BUCYRIS, OH (CRAWFORD COUNTY NOW)—Families and children in Crawford County will feel the support this quarter from Wombat Solar, which just announced 19 winners of their quarterly Community Grant Program.
Children’s programs and activities from Sycamore to Galion applied for grant funding. Acres of Adventure in Sycamore, which is growing their outdoor classroom for agriculture education, is a first-time recipient of a Wombat Solar Grant. Crawford County WIC will soon host its 23rd Annual Baby Shower, providing vital care for 40 expecting families. The Avita Health Foundation is preparing to break ground on a sensory play park for children with disabilities in Galion, and Bucyrus Area Youth Soccer will spend its grant on field lighting for the Lane Street fields.
The Community Grant Program has been open for almost two years, and this quarter saw the largest number of applicants yet. Leah Cordy, Director of Community Relations at Wombat Solar, explained, “When we first came to Crawford County a few years ago, we met with several organizations to ask what they needed from their community. Every organization said the same thing: We have the people, the energy, and the ideas; we just need funding.”
Cordy runs her own nonprofit and is familiar with the hardships of finding resources in a rural area. She says, “Meeting people and giving back to the area is the most important part of our mission, and we are proud to support the energy and creativity of these groups.”
This quarter’s other first-time recipients include: Galion Historical Society, Bucyrus Historical Society, Galion Grace Bretheren Church’s “Gifts of Love” Pantry, St John Lutheran Church Food Pantry, and Preserving Galion.
Crawford County Public Health also received the second installment towards their free health clinic in the second week of August. The “GuardCare” event will provide physicals, dental exams and extractions, vaccinations, and many other services. Wombat’s contribution will cover optometry supplies for free eye exams.
Kate Siefert, Health Commissioner at Crawford Public Health, says, “While the Ohio National Guard medical teams will arrive to provide medical care, they come with no budget and no supplies. The Guard relies heavily on the local community to supply the resources needed to provide the needed care. Generous donors, like Wombat Solar, ensure that this clinic will be able to provide eye exams and treatment to many individuals in our area. Thanks to Wombat Solar, we can offer no-cost eye exams and we are extremely grateful for their generosity!”
Wombat Solar is also proud to continue relationships with community staples that have received several grants over the program’s life. Repeat recipients include the Bratwurst Festival, the Salvation Army, Crawford County Agricultural Society, Jefferson Fire Department, Life First Ambulance District, Wynford Local Schools, the Crawford Community Foundation, and Crawford County Art Center.
Applications for the Q3 Wombat Solar Community Grant Program are now open and will close on September 15. All nonprofits and charitable organizations operating in Crawford County are encouraged to apply. Applicants can apply for up to $5,000 in funding, which can be used to fund a specific project or existing operating expenses. For more information about the Wombat Solar Community Grant Program and how to apply, please visit Wombatsolarproject.com.