team - $3,000
The Salvation Army of Mount Vernon's "Light the Day" campaign demonstrates a plan to create a comprehensive space for families within one full city block. This includes a new childcare facility with nine classrooms, adding 76 spots for children aged 6 weeks and older. Renovations will also be made to the current facility to establish a Choice Food Pantry, community gathering and classroom space, along with a supervised visitation area. The impact of this project is poised to be transformative for the community, providing essential resources for families in need.
“We are humbled and honored to have such strong support and belief for this project. This campaign is truly a collaboration that will help us transform lives and strengthen our community and the lives of our neighbors across Knox County for generations to come,” said Captain Christine Moretz of the Salvation Army. “May God continue to bless Mount Vernon and Knox County!”
Behavioral Healthcare Partners' Knox County Behavioral Health Crisis Center is an initiative addressing the growing mental health needs of the community. Individuals will receive quick access to emergency behavioral healthcare with expert behavioral health staff 24 hours a day, 365 days a year. By providing individualized crisis care in a therapeutic environment for individuals aged 12 and up, this grant will contribute to fostering mental well-being and resilience.
“The Knox County Behavioral Health Crisis Center will provide cutting-edge behavioral healthcare and crisis stabilization in a safe and comforting setting that is geared towards behavioral health needs. Our priority is helping our neighbors get the right level of care, at the right time, and in the right place,” President and CEO Dr. Kate St. James, from Behavioral Healthcare Partners, said.
Knox County Foundation is proud to support these projects.
“Thanks to our generous donors, we were able to award significant grants to two incredibly vital projects in our county. We look forward to witnessing the positive transformations they bring to the community,” said Knox County Foundation’s Program Director Lisa Lloyd.
For more information on the Foundation's grants and initiatives, visit knoxcf.org. Knox County Foundation is a non-profit organization dedicated to improving the quality of life in Knox County through charitable giving.
