About The Community Foundation

Staff members are seated and stand in three rows, dressed professionally. Each poses slightly differently while smiling at the camera in front of a curtained backdrop.

What started as one man’s generous gift to his community has been built upon and expanded by residents of Hancock County. Over the years, the Dorney Fund assets were joined with gifts from other donors. The Community Foundation has grown through gifts of all sizes from many people. Our smallest gift was one dollar; the largest was over $25 million. Both gifts will support an improved quality of life in our community today and for generations to come.

Mission

The Findlay-Hancock County Community Foundation will improve the quality of life for all in the community.

Vision

A lasting community impact.

History

Dale Dorney in a bow tie in his garden
L. Dale Dorney

In 1976, Findlay resident L. Dale Dorney left the Cleveland Foundation a $5 million bequest dedicated to two interests: strengthening collegiate business education in Ohio and improving the quality of life in Findlay and Hancock County. He hoped the Findlay portion of his gift might one day form the nucleus of a community foundation.

His dream came to fruition in 1992 when The Findlay-Hancock County Community Foundation was established as a supporting organization of the Cleveland Foundation. From 1992 to February 1999, The Community Foundation operated under the mentorship of the Cleveland Foundation. On February 28, 1999, The Findlay-Hancock County Community Foundation became an independent entity and the Dorney Fund assets designated for Hancock County were returned to Hancock County.

Seal of Transparency

It is our commitment to you as your community foundation to serve the Hancock County area as transparently, effectively and accountably as possible. Therefore, The Findlay-Hancock County Community Foundation received the Platinum Seal of Transparency by GuideStar. This accreditation affirms we have met universal standards for nonprofits demonstrating our commitment to to financial security, transparency, and accountability. It confirms we honor our donors’ wishes to support their passions, whatever the cause may be.