Defiance Area Foundation Inc
Defiance Area Foundation Inc. is a publicly supported philanthropic institution based in Defiance, Ohio, and a public charity that supports charitable organizations, projects, and programs serving Defiance County. Founded in 1979, it manages charitable funds and makes grants intended to enhance quality of life in the county.
Defiance Area Foundation Inc at a glance
In short: Defiance Area Foundation Inc gave $1.2M across 35 grants in 2025 (avg $35K), mostly in Ohio. 26% of 2025 grantees were new. Source: 2025 IRS Form 990.
- Annual giving (2025)
- $1,232,601
- +55.5% vs 2024
- Grants made (2025)
- 35
- +25.0% vs 2024
- Average grant
- $35,217
- +24.4% vs 2024
- Median grant
- $12,994
- Total assets
- $17,507,883
- +6.9% vs 2024
- New grantees (estimate)
- 26% first-time grantees (9 of 35, 2025)
- Primary geography
- Ohio (100% of itemized 2025 grant dollars)
- Latest 990 filing
- Form 990, 2025 View filing
Data from IRS Form 990, 2025; updated October 2026. New grantees are estimated by matching recipient names across years (methodology).
How to apply to Defiance Area Foundation Inc
- Accepts unsolicited proposals
- Yes
- How to Apply
-
The foundation accepts unsolicited requests through its online grant application process. Applicants must watch the required application video and review the grant guidelines and eligibility requirements. The maximum request for a biannual grant is $25,000; for projects costing more than $10,000, applicants should request no more than 25% of the total project cost. The foundation asks applicants seeking more than $25,000 to contact its office before applying.
- Review Cycle
- The website lists annual application due dates of March 31 for the spring cycle and September 30 for the fall cycle, with trustee decisions in April and October, respectively. Both 2026 application dates have passed as of October 2, 2026; the website does not specify the next cycle dates.
- Deadline
- The website lists annual application due dates of March 31 for the spring cycle and September 30 for the fall cycle,…
- Contact
Mailing address: 613 West Third Street, Defiance, OH 43512
Phone: (419) 782-3130
Website: https://defianceareafoundation.org
Application details from Grantable's research on the foundation's public materials; confirm on its website before applying.
Open Grants
3 open opportunities from Defiance Area Foundation Inc
Cletus Vetter Memorial Scholarship Fund Grant
Defiance Area Foundation Inc
Amount
US $1,000
Deadline
Deadline not published
Defiance Area Foundation Grant
Defiance Area Foundation Inc
Amount
Up to US $25,000
Deadline
Deadline not published
Lisa Yoder Scholarship Fund Grant
Defiance Area Foundation Inc
Amount
Varies
Deadline
Deadline not published
Who Defiance Area Foundation Inc funds
How this funder distributes its grants
Top Recipients
Top 10 recipients in 2025
The largest 2025 recipient was Defiance Area YMCA ($327K). Together the top 10 received $936K.
Grant Size Distribution
133 grants across all recorded years
The most common grant size was under $50K: 122 grants of 133 (92%).
Geographic Focus
Where this funder awards grants
The foundation’s grant guidelines say projects should directly benefit residents of Defiance County. Its 2025 reported grant dollars went entirely to Ohio recipients.
Grant Distribution by State
Share of 2025 grant dollars across all 35 itemized grants.
States
Cities
Is Defiance Area Foundation Inc open to new grantees?
26%
first-time grantees, 2025
In 2025, 9 of 35 grantees (26%) were first-time recipients. First grants averaged $26K; repeat grants $38K. How we count
Medians: $12K first-time, $16K repeat.
Estimate from itemized grant lists in IRS Form 990 filings (2021–2025). Recipient names are matched across years, so a renamed or misspelled grantee can look new; grants to individuals are left out. Methodology.
Giving History
Giving Over Time
Total grant dollars and number of grants per year
From 2021 to 2025, annual grant giving ranged from $311K (2021) to $1.2M (2025). In 2025 it made 35 grants totaling $1.2M.
Grants by year
Grant recipients and amounts by year
| Recipient | Purpose | Amount |
|---|---|---|
| Defiance Area YMCA Defiance, OH | Operating, Support | $326,957 |
| The Ohio State University Foundatio Dublin, OH | Support | $132,250 |
| Defiance Development and Visitor's Defiance, OH | Support | $111,456 |
| Lily Creek Farms Napoleon, OH | Support | $101,300 |
| Defiance City Schools Defiance, OH | Support | $65,005 |
| Northeastern Local School District Defiance, OH | Support | $51,000 |
| Johnson Memorial Library Friends Hicksville, OH | Operating, Support | $43,500 |
| Black Swamp Area Council 449 Findlay, OH | Dining Hall | $39,040 |
| Defiance Community Cultural Council Defiance, OH | Support | $39,000 |
| Defiance Dream Center Defiance, OH | Support | $26,388 |
Ready to take the next step with Defiance Area Foundation Inc?
