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The Ottawa County Community Foundation (OCCF) awarded $90,000 in community grants and special awards at its annual Awards Presentation on Thursday, June 19th. Thirty-three local nonprofit organizations received funding in addition to the presentation of the third annual Joy Roth Little Tiger Award. Five Put-in-Bay organizations were awarded grants at the breakfast buffet event at the Catawba Island club.
“For 25 years, the Ottawa County Community Foundation has worked to enhance the quality of life for our citizens. By awarding grants to deserving organizations and initiatives, OCCF addresses critical needs and seeks solutions to the challenges in our community,” said OCCF Executive Director Shea McGrew. “Our thanks to the nonprofit leaders whose dedication to Ottawa County is remarkable.”
The 2025 grants for Lake Erie Islands organizations included:
The Lake Erie Islands Conservancy received a $2,300 grant to preserve historic agricultural buildings and to provide signage. The grant will help stabilize the agricultural outbuildings onsite at the Duff Homestead Preserve (corn crib, chicken cooper, summer kitchen with interpretive signs for visitors to enjoy). Thanks Peggy Leopold for attending the grant breakfast to receive the check! The Conservancy will continue to look for the remainder of the funding for this project. Any donations to finish this project can be sent to LEIC, P. O. Box 461, Put-in-Bay, Ohio 43456. Donors names will be placed on the interpretive signs.
The Lake Erie Islands Nature & Wildlife Center received a $4,000 grant to create an interactive display of migratory bird pathways, sounds, etc. Renee Fultz was at the event to accept the grant.
The PIB Chamber of Commerce & Tourism Bureau received a grant to remake the member portal of their website. Wendy Chambers accepted for the Chamber.
The Perry Group received a grant for printing for event flyers and marketing materials. Jackie Taylor accepted for the Perry Group.
Kelleys Island Local School received a grant to provide environmental education programs. KI School Superintendent Ben Ohlemacher was there to accept the grant.
Funding for the Community Grants program is made possible by the earnings from several unrestricted Community Funds and Donor Advised Funds held by OCCF, as well as numerous private donations.
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