Category: Knox County Ministries

Knox County Foundation Awards $482,600 in Latest Grant Cycle

The Knox County Foundation has awarded $482,600 in grants to support organizations and programs throughout Knox County. WNZR talked with Lisa Lloyd, Senior Program Director with the Foundation.

Click HERE to hear the full conversation.

The largest award, a $300,000 grant to Interchurch Social Services, will help develop a new food pantry at 156 Howard Street in Mount Vernon. The renovated facility will provide additional storage for fresh and perishable foods while strengthening Interchurch’s ability to distribute food to other local pantries with limited storage.

Additional grants will support a wide range of community needs, including education and workforce development, health services, youth programs, recreation, facility improvements and nonprofit operations. Among the recipients are Habitat for Humanity, Fredericktown Local Schools, Knox Public Health, the YMCA of Mount Vernon, Knox Technical Center and several other local organizations. The Foundation also allocated $20,000 for Career and Technical Education scholarships. The next Small Grant cycle opens with an Expression of Intent deadline of September 15, followed by an application deadline of October 15.

Picture – The future home of Interchurch Social Services’ new food pantry at 156 Howard Street in Mount Vernon. Knox County Foundation awarded $300,000 to support renovations to the building.

Full Press Release:

MOUNT VERNON, Ohio (August 21, 2026) — The Knox County Foundation Board of Directors awarded $482,600 at its August board meeting. 

The largest award is a $300,000 grant to Interchurch Social Services to support the development of a new food pantry at 156 Howard Street in Mount Vernon. The building, donated by the Knox County Land Bank, will be renovated to create additional storage for fresh and perishable foods and increase Interchurch’s ability to distribute food to other area pantries with limited storage capacity.

“We are excited to partner with Interchurch Social Services on this important project and support their vision for expanding food access in our community,” said Lisa Lloyd, Senior Program Director at Knox County Foundation. “This new facility will not only help serve more local families, but also strengthen the network of food pantries across Knox County.”

The Foundation also approved funding to support education and workforce development, health and human services, youth programs, community improvements and nonprofit operations throughout the county.

Other grants awarded through the July cycle include:

  • Habitat for Humanity — $35,000 to purchase a forklift to safely and efficiently move ReStore donations and construction materials used for new home builds and repairs.
  • Fredericktown Local Schools — $23,000 to help establish a three-booth welding lab as the district expands its Agriscience pathway to include welding instruction and industry-recognized certifications.
  • Knox Public Health — $20,000 to replace the emergency backup generator at its main facility, helping protect temperature-sensitive vaccines and maintain essential health services during power outages.
  • Freedom Center — $20,000 for sidewalk and drainage improvements at its South Main Street facility, including concrete replacement, drainage repairs and basement waterproofing.
  • YMCA of Mount Vernon — $15,000 to provide financial assistance for memberships and programs, including childcare, summer camp, swimming lessons, youth sports and other activities.

  • Danville Athletic Boosters — $15,000 toward improvements to the Danville High School baseball field, including work to improve field conditions, drainage and player safety.

  • Knox Technical Center — $10,000 to support its OTC+ program, which expands access to career and technical education opportunities for area students.

  • Advocates for Families — $8,000 to support Youth Intervention Services, providing mentoring and individualized support to Knox County youth.

  • Place 4 Grace — $8,000 to support the expansion of p4g THRIFT into a new location within the Habitat for Humanity ReStore, helping generate revenue for maternity housing and support services.

  • Civil Air Patrol 299th Cadet Flight — $4,000 toward startup costs for the newly chartered Knox County squadron, which provides aviation and leadership experiences for youth ages 12–18.

  • Knox Health Planning Partnership — $2,500 to help provide transportation assistance for qualifying Knox County residents traveling outside the county for non-emergency medical care.

  • Kno-Ho-Co-Ashland Community Action Commission — $2,100 to purchase an automated external defibrillator (AED) for its Mount Vernon clinic.


The Foundation also allocated $20,000 for Career and Technical Education scholarships.

“The projects supported through this grant cycle reflect the wide range of work happening every day to make Knox County a stronger community,” said Lloyd “From expanding access to food to creating opportunities for students and supporting local organizations, we’re grateful to be able to invest in work that will make a meaningful difference for Knox County residents.”

Knox County Foundation accepts Small Grant applications four times each year and Major Grant applications twice annually. The next Small Grant cycle begins with an Expression of Intent deadline of September 15, followed by an application deadline of October 15. Grant decisions will be announced in November.

For more information about Knox County Foundation grant opportunities and application requirements, visit 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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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 talks with Marissa Stephens, Mobile Operations Coordinator for Starting Point Pregnancy & Family Resource Center

The Morning Thing talked about the Sanctity of Human Life on Friday. They shared some eye-opening facts and talked about a new ministry outreach from Starting Point Pregnancy & Family Resource Center.
Marissa Stephens, Starting Point’s NEW Mobile Operations Coordinator shared the exciting news on how this new part of their ministry will reach our community.
Click HERE to hear the full conversation, or click on the link below.

