The Knox County Foundation awards a record $1.08 Million in Competitive Grants

WNZR’s Marcy Rinehart talked with Lisa Lloyd, Senior Program Director for The Knox County Foundation. Lisa shared the exciting news of recent grant awards. The Foundation Board of Directors has approved $1,087,800 in competitive grant funding to 16 nonprofit organizations. Among the awards are two $300,000 grants.
The Knox County Board of Developmental Disabilities received $300,000 toward the New Hope Early Education Center Renovation.
The Winter Sanctuary was also awarded $300,000 for a “Permanent Home” – a transformational, permanent facility for Knox County’s emergency shelter and homeless advocacy services.

Lisa also shared details about how the grant process works and how local non-profits can apply.
She also announced the NEW Summer Youth Enrichment Grants. $36.300 in grants were awarded to ensure that all Knox County youth have opportunities to grow, connect, and thrive through summer and seasonal experiences.

Lisa also shared about other grants and scholarships that the Foundation awards each year and details about the application process.

Click HERE to hear the full conversation or click on the picture below.

For more information about grant opportunities, visit http://www.knoxcf.org

Picture – Ann Marie Wiley, assistant director (left), and Joe Springer, executive director of The Winter Sanctuary, represent one of two organizations awarded $300,000 in competitive grants from the Knox County Foundation during its February grant cycle. (Photo courtesy of The Winter Sanctuary)

FULL PRESS RELEASE

Lisa Lloyd
Senior Program Director
Knox County Foundation
740-392-3270
Lisa@knoxcf.org

Knox County Foundation Awards Record $1.08 Million in Competitive Grants

Historic awards include two $300,000 grants and the launch of a new summer youth enrichment initiative

MOUNT VERNON, Ohio (Feb. 27, 2026) — The Knox County Foundation Board of Directors approved $1,087,800 in competitive grant funding to 16 nonprofit organizations at its February 11, 2026, board meeting.

This year’s cycle saw a record number of applications and a total request amount of $1,937,279, reflecting 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.

Steve Oster, superintendent of the KCBDD, said, “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. 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 five.”

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 dedicated space for unhoused families with children and will allow for the potential of 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. 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,” said Joe Springer, executive director at the Winter Sanctuary.

2026 Competitive Grant Recipients:

  • Knox County Board of Developmental Disabilities – NewHope Early Education Center Renovation (Three-Year Capital Improvement Plan), $300,000
  • The Winter Sanctuary – A Permanent Home for Knox County’s Unhoused, $300,000
  • Foundation for Knox Community Hospital – Grant Award to be Publicly Announced at a Later Date
  • 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.”

Introducing Summer Youth Enrichment Grants

New this year, the Foundation launched Summer Youth Enrichment Grants, 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 December 2 and February 10, support a wide range of charitable initiatives across the community.

The next competitive grant cycle will conclude April 15, 2026. An Expression of Intent form is due by March 15, 2026. 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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WNZR’s Meet the Staff Monday with Naomi Kinne

Senior Naomi Kinne is no stranger to WNZR. She has been serving as our Graphic Designer for the past year, but she has now joined our WNZR On Air Staff!

Naomi is from Circleville, Ohio and is a Graphic Design Major. Her minor is Communication and Digital Media. Naomi enjoys public speaking and is excited to get the opportunity to use those skills on the radio. She is also serving as the social media manager for the MVNU Basketball and Cheer Teams.

Noami shares some of her favorite memories on campus including the Block Party. She talks about making memories with other WNZR Staff Members on a trip to the CMB University Conference (Christian Music Broadcasters).

Naomi’s favorite artists at WNZR include Elevation Worship, Josiah Queen and Forrest Frank. She shared other favorites including Mexican food and her 3 sisters. Naomi is the oldest!

Naomi’s life verse is Colossians 3:2. It reminds her to focus on eternity and focus on God.  

Catch her on air Fridays 2pm – 3pm.

Click HERE to hear the full conversation or click on the picture below.

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The Morning Thing Friday Favorites – we celebrate Spring Break!

Today, we wrapped up the first of 2 weeks of Spring Break at Mount Vernon Nazarene University. For our Friday Favorites, The Morning Thing hosts shared how they are celebrating break.

Click HERE to hear from Marcy, Josiah, Eric and Xander OR click on the picture below.

