Local Impact: 2026 Grant Cycle I Recipients

Grants

The Community Foundation recently awarded $125,580 in grants to thirteen community nonprofits. Recipients received funding from the Foundation’s 2026 Grant Cycle I to support a variety of impactful projects.

Historic Forks of the Wabash, Inc. received $8,000 to restore the memorable Trading Post log house. In the early 1980s, the two-story log house was donated, moved and restored at the Historic Forks of the Wabash to represent an 1840s Trading Post located on the original site. The Trading Post saw continual use until 2010 when the site interpreter moved, and time has since taken a toll on the log house. Historic Forks of the Wabash has secured two new volunteer interpreters, meaning tours of the house will once again be available.

_{Pictured (left to right) is Jim Hollar, Historic Forks of the Wabash Member at Large, Amber Rensberger, Community Foundation Program Manager, Liz Sanders, Historic Forks of the Wabash Board President, and Marshall Sanders, Groff Eberhart Community Fund Representative.}

Grant funding will support restoration and refurbishment efforts to ensure the safety of students, interpreters and visitors. In 2025, Historic Forks of the Wabash provided tours for more than 3,400 students from 10 Northeast Indiana counties, as well as for more than 500 adults from multiple counties in Indiana and several states. The addition of these tours will reestablish the important link that the Trading Post played for the Miami Indians and the Early Settlers in this area. The grant was generously sponsored by the following Community Funds: John & Midge Decker Community Fund, Hiner Family Community Fund, John & Patricia Ditzler Community Fund, Groff Eberhart Community Fund, Fred Bailey Community Fund.

Place of Grace, Inc. was awarded $22,000 to support construction costs for its social enterprise and employment readiness program, Gracefully Gourmet. Funding aided in construction efforts to replace structurally unsound flooring, which is essential to ensuring a safe, compliant and functional environment for operations, residents participating in the program and customers. This allows Place of Grace to protect the long-term integrity of the facility and ensure the space remains a safe, welcoming and functional environment where women can build skills, stability and a sustainable path forward.

*_{Pictured (left to right) is Amber Rensberger, Community Foundation Program Manager, alongside Brittany Renkenberger, Place of Grace Executive Director.}*

Huntington County Council on Aging INC was awarded $11,250 to purchase a new van, which will allow Huntington Area Transportation (HAT) to strengthen fleet reliability, reduce service disruptions and ensure transportation remains readily available when community members need it most. HAT plays a vital role in continuing to provide safe, affordable and dependable transportation for individuals across our community, including seniors, individuals with disabilities, families and working adults.

_{Pictured (left to right) is Mike Zahn, First Federal Savings Bank Chief Executive Officer, President, Jessica Huscher, Huntington County Council on Aging Executive Director, and Amber Rensberger, Community Foundation Program Manager.}

The new vehicle will increase operational flexibility, minimize service interruptions caused by unexpected maintenance and support consistent transportation throughout Huntington County. The grant included $2,461 from the Riverview Terrace Fund and was generously sponsored by the First Federal Savings Bank Community Fund and the Philip & Jackie Karst Family Community Fund.

McKenzie’s Hope received $9,500 to modernize and secure the management of child forensic interview recordings by transitioning to a cloud-based digital evidence management system designed specifically for Child Advocacy Centers. Child forensic interviews are one of the most critical tools in child abuse investigations and are relied on by law enforcement, child protective services, prosecutors, medical professionals and mental health providers.

_{Pictured (left to right) is Malia Metelues, McKenzie’s Hope Family Advocate, Jessica Brewer, McKenzie’s Hope Board Member and David and Susan Brewer Family Community Fund Representative, Katie Schilling, McKenzie’s Hope Executive Director, John Brewer, David and Susan Brewer Family Community Fund Representative, Amber Rensberger, Community Foundation Program Manager, and Nancy and Jim Breiner, James & Nancy Breiner Community Fund Representatives.}

By strengthening how these interviews are protected and shared, McKenzie’s Hope will ensure that children remain at the center of the investigative process while supporting timely, coordinated and secure collaboration among community partners. The grant included $1,330 from the Huntington County Right to Life Endowment Fund and $623 from the Network Technology Fund. The grant was generously sponsored by the following Community Funds: David & Susan Brewer (John, Anne & Michael) Family Community Fund, Bippus State Bank Community Fund, James & Nancy Breiner Community Fund.

