Dear Friends of the Wayne County Foundation,

Thank you for trusting the Foundation to support your charitable goals! We are grateful to the many individuals and families that established new funds and made gifts to one or more of the many nonprofit organizations in Wayne County. We are proud to help steward these gifts that impact our home.

In 2022, the Foundation received more than $2.8 million in gifts, established 24 new funds, and granted $2.3 million to organizations supporting our community, including $564,000 in scholarship awards to rising or returning college students.

This year, we will be honoring two individuals for their commitment to Wayne County and dedication to our philanthropic community with the Charles A. Rodefeld and the Ruth J. Wickemeyer Awards. Both awardees have a Spirit of Philanthropy that impacts Wayne County. Our Lilly Endowment Community Scholars are featured along with legacy giving and impact-driven grantmaking.

We hope the stories on the following pages serve to illustrate the impact of the Foundation’s work throughout Wayne County. When people care enough to give generously and support their charitable interests and communities, there is no end to what can be accomplished.

Kathryn Girten Rebecca Gilliam 2023 Board Chair Executive Director

In 2022, the Wayne County Foundation recognized our entire community as “champions of philanthropy.” Through the Champions of Philanthropy Campaign, the Foundation showcased our supporters (even put them on billboards!), shared their giving stories, and why they chose to work with the Foundation.

WHAT DOES IT MEAN TO BE A Champion of Philanthropy?

In 2022, we were purposeful in highlighting some of these champions. We have shared their stories, what they support, and how it has impacted lives—theirs and our residents. More importantly, we emphasized how their generous giving has impacted nonprofits in Wayne County now and for the future.

That’s why it’s part of our mission. In our community, philanthropy is truly the story of enhancing the spirit of community and improving the quality of life in Wayne County.

Generous. Supportive. Purposeful. Helpful. Passionate. A giver of time, talent, and funds. This is what a champion of philanthropy means.

A giving spirit has long been woven into the fabric of Wayne County. In 1979, after years of planning and discussion, the Wayne County Foundation was formally established. It was an instant success with businesses, philanthropists, and community supporters wanting to help others. Members of the community could now create a philanthropic legacy for themselves and their families. Moreover, it gave them an avenue to pursue their passions while actively addressing the various needs of Wayne County.

Just one year later, the first grants to nonprofit organizations and scholarships to students were awarded. Four decades later, the Foundation has awarded more than $35 million to local organizations and students in our community. All with the help of donors who give of their funds; who give of their time; and who invest in supporting local causes and organizations. True champions of philanthropy.

“We are a trusted partner in philanthropy,” shared Foundation Executive Director Rebecca Gilliam.“ I love working with donors who have this desire, almost need, to give back and provide support for a cause or an organization. It is incredible to assist individuals and families achieve their charitable goals.”

As the Foundation looks to the future, we will continue to be responsible stewards of the resources for those who love Wayne County today, tomorrow, and forever.

“Philanthropy has long been a tradition in Wayne County. I don’t know where it started, but it certainly seems to continue, and we just have a very giving spirit here.”

Marty and Beth Van Der Burgt