The Darke County Foundation (formerly named HOPE Foundation of Darke County) is dedicated to improving the quality of life in Darke County by receiving, managing and distributing charitable gifts for the benefit of local residents. The Foundation supports areas such as education, the arts, social services, community projects, religious organizations, conservation and animal welfare.
Through donations by individuals, families, businesses and charitable organizations, the Darke County Foundation provides long-term support for causes in which our donors strongly believe. Our goal is to assist donors in fulfilling their charitable wishes, creating lasting legacies for years to come.
Become a member of the Friends of the Foundation
Support scholarships to Darke County students and community grants to local non-profit organizations.
Sat., Sept. 19, 2020
8:30 am Greenville City Park
Proceeds benefit local non-profit organizations
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$18 (includes shirt)
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$15 age 14 and under (includes shirt)
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$5 age 14 and under (no shirt)
In 2019 the Darke County Foundation awarded $160,000 in scholarships to more than 100 Darke County students, including these graduates from Tri-Village High School.
NEWS & INFORMATION
Two recipients of the First International Travel Award meet with the fund’s donor and family. From left: Don Thomas; 2019 recipient Sam Stachler; Dr. Alice Kruckeberg Swinger; 2020 recipient Lauren Menke;
Dr. Jennifer Swinger Thomas.
Foundation Recognizes England Travel Award
Since 2013, the First International Travel Fund at the Darke County Foundation has provided a scholarship for a Versailles High School junior and parent to visit England. The donor, Dr. Alice Kruckeberg Swinger of Greenville, recently met with 2 recipients in Versailles, along with Dr. Swinger’s daughter and son-in-law, Don and Jennifer Thomas, visiting from Gainesville, Florida.
The recipients were Sam Stachler, VHS class of 2020, who made his trip in August 2019 with his father, Eric, and Lauren Menke, VHS class of 2021, who is plan-
ning a trip in November with her mother, Bethany. Dr. Swinger’s fund
at the Foundation provided $3,400 to each student.
Dr. Swinger is a 1947 Versailles High School graduate, former
Wright State University professor, and travel enthusiast. Dr. Swinger
started the fund because she felt it was important for students to
learn how to travel internationally and plan their own itinerary.
“International travel helps students deepen and strengthen their
vision of the world and its people,” said Dr. Swinger. “Students
broaden their view of different cultures and their own future.”
“The trip is meant to provide experience with the mechanics and
details of travel,” she added. “Passports, air and land transportation,
currency, accommodations, material and mental preparation are all
part of the adventure of traveling.”
Eric Stachler and his son Sam visit the River Thames in London as part of the First International Travel award
2020 High School Scholarships
High school seniors who attend a Darke County high school or are home schooled are eligible to apply for scholarships from the Darke County Foundation. Applications will be available February 1, 2020, and due March 31, 2020. Click here to apply.
Versailles Scholarship for Wittenberg
David Oliver, 1958 graduate of Versailles High School, established a scholarship for VHS graduates bound for Wittenberg University. Living in Miami, Florida, since 1962, Oliver said, “Two of the many blessings I experienced in my life were 1) to grow up in the terrific Versailles environment with a remarkable family, and 2) to experience four enjoyable and rewarding years at Wittenberg University in Springfield.”
While in high school, Oliver excelled in football, basketball, baseball and track. He joined the wrestling team at Wittenberg, becoming captain, and went on to enjoy a long career at the Miami Herald newspaper.
2020 Community Grants
Last year the Darke County Foundation awarded $404,000 in community grants to non-profit organizations that serve Darke County residents. Applications for community grants are available in May each year and due in late June. Click here for 2020 application.
2019 SUNshine 5K Raises $15,000 for Community
Darke County Foundation's SUNshine 5K on Sept. 14, 2019, raised $15,000 for local non-profit organizations:
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Ansonia H.S. National Honor Society
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Cancer Association of Darke County
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DeColores Montessori School
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Edison Foundation
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St. Mary's School
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Darke County Foundation
Thanks to major sponsors Premier Health, Reid Health, Walgreens, Wayne HealthCare, and Ray and Bettye Laughlin.