Mercer County Civic Foundation continues building community impact through grants, scholarships and charitable funds

The Mercer County Civic Foundation continues to help local organizations, students and community projects by managing charitable funds created by people throughout the area.

Executive Director Sharon Green said the foundation serves as a resource for the entire community, with donated money ultimately returning to Mercer County through scholarships, grants and support for nonprofit organizations.

Green, who is nearing five years with the foundation, said the organization currently manages more than 220 individual funds. Those include permanent endowments, donor-advised funds, scholarship funds and temporary accounts established for specific community projects.

The foundation’s grant program supports a wide range of organizations and needs. Recent examples discussed by Green included youth mentoring, senior services, cancer assistance, the Barbershop Quartet and improvements at the Hopewell Grange building at the Mercer County Fairgrounds.

Green said the foundation also helps community groups that may not have the staff or financial systems needed to manage donations independently. By establishing a project fund through the foundation, organizers can collect tax-deductible donations while ensuring the money is handled with proper oversight.

One current example involves the Coldwater Girls Soccer Club, which is raising money for bathroom and changing facilities near its field. The temporary project fund will remain open until the work is completed and the donated money has been distributed.

Permanent endowments are designed to create a lasting impact. Green explained that the original donation remains invested while a portion of the earnings is distributed each year. Some funds established decades ago have grown significantly while continuing to support the purpose originally selected by the donor.

The foundation also manages more than 80 scholarship funds for students from Mercer County and surrounding communities with local ties. A spreadsheet on the foundation’s website allows applicants to identify scholarships available through their school and review any additional academic or career requirements.

Green encouraged students and parents who are overwhelmed by the application process to contact the foundation directly. She said the goal is to distribute the available scholarship money and help as many eligible students as possible apply.

Scholarship funds are often created in memory or honor of a family member, friend or community leader. Green said those funds allow donors to preserve a person’s legacy while helping students pursue education and careers that may eventually benefit the region.

The Mercer County Civic Foundation was established in 1960. Its funds support charitable organizations, community projects and educational opportunities throughout the area.