The Van Wert County Foundation
The Van Wert County Foundation is a public charity based in Van Wert, Ohio. Incorporated in 1925, it receives and invests charitable contributions and uses them to support philanthropy, community initiatives, and scholarships in Van Wert County and other areas as directed by donors.
The Van Wert County Foundation at a glance
In short: The Van Wert County Foundation gave $1.4M across 43 grants in 2024 (avg $33K), mostly in Ohio. 12% of 2024 grantees were new. Source: 2024 IRS Form 990.
- Annual giving (2024)
- $1,431,072
- -25.4% vs 2023
- Grants made (2024)
- 43
- -4.4% vs 2023
- Average grant
- $33,281
- -21.9% vs 2023
- Median grant
- $15,000
- Total assets
- $85,540,758
- +9.8% vs 2023
- New grantees (estimate)
- 12% first-time grantees (5 of 43, 2024)
- Primary geography
- Ohio (95% of itemized 2024 grant dollars)
- Latest 990 filing
- Form 990, 2024 View filing
Data from IRS Form 990, 2024; updated September 2026. New grantees are estimated by matching recipient names across years (methodology).
How to apply to The Van Wert County Foundation
- How to Apply
-
Submit a grant application through the online grant portal; applications are not accepted by fax, mail, or office drop-off.
- Review Cycle
- May 1 for June consideration and November 1 for December consideration.
- Deadline
- May 1 for June consideration and November 1 for December consideration.
- Next open deadline
- December 20, 2026 (IMPACT: A Nonprofit Capacity Building Program)
- Contact
Mailing address: 138 E Main St, Van Wert, OH 45891
Phone: (419) 238-1743
Website: https://vanwertcountyfoundation.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 The Van Wert County Foundation
IMPACT: A Nonprofit Capacity Building Program
The Van Wert County Foundation
Amount
Varies
Deadline
Expected ~December
Based on past cycles
Traditional Undergraduate Scholarships
The Van Wert County Foundation
Amount
Varies (2018: $896,260 total for 314 recipients)
Deadline
Deadline not published
Van Wert County Foundation Grants
The Van Wert County Foundation
Amount
Varies
Deadline
Deadline not published
Who The Van Wert County Foundation funds
How this funder distributes its grants
Top Recipients
Top 10 recipients in 2024
The largest 2024 recipient was Van Wert Area Performing Arts Foundation ($306K). Together the top 10 received $1.0M.
Grant Size Distribution
211 grants across all recorded years
The most common grant size was under $50K: 172 grants of 211 (82%).
Geographic Focus
Where this funder awards grants
The Foundation describes its grantmaking as benefiting Van Wert County and surrounding communities, with other geographic areas eligible when directed by donors. In 2024, 95% of reported grant dollars went to recipients in Ohio, 3% to Indiana, 1% to Illinois, and 1% to North Carolina.
Grant Distribution by State
Share of 2024 grant dollars across all 43 itemized grants.
Cities
Is The Van Wert County Foundation open to new grantees?
12%
first-time grantees, 2024
In 2024, 5 of 43 grantees (12%) were first-time recipients. First grants averaged $10K; repeat grants $36K. How we count
Medians: $10K first-time, $17K repeat.
Estimate from itemized grant lists in IRS Form 990 filings (2020–2024). 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 2020 to 2024, annual grant giving ranged from $1.4M (2024) to $2.7M (2021). In 2024 it made 43 grants totaling $1.4M.
Grants by year
Grant recipients and amounts by year
| Recipient | Purpose | Amount |
|---|---|---|
| Van Wert Area Performing Arts Foundation Van Wert, OH | Operating, Maintenance, and Community Entertainment Programming | $306,116 |
| First Presbyterian Church Van Wert, OH | Operating Grant and General Purposes | $141,567 |
| Vantage Career Center Van Wert, OH | Support development of the electronic education department and literacy programs | $138,279 |
| Van Wert City Schools Van Wert, OH | Operating, general purposes, musical department, ceo program, current event education, stadium renovation project, and scholarships grants | $115,291 |
| Wassenberg Art Center Association Van Wert, OH | Operating and Improvements Grant | $110,915 |
| New Horizons Community Church Rockford, OH | Operating Grant and General Purposes | $45,000 |
| Crestview Local Schools Convoy, OH | Eduator teaching aids, scholarships, innovation workshop, lincoln electric cnc plasma machine, and operating grants | $41,620 |
| Ohio Health Foundation Columbus, OH | Operating Grant, Scholarships, and General Purposes | $35,664 |
| Van Wert County 4-H Van Wert, OH | Van Wert Youth Development Awards | $35,000 |
| Culver Military Academy Culver, IN | Scholarships | $32,303 |
Ready to take the next step with The Van Wert County Foundation?
