OCCF awards over $51k in grants

The Owen County Community Foundation (OCCF) awarded $51,810 in Community Investment Grants to 13 local organizations that work to meet community needs and improve the quality of life across Owen County. These flexible, strategic grants reflect OCCF's mission to create lasting, positive impact—now and for future generations.

Investment Grant recipients support eligible 501(c)(3) organizations, churches and government entities addressing high-priority community goals identified in OCCF's 2022-2025 Strategic Plan. This includes initiatives focused on financial stability and early education, wellness, access to food, information and basic community development needs.

"These grants support the best of Owen County—neighbors helping neighbors, organizations solving problems and communities working together," said Janet Rummel, President & CEO of OCCF. "We're proud to invest in projects that offer both immediate impact and long-term value."

2025 Community Investment Grant Recipients

Owen County Humane Society — Spay Neuter Assistance for Community Members. Received a $5,000 grant to offer financial assistance to low-income pet owners for spay/neuter services.

Owen County S.O.U.N.D.S. — Coal City S.O.U.N.D.S. Community Impact. Procured a $5,000 grant to expand their music education through instrument purchases, sheet music, accompanist piano lessons, and other services to help individuals and families stay cool during extreme heat.

Freedom Community Center — Upgraded Playground Equipment. Procured a $2,200 grant to replace aging playground equipment, creating a safer and more welcoming space for outdoor recreation.

Owen County Family YMCA — Upgrades. Acquired a $5,000 grant to enhance security with upgraded cameras and PA System, improve air conditioning for more than 36 members.

Owen County Boys and Girls Club — Salvation Community Township Volunteer Fire Department Furnace Replacement. Secured a $2,000 grant to replace the Freedom Firehouse, ensuring emergency readiness for 1,200 area residents.

Gosport Lodge Club — Gosport Town Park Revitalization Project. Obtained a $5,000 grant to install turf pavers and timber access gates in the Gosport Town Park as part of a broader revitalization effort.

Owen County Farmers' Market — Kids Club Program. Received a $1,010 grant to support Honor Guard services, holiday basket delivery, and a free Christmas dinner for families in need, especially those who have served in the military.

American Legion Paloff-Laurenster Post 141 — Coal City Community Support. Received a $1,010 grant to support Honor Guard services, holiday basket delivery, and a free Christmas dinner for families in need, especially those who have served in the military.

Owen County Fair — Grounds Improvement. Procured a $5,000 grant to expand this early literacy initiative, which begins free books monthly to Owen County children from birth to age five.

South Central Community Action Program — Owen County Beat the Heat 2025. Obtained a $5,000 grant to provide fans, A/C units, and repair services to help low-income residents stay cool during extreme heat.

Owen County S.O.U.N.D.S. — Coal City S.O.U.N.D.S. Community Impact. Procured a $5,000 grant to expand their music education through instrument purchases, sheet music, accompanist piano lessons, and other services to help individuals and families stay cool during extreme heat.

About OCCF Grant Opportunities

Community Investment Grants range from $1,001 to $5,000. Large Impact Grants of up to $30,000 support transformative projects, while Rapid Response Grants of up to $3,000 are available year-round to address urgent or time-sensitive donor support.

About OCCF

The Owen County Community Foundation (OCCF) is a public benefit foundation founded in 1994 as a resource to connect individuals with causes they support, enabling them to contribute toward broader Owen County! Since its founding, the OCCF has been able to grant more than $1.2 million to local students, area nonprofits and charitable organizations in our community. The OCCF is committed to enhancing the quality of life for Owen County and for generations to come. For more information on the scholarships awarded or how to begin your own philanthropic journey, please visit owencountycf.org or call 812-829-1725, or stop by our office located on the Courthouse Square at 60 E. Market St., Spencer.