Financial History
Multi-year comparison from IRS filings
The foundation’s website describes more than $20 million in charitable assets and over 180 funds. Its financial statements are prepared without audit or assurance.
| Filing year | Total Assets | Revenue | Expenses | Grants paid | Grants | Net Investment Income |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2025 | $17,507,883 | $2,105,961 | $1,722,396 | $1,232,601 | 35 | $423,437 |
| 2024 | $16,382,464 | $2,562,283 | $1,067,054 | $792,833 | 28 | $1,281,595 |
| 2023 | $14,423,822 | $1,855,304 | $1,139,998 | $801,837 | 30 | $286,230 |
| 2022 | $12,451,093 | $1,733,777 | $768,927 | $412,376 | 21 | $540,192 |
| 2021 | $13,612,319 | $1,441,817 | $628,348 | $310,547 | 19 | $861,148 |
Research compiled by Grantable AI from public sources. Last updated October 2026.
Mission & Focus Areas
The organization’s stated mission is to “fund projects to better the Defiance County area.” Its website says grants support programs in education, social services, health, community affairs, animal welfare, and the arts. Its 2024 filing also describes grants for economic development, scholarships, heritage, nonprofit organizations, and upkeep of community locations.
Its 2025 grantees included organizations with varied missions. The Defiance Area YMCA describes its work as building strong kids, families, and communities through programs promoting healthy lifestyles, values, and leadership. The Defiance Development and Visitors Bureau describes work in beautification, historic preservation, downtown economic development, and promotion of local businesses and events. The Defiance Community Cultural Council says it works to enrich local lives through cultural, historical, educational, and communications services. United Way of Defiance County says it unites people and resources to improve lives in the county.
Grantmaking
In filing year 2025, the foundation reported 35 grants totaling $1,232,601. Grant amounts ranged from $5,253 to $326,957, with a median of $12,994. All reported grant dollars went to recipients in Ohio.
Among the largest reported grants were $326,957 to Defiance Area YMCA, $132,250 to The Ohio State University Foundation, $111,456 to Defiance Development and Visitors Bureau, $101,300 to Lily Creek Farms, and $65,005 to Defiance City Schools. The foundation also reported $51,000 to Northeastern Local School District, $43,500 to Johnson Memorial Library Friends, and $39,040 to Black Swamp Area Council.
For Community Fund grants, applicants generally apply online. The foundation says applications are reviewed by a grants committee, which makes recommendations to the board of trustees. Its guidelines call for applicants to be nonprofit organizations under section 501(c)(3) or equivalent, such as a church, school, or government agency, and say projects should directly benefit Defiance County residents. Guidelines encourage community matching support, addressing new or emerging needs, prevention, and collaboration. The guidelines say the foundation will not consider grants to individuals and ordinarily will not consider requests for individual scholarships, religious activity, endowment funds, debt reduction, fundraising, political issues, or staffing and operating expenses of well-established organizations, among other exclusions. Community Fund multi-year grants are permitted for up to four years.
Leadership & Key People
Leadership team and compensation from IRS filings
The 2025 filing lists Christine Yoder as executive director; Jim Williams as president; Anne Murray as past president; and Dan Michel as vice president. Trustees listed are Dennis Gable, Don Hange, Drew Shindler, Jake Oberlin, Katie Groff-Held, and Tim Whetstone.
Defiance Area Foundation Inc is led by Christine Yoder, Executive Director on every filing since 2021; 1 of 18 officers listed in 2025 is compensated.
Officers on the 2025 filing
Christine Yoder
Executive Director
On filings since 2021
40 hrs/week
$55K (2021) → $73K (2025)
Jim Williams
President
Trustee → Vice President, 2022
Vice President → President, 2024
On filings since 2021
2 hrs/week
No compensation reported
Jake Oberlin
Trustee
On filings since 2021
1 hr/week
No compensation reported
Katie Groff-Held
Trustee
On filings since 2021
2 hrs/week
No compensation reported
Laurie McCann
Trustee
On filings since 2021
1 hr/week
No compensation reported
Marc Warncke
Trustee
On filings since 2021
1 hr/week
No compensation reported
Paul Mallett
Trustee
On filings since 2021
1 hr/week
No compensation reported
Drew Shindler
Trustee
On filings since 2022
1 hr/week
No compensation reported
Steve Grube
Trustee
On filings since 2022
1 hr/week
No compensation reported
Sue Strausbaugh
Trustee
On filings since 2022
1 hr/week
No compensation reported
Dennis Gable
Trustee
On filings since 2024
1 hr/week
No compensation reported
Don Hange
Trustee
On filings since 2024
1 hr/week
No compensation reported
Myra English
Trustee
On filings since 2024
1 hr/week
No compensation reported
Tim Whetstone
Trustee
New on the 2025 filing
1 hr/week
No compensation reported
Anne Murray
Past President
President → Past President, 2022
On filings since 2021
2 hrs/week
No compensation reported
Dan Michel
Vice President
Trustee → Vice President, 2024
On filings since 2021
2 hrs/week
No compensation reported
Ted Penner
Treasurer
Vice President → President, 2022
President → Treasurer, 2024
On filings since 2021
2 hrs/week
No compensation reported
Terry Melton
Secretary
On filings since 2021
2 hrs/week
No compensation reported
Former officers (7)
- Former: Ken Boroff (2021–2024) — Trustee
- Former: John Boesling (2021–2023) — Trustee
- Former: Jon Gathman (2021–2023) — Trustee
- Former: William Koester (2021–2023) — Treasurer
- Former: Doug Shindler (2021) — Past President
- Former: Erin Derrow (2021) — Trustee
- Former: Rod Martin (2021) — Trustee
Data from IRS Form 990 filings, 2021–2025. "On filings since" is the earliest filing we hold that lists the person; hours are average hours per week as reported.