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Use your words for good!

Today on The Morning Thing we talked all about the power of words! Words can be a force for good or bad based on how you use them. These are some simple and easy ways to use words to build others up!

It is Words Matter Week, acting as a reminder of how important words are, every single day!

The ways:

  • Appreciation
  • Affirmation
  • Encouragement

Click HERE to see what they say about them!

Click HERE to read about Words Matter Week!

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Simple ways to build your life around Jesus!

Today is Courageous Follower Day. The day focuses on the role of followers in any team or organization. It recognizes the power of committed and engaged followers who contribute to success through their actions and decisions.

As followers of Christ, this day can highlight the importance of believers who actively live out their faith not just as passive spectators, but as committed disciples of Christ. A courageous Christian follower stands firm in biblical truth, supports godly leadership, and serves others with humility and love. They build their life around Jesus!

So how can we do this?

Here are 3 simple ways:

1. Be with Jesus

Spend intentional time with Jesus each day, because relationships grow through consistent connection. In the middle of life’s noise and distractions, set aside a quiet moment to simply talk with your Heavenly Father. Just as meaningful conversations require the right setting, create a daily space to be still and meet with Him.

2. Become Like Jesus

Allow Jesus’ teachings to transform your life so that your choices and actions reflect His ways. As you walk with Him, the Holy Spirit will continue to reveal the areas that need to become more like Jesus.

3. Do What Jesus Did

Remember the WWJD bracelets—“What Would Jesus Do?” A helpful way to personalize it is to ask, “What would Jesus do if He were me right now?” That question brings His presence into our everyday decisions, conversations, and thoughts so our actions begin to align with His heart.

To find out more about Courageous Follower Day click HERE!

To read more about these 3 simple ways click HERE!

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Looking for something FUN to do with your small group or for your next family gathering?

The Morning Thing is here to help! We found a list of 75 FUN Icebreaker Games to try at your next party!

Thanks to women.lifeway.com for compiling a list of great ideas to break the ice. These are fun games that will get your group laughing and connecting.

Click HERE to see the full list.

They are separated into these categories:
– Quick Icebreaker Games
– Just for Laughs
– Conversation Prompts
– Active and Movement Games
– Team Challenges
– Encouraging & Uplifting
– Quick & Easy Time Fillers

Let us know if you try one of these ideas. We would love to hear your story! Send us an email and a picture – wnzr@themorningthing

75 Fun Icebreaker Games for Your Small Group
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WNZR’s Meet the Staff Monday with Isabel Johnson

Meet Isabel Johnson, one of the newest voices you’ll hear on WNZR!

Click HERE to hear the full conversation between Isabel and WNZR’s Marcy Rinehart!

Isabel grew up in Bucyrus, and she’s been around MVNU since she was little. She decided to attend MVNU, because she felt the community was open and focused on faith. She is a double major in Music Performance and Communication and Digital Media at MVNU.

Isabel wants to pursue radio broadcasting so joining WNZR was a no brainer. She also wants to write songs and tell stories in her future.

When it comes to music, one of Isabel’s favorite artists is Josiah Queen. She also loves hearing Black Sheep by Ben Fuller.

Outside the studio, Isabel is involved in collagens corral which is an ensemble choir, and she is excited for their upcoming performance, Big Fish. Her favorite food is fried chicken with some mac and cheese and fries. On the weekend, she likes to read, make crafts, and read her Bible.

Isabel shared how God has been helping her with her self-worth, and how he has helped through tough times. She feels now that she is unique and loved by God! Her two favorite verses are Psalms 46:5 and Psalms 46:10a:

“God is within her, she will not fall; God will help her at break of day.” – Psalms 46:5

““Be still, and know that I am God” – Psalms 46:10a

You can catch Isabel on-air Tuesday nights from 11 p.m. to midnight and on Friday from 11 a.m. to noon.

Click HERE to learn more about WNZR!

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Your guide to Leadership!

Today on The Morning Thing, Josiah and Xander shared some of the most important qualities of a good leader. They also talked about how they can apply to your life! These are great to use if there is a place in your life where you need to be a leader for others.

Our favorite leadership quality:

  • Clear Communication

Take these and try to apply them into your everyday walk!

Click HERE to read the full article!

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