Local Giving.
Lasting Impact.
Helping you make a difference in Wells County.
Each year, the Bette A. Erxleben Volunteer of the Year Award honors an individual who has made outstanding, sustained, and selfless contributions to the Wells County community. Recipients represent the very best of community spirit—those whose volunteer work has made a lasting impact in areas such as youth, education, human services, community development, health, or the environment.
This year, we are proud to recognize Deb Johnson as our 2026 Volunteer of the Year!
grants available
The Wells County Foundation is now accepting grant requests for the Third Grant Cycle of 2026.
Third Cycle Grants support a wide range of nonprofit projects and programs that serve Wells County and enhance the quality of life in our community.
Needs Assessment Grants focus on projects that address specific community priorities in four areas identified in the Foundation’s most recent Community Needs Assessment: Early Childhood Education, Substance Abuse, Workforce Development, and Housing
Eligible organizations are encouraged to review the grant guidelines and application materials to determine the best fit for their project.
Grant proposals are due by 4 PM on October 15, 2026.
“In every community there is work to be done. In every nation, there are wounds to heal. In every heart, there is the power to do it.”
– Marianne Williamson
LiGHT Business Meeting
The Results Are In!
We’re excited to announce the 2026 LiGHT Grant recipients!
Each year, members of LiGHT (Ladies Initiating Giving an Honored Tradition) come together to support local organizations serving women and children in Wells County. Through their votes, this year’s grants have been awarded to:
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Adams Wells Crisis Center
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BIGJAW's Youth For Christ
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Camp Watcha-Wanna-Do
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Hope's Harbor Family Hospitality Homes
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Park Community Church
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United Way of Wells County
Congratulations to these outstanding organizations, and thank you to every LiGHT member whose generosity made these grants possible. Together, we’re lighting the way for brighter futures in our community.
triple your impact in wells county!
Your generosity can go three times as far! Thanks to a $697,000 matching fund grant from Lilly Endowment, every $1 in qualifying gifts to the Wells County Foundation’s Community Enhancement Endowment can be matched with $2 from Lilly Endowment.
Help us reach our $233,000 fundraising goal and maximize this incredible opportunity to strengthen our unrestricted endowment and provide more resources for local nonprofits through our competitive grant programs.
Looking to leave a lasting legacy? Your gift may also be used to establish a named unrestricted fund—creating an impact that continues for generations.
Investing in Bluffton Homeowners
Good news for Bluffton homeowners! The City of Bluffton has been awarded $350,000 through OCRA's Owner-Occupied Rehabilitation Program to provide financial assistance for eligible homeowners needing critical home repairs and improvements.
With local matching funds, the project represents an anticipated $447,000 investment in Bluffton homeowners. The Wells County Foundation is proud to join the City of Bluffton, Harrison Township and Lancaster Township in making this opportunity possible.
opioid settlement assistance program
Recognizing that substance use disorder has been identified as one of Wells County's greatest community needs, the Wells County Foundation is now offering the Opioid Settlement Assistance Program.
The program helps Wells County residents participating in recovery by providing transportation assistance and support for eligible outpatient therapy, substance abuse treatment, and counseling expenses.