Financial History
Multi-year comparison from IRS filings
| Filing year | Total Assets | Revenue | Expenses | Grants paid | Grants | Net Investment Income |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2024 | $85,540,758 | $12,731,957 | $5,887,737 | $1,431,072 | 43 | $4,155,938 |
| 2023 | $77,906,636 | $4,520,208 | $5,348,478 | $1,917,173 | 45 | $1,030,141 |
| 2022 | $72,768,008 | $4,303,175 | $4,384,097 | $2,006,544 | 38 | $842,341 |
| 2021 | $84,063,134 | $5,243,606 | $5,388,017 | $2,681,162 | 37 | $2,478,826 |
| 2020 | $75,300,533 | $5,938,417 | $3,992,876 | $1,941,923 | 48 | $2,624,953 |
Research compiled by Grantable AI from public sources. Last updated September 2026.
Mission & Focus Areas
The Foundation’s mission is to transform quality of life by inspiring, fulfilling, and supporting philanthropy. Its stated vision is a well-resourced and thriving community.
Its grantmaking supports charitable organizations and governmental units working to advance the welfare of residents in Van Wert and surrounding communities, as well as other areas designated by donors. The Foundation also describes support for community development—including construction, renovation, and maintenance of public buildings and facilities—and scholarships for students in Van Wert, Paulding, and other surrounding Ohio counties where it has significant involvement and can monitor qualifications.
Examples of supported organizations illustrate the range of grant recipients. The Wassenberg Art Center Association, which received $110,915 in 2024, says its mission is to encourage participation in and enjoyment of visual arts and promote art instruction. The Van Wert County Humane Society, which received $15,000, describes its work as promoting responsible pet ownership, ending animal cruelty, and providing a safe haven for animals. The Marsh Foundation, also awarded $15,000, says it serves children experiencing adjustment problems through behavioral treatment and family and treatment foster care.
Grantmaking
In filing year 2024, the Foundation reported 43 grants totaling $1,431,072. Grant amounts ranged from $6,000 to $306,116, with a median of $15,000.
The largest reported awards included $306,116 to Van Wert Area Performing Arts Foundation for operating, maintenance, and community entertainment programming; $141,567 to First Presbyterian Church for operating and general purposes; $138,279 to Vantage Career Center for development of its electronic education department and literacy programs; and $115,291 to Van Wert City Schools for operating and other purposes, including musical programs, stadium renovation, and scholarships. Other large awards included $110,915 to Wassenberg Art Center Association for operations and improvements, $45,000 to New Horizons Community Church for operating and general purposes, and $41,620 to Crestview Local Schools for teaching aids, scholarships, equipment, and operating support.
Grant applications are submitted through the online portal. Applicants create an organizational and user account, then use the portal to access available grants and submit applications. The Foundation considers grants in June and December; applications must be received by May 1 for June consideration and November 1 for December consideration. The Foundation requests a project description with goals and outcome measures, a description of the population to be served, a documented line-item budget, and the applicant organization’s most recent audited financial statement or current Form 990.
Grants are generally limited to IRS-recognized 501(c)(3) public charities and governmental units. The Foundation does not make grants to individuals except through its college scholarship program. It does not fund projects normally supported by taxpayers or commercial interests, and it does not support religious activities or programs serving specific religious groups or denominations unless specified by a donor.
Leadership & Key People
Leadership team and compensation from IRS filings
Officers and directors listed on the 2024 filing include Mark White, vice chairperson; Cindy Hurless, secretary; and trustees Gary Clay, Brian Renner, Tom Burenga, Andy Czajkowski, Charles Koch, Thad Lichtensteiger, Tim Stoller, and Gary Taylor.
The Van Wert County Foundation is led by Seth Baker, CEO since 2021 (on filings since 2020); 3 of 18 officers listed in 2024 are compensated.
Officers on the 2024 filing
Seth Baker
CEO
Executive Secretary → CEO, 2021
On filings since 2020
40 hrs/week
$101K (2020) → $141K (2024)
Eva Yarger
Chairperson
Trustee → Vice Chairperson, 2023
Vice Chairperson → Chairperson, 2024
On filings since 2020
2 hrs/week
No compensation reported
Spencer Creekmore
Director of Property Development
New on the 2024 filing
40 hrs/week
$118K (2024)
Brian Renner
Trustee
Vice President → Chairperson, 2023
Chairperson → Trustee, 2024
On filings since 2020
2 hrs/week
No compensation reported
Charles F. Koch
Trustee
Board Chairman → Board Chair, 2021
Board Chair → Trustee, 2022
On filings since 2020
2 hrs/week
No compensation reported
Gary L. Clay
Trustee
Trustee → Board Chair, 2022
Board Chair → Trustee, 2023
On filings since 2020
2 hrs/week
No compensation reported
Gary Taylor
Trustee
On filings since 2020
2 hrs/week
No compensation reported
Thad Lichtensteiger
Trustee
On filings since 2020
2 hrs/week
No compensation reported
Tim Stoller
Trustee
On filings since 2020
2 hrs/week
No compensation reported
Tom Burenga
Trustee
On filings since 2020
2 hrs/week
No compensation reported
Tom Turnwald
Trustee
On filings since 2020
2 hrs/week
No compensation reported
Andy Czajkowski
Trustee
On filings since 2021
2 hrs/week
No compensation reported
Jon Bagley
Trustee
On filings since 2023
2 hrs/week
No compensation reported
Pat Jackson
Trustee
On filings since 2023
2 hrs/week
No compensation reported
Stacy Adam
Trustee
On filings since 2023
2 hrs/week
No compensation reported
Michael Holiday
CFO
On filings since 2021
19 hrs/week
$3K (2021) → $50K (2024)
Cindy Hurless
Secretary
Trustee → Secretary, 2024
On filings since 2020
2 hrs/week
No compensation reported
Mark White
Vice Chairperson
Board Secretary → Secretary, 2023
Secretary → Vice Chairperson, 2024
On filings since 2020
2 hrs/week
No compensation reported
Former officers (5)
- Former: Francis W. Purmort III (2020–2023) — Trustee
- Former: Randy Myers (2020–2023) — Trustee
- Former: Larry Greve (2020–2022) — Trustee
- Former: Bill Purmort (2021–2022) — Trustee
- Former: Andrew Czajkowski (2020) — Past Chairman
Data from IRS Form 990 filings, 2020–2024. "On filings since" is the earliest filing we hold that lists the person; hours are average hours per week as reported.