Compensation Overview
From 2025 IRS filing
The highest reported compensation on the 2025 filing was $73K, to Christine Yoder (Exec. DIR.).
Frequently asked questions about Defiance Area Foundation Inc
How much does Defiance Area Foundation Inc give each year?
Defiance Area Foundation Inc gave $1.2M across 35 grants in 2025, according to its 2025 IRS Form 990. In 2024 it gave $793K across 28 grants.
What is Defiance Area Foundation Inc's typical grant size?
Defiance Area Foundation Inc's median grant in 2025 was $12,994, and its average grant was $35,217, across 35 grants on its 2025 IRS Form 990. Organizations receiving their first grant from Defiance Area Foundation Inc that year got $26K on average.
Where does Defiance Area Foundation Inc give grants?
Defiance Area Foundation Inc gives mostly in Ohio: 100% of the grant dollars itemized on its 2025 IRS Form 990 went to recipients there. The most frequent recipient cities were Defiance, OH (25 grants), Hicksville, OH (3 grants), Toledo, OH (2 grants) and Sherwood, OH (2 grants).
Does Defiance Area Foundation Inc give general operating support?
Yes: 11% of Defiance Area Foundation Inc's 2025 grants with a stated purpose (4 of 35) were for general or operating support, per its 2025 IRS Form 990. Recurring purposes include "Support" (28 grants).
Who are Defiance Area Foundation Inc's largest grantees?
Defiance Area Foundation Inc's largest 2025 grantees include Defiance Area YMCA ($326,957), The Ohio State University Foundatio ($132,250) and Defiance Development and Visitor's ($111,456), according to its 2025 IRS Form 990. Together they received 46% of its itemized 2025 grant dollars.
How large is Defiance Area Foundation Inc?
Defiance Area Foundation Inc reported $17.5M in total assets on its 2025 IRS Form 990. Its revenue that year was $2.1M.
What does Defiance Area Foundation Inc fund?
The organization’s stated mission is to “fund projects to better the Defiance County area.” Its website says grants support programs in education, social services, health, community affairs, animal welfare, and the arts. See mission & focus areas ↑
How do I apply for a grant from Defiance Area Foundation Inc?
The foundation accepts unsolicited requests through its online grant application process. Eligibility and process details are in the grantmaking section of this profile. See how to apply ↑
What is Defiance Area Foundation Inc's EIN?
Defiance Area Foundation Inc's EIN (Employer Identification Number) is 34-1278087. IRS Form 990 filing data is available on this page for 2021–2025.
Does Defiance Area Foundation Inc accept unsolicited proposals?
Yes, according to Grantable's research on the foundation's published guidelines. See how to apply ↑
Data last updated October 2026. Sourced from IRS Form 990 filings. Research dossier generated October 2026.
Data update history
(6)
When this profile's IRS filing data changed on Grantable
- Updated Form 990 for fiscal year 2021 (received by the IRS November 8, 2021)
- Updated Form 990 for fiscal year 2022 (received by the IRS November 2, 2022)
- Updated Form 990 for fiscal year 2023 (received by the IRS November 7, 2023)
- Updated Form 990 for fiscal year 2024 (received by the IRS November 13, 2024)
- Updated Form 990 for fiscal year 2025 (received by the IRS November 14, 2025)
- IRS filings on file for fiscal years 2021–2025
Explore Open Grants
Browse active grant opportunities in Defiance Area Foundation Inc's focus areas in our free grants database
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Cite this profile
Grantable. (2026). Defiance Area Foundation Inc funder profile. GrantGraph. Retrieved October 15, 2026, from https://grantable.co/funders/defiance-area-foundation-inc-morg_633622e7992b4b9aba93eff3dbe45e07
BibTeX
@misc{grantable_341278087_2026,
author = {{Grantable}},
title = {{Defiance Area Foundation Inc funder profile}},
howpublished = {GrantGraph},
year = {2026},
url = {https://grantable.co/funders/defiance-area-foundation-inc-morg_633622e7992b4b9aba93eff3dbe45e07},
note = {Accessed 2026-10-15. Data licensed CC BY 4.0}
}The figures on this page are open data under CC BY 4.0: reuse them with credit to Grantable and a link. Download the data.
Figures come from Defiance Area Foundation Inc's IRS filings (methodology). AI-written summaries, news items and logos are not covered by the open licence. Spot an error? Email hello@grantable.co.
Defiance Area Foundation Inc down — hundreds of funders to go?