New Life Ministries was awarded $35,370 to support roof repair costs for the New Life Community Meal Ministry in downtown Huntington. For many community members, the meals they receive at the Meal Ministry are the only meals they get in a day, and for others, these meals help lessen the financial burdens they may be facing. Without a safe building to prepare and serve these meals, New Life Ministries would be unable to meet this basic need for food in our community.

_{Pictured (left to right) is Jimi Staton, New Life Ministries Executive Director, Amber Rensberger, Community Foundation Program Manager, Cindy Paul, Community Foundation Board Treasurer/Secretary, and Brittney Shoemaker, New Life Ministries Donor Development/Treasurer.}

The necessary repair will ensure the impactful program can continue serving free, warm meals to community members of all walks of life. The grant included $15,370 from the Fred Bailey Charitable Fund and was generously sponsored by the James & Regina Ditzler Community Fund and the Harold & Pauline Bailey Memorial Community Fund.

First Baptist Church of Warren received $8,000 to support Small World Preschool relocation efforts. The long-standing preschool, which has operated in the church basement since 2007, will make a recently available parsonage its new home.

_{Pictured (left to right) is Becky Souder, Community Foundation Board Member, Amber Rensberger, Community Foundation Program Manager, Mark Joyner, First Baptist Church of Warren Senior Pastor, Debbie Joyner, First Baptist Church of Warren Youth and Children’s Ministry Director, Erin Scobell, Small World Preschool Assistant Teacher, Abbie Colclasure, Small World Preschool Board President, Kayla Phelps, Small World Preschool Lead Teacher and Director, and Ashton Ousley, First Baptist Church of Warren Administrative Assistant.}

Funding will support essential improvements, including child-appropriate flooring and clear signage. Following necessary updates, the parsonage will provide a space that better serves local children and families while increasing visibility, accessibility and flexibility for early childhood learning. The grant was generously sponsored by the Daugherty Family Community Fund and the Donald & Nancy McDaniel Community Fund.

Warren Area Chamber of Commerce was awarded $2,000 to paint a billboard along I-69 and upgrade its current banner-style sign into a permanent, cohesive and professional display. The current sign, mounted on a semi-trailer box, lacks visual impact and is often affected by wind, causing it to go largely unnoticed by passing motorists. There is also a matching metal billboard, which more accurately reflects the quality and character of the Warren community. Together, these northbound and southbound signs are intended to communicate the ease of visiting Warren.

_{Pictured (left to right) is Don Wall T.D. Wall Inc. Vice President, America Carrillo, America Paints America Muralist, Tom Wall, T.D. Wall Inc. Owner, Tammy Zehner, Warren Area Chamber of Commerce Board Member, Audrey Barry, T.D. Wall Inc. Sales Manager, and Amber Rensberger, Community Foundation Program Manager.}

By painting the semi-trailer box with the same design as the existing metal billboard, the Warren Area Chamber of Commerce strives to enhance the visual environment, increase visibility for community messaging and create a longer-lasting signage solution.

Pathfinder Services received $1,231 from the Dadd/Decker Fund to strengthen the sensory room and adaptive supports in their Respite House, which provides short-term care for individuals with disabilities in a safe, supportive home setting. Many individuals who utilize respite services experience sensory processing challenges or physical limitations that affect their ability to feel regulated, comfortable and engaged during their stay. Funding will allow their dedicated team to intentionally equip the home with sensory items that support self-regulation and calming, along with adaptive equipment that improves safety and accessibility during daily routines such as bathing, resting and shared activities.

_{Pictured (left to right) is Carrie Sellers, Pathfinder Services Family Connections Assistant Director, Calista Lovvorn, Pathfinder Services Grants Administrator, Amber Rensberger, Community Foundation Program Manager, Chris Kauffman, Pathfinder Services President & CEO, and Scott Thornsberry, Pathfinder Services Corporate Giving Coordinator.}

The grant will support purchasing costs of sensory items such as anti-slip shower seats, noise-canceling headphones, sensory seats, stress balls, fidget items, sensory blankets and more. These resources will enhance the Respite House environment and improve the overall quality of respite care for both individuals and their caregivers.