Compensation Overview
From 2024 IRS filing
The highest reported compensation on the 2024 filing was $141K, to Seth Baker (CEO). 3 officers or directors reported compensation on that filing.
Frequently asked questions about The Van Wert County Foundation
How much does The Van Wert County Foundation give each year?
The Van Wert County Foundation gave $1.4M across 43 grants in 2024, according to its 2024 IRS Form 990. In 2023 it gave $1.9M across 45 grants.
What is The Van Wert County Foundation's typical grant size?
The Van Wert County Foundation's median grant in 2024 was $15,000, and its average grant was $33,281, across 43 grants on its 2024 IRS Form 990. Organizations receiving their first grant from The Van Wert County Foundation that year got $10K on average.
Where does The Van Wert County Foundation give grants?
The Van Wert County Foundation gives mostly in Ohio: 95% of the grant dollars itemized on its 2024 IRS Form 990 went to recipients there. The most frequent recipient cities were Van Wert, OH (31 grants), Convoy, OH (2 grants), Columbus, OH (2 grants) and Marion, IN (2 grants).
Does The Van Wert County Foundation give general operating support?
Yes: 58% of The Van Wert County Foundation's 2024 grants with a stated purpose (25 of 43) were for general or operating support, per its 2024 IRS Form 990.
Who are The Van Wert County Foundation's largest grantees?
The Van Wert County Foundation's largest 2024 grantees include Van Wert Area Performing Arts Foundation ($306,116), First Presbyterian Church ($141,567) and Vantage Career Center ($138,279), according to its 2024 IRS Form 990. Together they received 41% of its itemized 2024 grant dollars.
How large is The Van Wert County Foundation?
The Van Wert County Foundation reported $85.5M in total assets on its 2024 IRS Form 990. Its revenue that year was $12.7M.
What does The Van Wert County Foundation fund?
The Foundation’s mission is to transform quality of life by inspiring, fulfilling, and supporting philanthropy. Its stated vision is a well-resourced and thriving community. See mission & focus areas ↑
How do I apply for a grant from The Van Wert County Foundation?
Submit a grant application through the online grant portal; applications are not accepted by fax, mail, or office drop-off. Eligibility and process details are in the grantmaking section of this profile. See how to apply ↑
What is The Van Wert County Foundation's EIN?
The Van Wert County Foundation's EIN (Employer Identification Number) is 34-0907558. IRS Form 990 filing data is available on this page for 2020–2024.
Data last updated September 2026. Sourced from IRS Form 990 filings. Research dossier generated September 2026.
Data update history
(6)
When this profile's IRS filing data changed on Grantable
- Updated Form 990 for fiscal year 2020 (received by the IRS May 17, 2021)
- Updated Form 990 for fiscal year 2021 (received by the IRS November 8, 2022)
- Updated Form 990 for fiscal year 2022 (received by the IRS November 13, 2023)
- Updated Form 990 for fiscal year 2023 (received by the IRS October 23, 2025)
- Updated Form 990 for fiscal year 2024 (received by the IRS November 12, 2025)
- IRS filings on file for fiscal years 2020–2024
Explore Open Grants
Browse active grant opportunities in The Van Wert County Foundation's focus areas in our free grants database
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Cite this profile
Grantable. (2026). The Van Wert County Foundation funder profile. GrantGraph. Retrieved October 16, 2026, from https://grantable.co/funders/the-van-wert-county-foundation-morg_8f1ce0af63904b018e0cd1f7c695cb3d
BibTeX
@misc{grantable_340907558_2026,
author = {{Grantable}},
title = {{The Van Wert County Foundation funder profile}},
howpublished = {GrantGraph},
year = {2026},
url = {https://grantable.co/funders/the-van-wert-county-foundation-morg_8f1ce0af63904b018e0cd1f7c695cb3d},
note = {Accessed 2026-10-16. 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 The Van Wert County Foundation'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.
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