She shared the mission and services that the Mobile Unit will provide to residents. Starting Point is currently looking for volunteers – specifically stenographers or nurses anyone that can provide maintenance to the mobile vehicles. You can support this project at www.friendsofksp.com/give

Facts on Life (from Starting Point):

  • 80% of women choose life after they see an ultrasound
  • A baby’s Heart starts beating at 5 weeks, often before a woman knows she’s pregnant! The heart beats about 54 million times between conception and birth!
  • In 2024 there was a total of 2,164,043 client visits to pro-life pregnancy centers, according to a report from Heartbeat International! Starting Point saw 2,033 client visits in 2024 and 2,277 in 2025!
  • A baby’s unique fingerprints form at 13 weeks
  • Strong Families are the foundation of a healthy communities. Starting Point served 287 individual clients. 40 of those clients were men seeking fatherhood and other support!
  • At 18 weeks in the womb, a baby can hear and identify their mom’s voice! (Abortion is legal in Ohio up to 21 weeks and 6 days!)

Also, check out the video below that gives you an overview of the NEW Mobile Unit Ministry with Starting Point. Exciting things are happening here in Knox County. Join the Fight for LIFE!

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Olivia Stern and Kathy Brechler talk about Food For The Hungry Live and Drive Day!

Food For The Hungry Live and Drive Day is happening today (12/12)!

Olivia Stern, Digital Content and Marketing Director, and Kathy Brechler, Executive Director of Food For The Hungry, talk about what today looks like.

They share where most of the funds will be going and how you can get involved. They also give other details about the live broadcast.

For more information about today click HERE!

To watch the live broadcast click HERE!

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Joe Rinehart and Jayme McMillan share about Food For The Hungry Live!

Joe Rinehart and Jayme McMillan are both assistant professors of communications at MVNU, and they lead the live broadcast for Food For The Hungry.

They both share what it takes to make this event possible and why they believe that it is important. They also explain the details behind the broadcast.

The Live Broadcast begins on Friday, Dec. 12 at 9 A.M. and continues until 5 P.M.

FFTH Live will be available on 100.9 FM and 93.7 HD2 – WMVO, with video stream at www.mvnu.tv and the FFTH YouTube channel. Updates will be given throughout the day on 90.9FM WNZR, 93.7 The Super Q, and FFTH social media. 
FFTH Live will air from the Memorial Theater in Knox Memorial on East High Street in Mount Vernon.

This year’s Broadcast, as always, is a celebration of giving. The Broadcast highlights many community members and organizations presenting their contributions to the Drive. 
The FFTH Winter Grants recipients will be featured throughout the day. FFTH and Psi Iota Xi will also recognize several Knox County school and student collection winners.  

For more information about Food For The Hungry click HERE!

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Kathy Brechler and Olivia Stern joined us to discuss the Kick-Off for the 2025 Food For The Hungry Drive!

The Kick-Off for the 2025 Food For The Hungry Drive is tomorrow, Friday, November 7th!

Kathy Brechler, Executive Director, and Olivia Stern, Digital Content and Marketing Director for FFTH, shared a brief history of their involvement with the ministry. They also explained their roles, talked about the Kick-off, and shared ways that the community can help FFTH and Knox County.

To learn more about Food For The Hungry click HERE!

If you would like to volunteer click HERE!

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Heather Lanzer of Knox County Starting Point Pregnancy and Family Resource Center shares with WNZR!

We got to talk with Heather Lanzer who is the Nurse manger at Knox Starting Point!

She shared a little bit about the services they provide and how the Lord has provided them with volunteers. She also talks about how to become a volunteer!

To get involved click HERE.

For more information about Starting Point click HERE.

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WNZR talks with Abbey Ernst about Starting Point Pregnancy and Family Resource Center!

We got to talk with Abbey Ernst who is the Client Services Director at Knox Starting Point. She shared a little bit about some of their programs, their priority and goals, as well as how to get involved! We love sharing the stories of local ministries that do so much for our community.

To get involved click HERE.

For more information about Starting Point click HERE.

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Exciting news about a local ministry – TouchPointe Community Resources

The Morning Thing shared some exciting news about one of our local ministries. Jessica Reynolds joined us to share the new name and mission for TouchPointe Community Resources. Jessica serves as the Executive Director. She shared stories of how God is moving through their ministry, along with information on programs that they offer and goals for the rest of 2025.

Click HERE to hear the full conversation.

TouchPointe provides Christ-centered mentoring and practical assistance that equips neighbors to heal relationships, create thriving families, and develop employment readiness.

To find out more, go to their website – https://touchpointe.org/

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WNZR joins Women United to pack backpacks and tour the new Salvation Army “Learning Lighthouse”

Today was an exciting day at the Salvation Army in Mount Vernon. A group of Women United joined together to pack 300 backpacks for the Salvation Army. Women United is an affinity group of the United Way of Knox County Ohio comprised of passionate women who offer their time, talent and treasure to improve lives throughout Knox County.
After packing backpacks for local students, the ladies had the chance to tour the new Salvation Army 13,270-square-foot childcare center called “The Learning Lighthouse”.

Captain Christine Moretz shared a timeline for opening the new center, plus an update on fundraising.
Click HERE to hear the full conversation or click on the link below. Pictures from the event are also included below.

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