Arts & Culture
Upper Arlington Public Library, Early Learning Play Area
2022: $20,000, Foundation Grant, Lead Donor, Lane Road Branch
2021: $20,000, Foundation Grant, Lead Donor, Mail Library Tremont Road
Foundation grants enhanced existing library spaces at Tremont and Lane Road Branches to expand its mission of play-based learning. These spaces engage children in their social and emotional development through peer interactions as well as create opportunities for children and families to establish new connections within their community.
Diversity
Tri-Village Chamber and Rainbow UA, DEIB Training
2023: $5,000 Foundation Grant
Foundation funds supported a collaboration between the Tri Village Chamber Partnership and Rainbow UA to provide cultural competency training on the subject of Diversity, Equity, Inclusion, and Belonging (DEIB) for UA businesses who aim to serve the community as inclusive and supportive local organizations. The Tri Village Chamber Partnership helps small businesses in the Tri Village area develop, grow, and succeed. Rainbow UA creates community, provides support, and shares resources for LGBTQ+ families and individuals in Upper Arlington.
Education
Knell Family Basketball Scholarship
2023: Ceylone Brooks, UAHS #2, DME Academy
2022: Alyssa Gest, UAHS #21, Kenyon College
Sue Knell was a life-long UA resident. An UAHS graduate, she later played collegiate basketball at Colorado Women’s College, an all-women’s college now associated with Denver University. Her legacy is remembered in celebration of one annual UAHS Girls Basketball Senior.
Health & Wellness
UA Lacrosse Association, 3132 Family Sports Court
2022: $25,000, Foundation Grant
2022: Grant by Lisa Ingram and Greg Guy
The UA Lacrosse Association received a Foundation grant and matching gift to create 3132 Family Sports Court at Sunny 95 Park, a multi-purpose court for box lacrosse, basketball, and roller hockey. The project celebrates the legacy of Ned Smith and Kyle Vesper, members of the UA Lacrosse Family who passed away from cancer. The court was once the site of a roller hockey rink established in 2012, one of the Foundation’s first capital projects.
The Stand Project, Speaker Fees
2023: Grant by Lynn and Bob Ness Fund, Speaker
A grant from the Lynn and Bob Ness Fund supported The Stand Project to secure speaker Laura Stack, Founder and CEO of Johnny’s Ambassadors on The Dangerous Truth About Today’s Marijuana. The organization hosted the speaker for two assemblies at UAHS and an evening program for community members age 18 and older. The Stand Project is an Upper Arlington community coalition committed to impacting youth substance misuse and standing by students and families in finding help.
Safety
UA Police Division, Safety Town
2023: Grant by Don and Jane Leach, Bikes and Stop Signs
2023: $5,000, George F. Renkert Fund, Bikes and Stop Signs
2022: $12,000, Foundation Grant, Concrete Sidewalks
Safety Town is a one-week summer preschool where children learn about all aspects of child safety, sponsored by the Upper Arlington Police Division. Children attend each year to learn to make wise decisions in potentially dangerous situations and emergencies. Students learn pedestrian and traffic safety by cycling about a miniature village complete with streets, sidewalks, buildings, stop signs and a working traffic signal. Grants in 2022 and 2023 enabled the City of Upper Arlington to expand sidewalks at Safety Town to better teach participants about crosswalk safety.
UA Police Division, Runaway Pets
2023: $1,041, Foundation Grant
The UA Police Division, with the help of a few caring community volunteers, works hard to connect runaway pets with their families. With a Foundation grant, the Division purchased two pet chip readers, leashes, collars, and animal carriers to ensure officers and volunteers can successfully reunite families with their furry friends.
UA Police Division, Police Night Out
2023: $5,000, Foundation Grant
National Night Out is a community-police awareness-raising event. The Foundation provided seed funding for the UA Police Division's inaugural 2023 event planned for August 1 at St. Agatha Parish in Upper Arlington.
Caring for Neighbors
Tri Village Lions, Easter Baskets
2023: $500, Foundation Grant
Tri Village Lions Club members partnered with local UA school-aged children to prepare 200 Easter baskets for the Central Ohio Community. Baskets were gifted to Ronald McDonald House Charities of Central Ohio, Jordan's Crossing Resource Center, and the YWCA Family Center. Supplies were provided by a Foundation grant. The Tri Village Lions Club is a local service organization dedicated to improving access to quality education, youth development, and more.
Veteran Family, Financial Assistance
2022: $4,000, UA Fund for Veterans
When the sister of a fallen Veteran inherited her nephews, her family quickly doubled over night. A grant from the UA Fund for Veterans helped this family in mourning thrive with financial assistance for a downpayment for a new vehicle, accommodating the entire blended family.
UA Ice Hockey Association, Financial Assistance
2023: Grant by Fitzpatrick Family Fund
The Fitzpatrick Family believes sports should be accessible to all who wish to participate. In this spirit, the Fitzpatrick Family Fund granted scholarship support for the Upper Arlington Ice Hockey Association, ensuring local UA athletes have an equal opportunity to play.