Ottawa County Community Foundation launches new year

The Ottawa County Community Foundation (OCCF) recently held its annual organizational meeting, at which trustees elected officers and Board members for 2022.
Outgoing President Jan Preston presented a gavel to Deborah Harmeyer upon her election as the new president of the Foundation.
“This will be an exciting year for the foundation,” Harmeyer said. “We are so pleased with our new executive director, Shea McGrew, who was hired as the first executive director for the Foundation last April. He is a remarkable leader for us, as we continue to develop and promote the opportunities available through our growing Foundation.”
Other officers elected include Jim Deer, vice president; Marcia Jess, secretary and John Madison, treasurer. In addition, Arlyn Bensch, Deb Harmeyer, Paul Druckenmiller and Ronald Overmyer were re-elected to three-year terms on the Board of Trustees.
Harmeyer welcomed new board member Julene Market, who begins a three-year term.
Highlighting the Foundation’s growth since 1999, Harmeyer said, “Our assets are currently over $12 million in 98 different funds established by generous donors to support their favorite causes for years to come.”
In 2021, OCCF granted more than $136,000 to support 46 projects and initiatives requested by local nonprofit organizations. The Foundation’s scholarship funds also provided more than $152,000 to support 121 Ottawa County students seeking higher education or continuing education.
McGrew expressed thanks to individuals and businesses for their generous response to the year-end fundraising campaign. OCCF has been visiting with local businesses throughout the county to share the work that the Foundation is doing to support nonprofits and local students.
“We are also thrilled that we have received a gift from the Burton D. Morgan Foundation to match up to $50,000 in donations through March,” McGrew said. “The support we receive from our year-end campaign enables the Ottawa County Community Foundation to continue its quest of ‘Doing Good. Forever.’”
For more information about grants, scholarships, donating, or OCCF updates, email ottawaccf@gmail.com, visit ottawaccf.org or call 419-635-7750. The OCCF office, 306 Madison St., Port Clinton, is open from noon until 3 p.m. every Wednesday.