The Community Foundation Surpasses $100 Million in Grantmaking
The Findlay-Hancock County Community Foundation is celebrating a historic milestone: more than $100 million in grants awarded to support the people, organizations and communities of Hancock County.
At the same time, the Foundation has surpassed another key benchmark: more than $200 million in total assets, underscoring the strength of its endowment and the long-term impact of local philanthropy.
“These are two milestones we’d be remiss not to lift up,” said Foundation President and CEO Dr. Brian Treece. “This is truly the power of endowment.”
A Milestone Built by Community
The $100 million milestone reflects decades of partnership between donors, nonprofits and community leaders. Each grant represents more than a financial transaction. It represents a shared commitment to improving the quality of life across Hancock County.
“When we recognize $100 million in grants awarded, it is worth pausing. Not simply because of its size, but because of what it represents,” said Board Chair Kelly Shroll. “Every dollar reflects real investment in our community and a partnership among donors, the Foundation and the nonprofit organizations working every day to meet local needs.”
From early investments in downtown development and parks to major initiatives in housing, the arts and nonprofit capacity building, the Foundation’s grantmaking has shaped projects that remain visible and impactful today.
The Power Behind the Numbers
The Foundation’s continued growth, including surpassing $200 million in assets, is directly tied to disciplined financial stewardship and donor generosity.
“In 2025, we officially surpassed $200 million in assets thanks to the generosity of so many,” said Chief Financial Officer Richard Brown. “The steady growth in assets has enabled us to reach $100 million in grantmaking, painting a vivid picture of the power of endowment.”
That growth is no accident. Strong investment performance, careful oversight and long-term planning ensure that funds continue to grow and support community needs for generations.
Endowment funds are designed to provide a reliable and sustainable source of funding. As those funds grow over time, so does the Foundation’s ability to respond to both current opportunities and future challenges.
“Our grantmaking does not happen by chance or in a single moment,” Kelly Shroll said. “It happens because funds are built with care, invested for the long term and allowed to grow.”
Impact That Endures
The Foundation’s story began in 1977, when L. Dale Dorney made an initial gift that would eventually grow into today’s Community Foundation. That original investment has expanded significantly over time, demonstrating how philanthropy can multiply through thoughtful stewardship.
“One person’s initial investment has grown and been granted exponentially,” Richard Brown said, noting how early generosity continues to create impact decades later.
Since then, the Foundation has partnered with donors to support economic development, parks and public spaces, performing arts, housing initiatives and nonprofit capacity building efforts across Hancock County.
Together, these investments tell the story behind the milestone: stronger organizations, expanded opportunities and improved quality of life for residents throughout the region.
Looking Ahead
While $100 million in grants and $200 million in assets are significant achievements, Foundation leaders emphasized that the milestones are not the endpoint. Instead, they reflect what is possible when a community works together.
“This has always been about more than celebrating a number,” Dr. Brian Treece said. “It’s about partnership, trust and a shared vision for this community.”
As the Foundation looks toward the future, its mission remains the same: to partner with donors to create lasting impact and meet the evolving needs of Hancock County.
Because when generosity is invested with intention, and when a community comes together around shared goals, more is always possible.
