MOUNT VERNON — The Knox County Foundation Board of Directors approved $1,087,800 in competitive grant funding to 16 nonprofit organizations at its Feb. 11 board meeting.
This year’s cycle saw a record number of applications and a total request amount of $1,937,279. This reflects both the growing needs and the continued momentum of organizations serving Knox County.
Among the awards are two $300,000 grants — tying for the largest competitive grants ever awarded by the Foundation.
The Knox County Board of Developmental Disabilities (KCBDD) received $300,000 toward the NewHope Early Education Center Renovation, a five-phase capital project designed to enhance safety, accessibility, and functionality at the KCBDD facility.
The center houses Head Start and Educational Service Center classrooms and offices, supporting the delivery of education, therapy, and developmental services. The project will improve learning and program spaces, reduce safety hazards, increase access for underserved populations, and generate long-term cost savings that can be reinvested into programs that improve quality of life.
“We are deeply grateful to the Knox County Foundation for this generous grant, which will have a tremendous impact on the NewHope Early Education Center and the community we serve,” KCBDD Superintendent Steve Oster said.
“Upgrading our building with new windows, doors, fresh paint and modern heating controls ensures a safe, welcoming, and comfortable environment for children, adults, and families who rely on our programs. Investments like this allow us to continue providing high-quality education and support for individuals with developmental disabilities and children from birth through age 5.”
‘A permanent home’ for The Winter Sanctuary
The Winter Sanctuary was awarded $300,000 for “A Permanent Home,” a transformational initiative to secure a permanent facility for Knox County’s emergency shelter and homeless advocacy services.
The property will allow for sleeping areas, staff workspace, and on-site advocacy services to operate under one roof. Renovations will also include a dedicated space for unhoused families with children. They will also enable the potential for year-round operations and expanded services in the future.
“This grant from the Knox County Foundation will help secure a permanent home for Knox County’s emergency shelter, providing consistent, safe shelter for individuals and families during times of crisis,” Joe Springer, executive director at the Winter Sanctuary, said.
“It represents an investment not only in our organization, but in the stability and well-being of our entire community. We are deeply grateful for the foundation’s partnership and commitment to caring for our most vulnerable neighbors.”
2026 Competitive grant recipients
In addition to KCBDD and the Winter Sanctuary, the foundation awarded nine other competitive grants:
- Kokosing Gap Trail – Kokosing Gap Trail Repaving, $75,000
- Knox County Park District – Access and Welcome Facilities at the Woodlands Park, $64,000
- Centerburg Local Schools – New Baseball Field, $50,000
- HopeNow Inc. – Replacement of Box Truck, $50,000
- Mount Vernon Arts Consortium – Amplifying Arts and Entertainment 2026 (Economic Development Initiative), $22,500
- Mount Vernon City School District – Yellow Jacket CORE Drive to Succeed, $12,500
- Knox County Educational Service Center – Youth Enrichment Series (Year 3 of 3), $12,500
- Area Development Foundation, Inc. – 2026 Knox Teacher Manufacturing Bootcamp, $10,000
- Food for the Hungry – Annual Drive Day Campaign (Year 3 of 3), $5,000
“These record-level grant requests demonstrate both the strength of our nonprofit community and the significant needs within Knox County,” said Lisa Lloyd, senior program director of the Knox County Foundation.
“We are proud to partner with these organizations to make meaningful, long-term investments in our community.”
Summer youth enrichment grants
New this year, the foundation launched Summer Youth Enrichment Grants. The grants are designed to reduce financial barriers that prevent children and teens from participating in meaningful summer and extracurricular programs.
The initiative aims to ensure that all Knox County youth have opportunities to grow, connect, and thrive through summer and seasonal experiences.
Summer Youth Enrichment Grant recipients include:
- SPI – Summer Enrichment Camps, $10,300
- MTVarts – Education Taking Wing Programming, $10,000
- Knox County Family and Children First Council – Intentional Funding Program, $10,000
- The Gund at Kenyon College – Summer Camp Series for Middle Schoolers and Teens, $6,000
Donor-advised fund grants
In addition to competitive grants, the board ratified $289,660 in grants to 44 organizations from 21 Donor Advised Funds. These grants, recommended by fund advisors between Dec. 2 and Feb. 10, support a range of charitable initiatives across the community.
The next competitive grant cycle will conclude on April 15. An Expression of Intent form is due by March 15. This cycle will be for small grants only, for requests of $10,000 or less.
For more information about grant opportunities, visit www.knoxcf.org.
Knox County Foundation is a nonprofit organization dedicated to improving the quality of life in Knox County through charitable giving.
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