Local Giving.
Lasting Impact.
Helping you make a difference in Wells County.
Teacher Creativity Grants
Great teaching sparks curiosity, creativity, and a love of learning. The Teacher Creativity Grant supports innovative classroom projects that move beyond traditional lectures and textbooks to engage students through hands-on, interactive learning experiences.
This annual grant opportunity is available to teachers in Wells County’s three public school districts and is designed to support projects that align with Indiana State Standards while encouraging critical thinking and 21st-century skills. From tactile lessons to immersive learning environments, Teacher Creativity Grants help educators bring creative ideas to life and inspire students in meaningful ways.
The Doctor Tom Stogdill
Community Service Award
The Doctor Tom Stogdill Community Service Award was established in 2006 by Dr. Tom Stogdill. Tom was born in Bluffton, graduating from Bluffton High School in 1953. He graduated from DePauw University and following his one-year internship, began his career as a physician specializing in family medicine. Tom practiced in Arizona, Southern California, and Utah before returning to Bluffton in 1986 to practice medicine at Caylor-Nickel Clinic. Tom was a faithful community servant, through active involvement with the Council on Aging, Wells Community Boys and Girls Club, The Wells County Foundation, Big Brothers/Big Sisters and Bi-County Services. Tom was instrumental in the establishment of the Panos Free Clinic.
The Doctor Tom Stogdill Community Service Award annually recognizes a Bluffton High School junior or senior for their outstanding contributions to community service. The 2026 recipient will have the privilege of selecting a Wells County non-profit organization to receive a $1,500 grant award. Deadline to submit application is April 15, 2026.
LiGHT UP YOUR SPRING!
All ladies are invited to LiGHTEN Up, an evening of inspiration, fellowship, and sweet treats!
Hear from our keynote speaker, Stacey Dumbacher, as she presents "The Self‑Care Reset". This presentation is all about giving ourselves permission to pause, breathe, and reconnect with who we are beneath the noise of everyday life. Self‑care isn’t indulgent—it’s intentional, thoughtful stewardship of our minds, bodies, and spirits. Together, we’re going to walk through a simple but powerful process: Assess where we truly are right now, Identify what restores us and makes us feel alive, and Initiate the steps that allow those life‑giving practices to become part of our rhythm.
You'll also get firsthand updates from our 2025 LiGHT grant recipients about the impact of their projects in our community.
If you’ve ever wondered what LiGHT (Ladies Initiating Giving an Honored Tradition) is all about, this is the perfect opportunity to see it in action and meet members!
When: May 8 - social hour begins at 6PM, program at 7PM
RSVP by calling the Wells County Foundation at 260-824-8620, or emailing light@wellscountyfound.org
Come for the desserts, stay for the stories – and discover how you can make a difference in Wells County!
Anthony Wayne Services Foundation
Grant Opportunity
A new grant opportunity is now available through the Wells County Foundation!
The mission of the Anthony Wayne Services Foundation (AWSF) is to support children and adults with intellectual, developmental, and physical disabilities in living as independently as possible, being included and involved in the community, and living life to the fullest.
In 2025, AWSF established the AWSF Fund with the Wells County Foundation. Through this fund, grants will be awarded to Wells County organizations whose programs and initiatives align with and advance this mission.