Harmony Home was awarded $2,479 to advance internal capacity and ability to provide Moral Reconation Therapy (MRT), a nationally recognized, evidence-based program proven to reduce recidivism and improve pro-social behavior.

*_{Pictured (left to right) is Amber Rensberger, Community Foundation Program Manager, alongside Rob Knorr, Harmony Home Executive Director.}*

Currently, Harmony Home relies on outside providers to deliver MRT services, which creates barriers such as scheduling limitations, inconsistent access, increased costs and reduced integration into daily programming. Funding will support training and certifying two Harmony Home staff members as MRT facilitators. This investment strengthens outcomes not only for individual residents, but for Huntington County as a whole by supporting reduced recidivism, increased community stability and lasting recovery.

Historic Warren Main Street received $5,500 to create a public art installation and community celebration in recognition of the America 250 commemoration. The project will serve as a visual tribute, educational opportunity and downtown revitalization effort all in one. An America 250 mural will be painted by a local artist, complementing three existing murals throughout downtown Warren. In addition, a second local artist will create a wood carved sculpture featuring an eagle and the American flag.

_{Pictured (left to right) is Amber Rensberger, Community Foundation Program Manager, Becky Souder, Historic Warren Main Street Secretary/Treasurer, Melinda Daniels, Historic Warren Main Street Board Member, and Terry Daniels, Historic Warren Main Street Board Member.}

The completed mural will be unveiled with a public ribbon cutting ceremony, encouraging residents, families and visitors to gather downtown, experience the artwork and learn about the significance of America 250. This unique placemaking effort will also continue downtown revitalization by enhancing the streetscape, promoting tourism, supporting the arts and creating opportunities that strengthen the Warren community. The grant included $811 from the Huntington Celebrity Concert Fund.

The Youth Services Bureau of Huntington County (YSB) was awarded $2,000 to support its CASA of Huntington County program, which serves as a vital advocate for children involved in the court system due to abuse or neglect. Working alongside the Department of Child Services, the school corporation, Bowen Health, Reins & Rainbows and medical teams, CASA volunteers provide consistent, informed recommendations to the court that prioritize each child’s best interests.

_{Pictured (left to right) is Michelle Crone, YSB Executive Director, Tamie Morrison, CASA of Huntington County Coordinator, Michael Howell, Howell-Ehler-Wiley Community Fund Representative, Amber Rensberger, Community Foundation Program Manager, and Cindy Paul, Paul Family Community Fund Representative.}

Funding will expand volunteer recruitment efforts, reduce caseload strain and ensure that every child in need is matched with a trained CASA advocate. The grant included $1,443 from the Stephanie A. Pyle “Spirit of the Community” Fund and was generously sponsored by the following Community Funds: Steve & Vicky Eisenhut Community Fund, Howell-Ehler-Wiley Community Fund, Erik & Heather Larr Family Community Fund, Paul Family Community Fund.

The Children’s Museum of Indianapolis was awarded $750 to launch a Field Trip Fund Serving Huntington County which will provide unlimited free field trips to all Huntington County Schools, both public and private, in perpetuity. The Field Trip Fund will also include free classroom resources and access to virtual programs led by Museum educators. Currently, The Children’s Museum charges a discounted field trip rate of $8.25 per student for Indiana schools. While a small cost, admission fees do represent a barrier for schools with limited discretionary funding. This impactful fund aims to increase K-12 students’ access to experiential learning and enhance the program’s outcomes in schools that are further from the Museum. The grant was generously sponsored by the following Community Funds: Dean & Anne Stonebraker Community Fund, Robert & Vera Deal Community Fund, John & Rachel Nelson Family Community Fund, Matt & Karissa Ditzler Family Community Fund.

One additional organization received a grant this cycle, which will be announced at a later date.

The Community Foundation is eager to witness how these impactful projects will benefit the community of Huntington County. For more information on Community Foundation Grants, visit our Grants Page.