Health & Wellness Grants
The Upper Arlington Commission on Aging, Seniorpalooza
2024: $6,000, Foundation Grant
The Upper Arlington Commission on Aging serves to educate, enrich, and empower the older residents of Upper Arlington. A Foundation grant was given in support of the Upper Arlington Commission on Aging’s inaugural “Seniorpalooza” event. Seniorpalooza is a senior education fair that provides emergency prep kits, Files of Life, and printed resources for Upper Arlington seniors in collaboration with local partners and healthcare providers. The event is planned for September 2024 to take place during Emergency Preparedness Month.
Wickliffe Progressive Elementary School, Wickliffe Woods Playground
2023: $5,000, Foundation Grant
Wickliffe Woods was designed as an accessible replacement for Wickliffe Progressive Elementary School’s 34-year-old Castle Playground. The Castle Playground was demolished on May 29, 2024, and construction for Wickliffe Woods began on July 16, 2024. The Foundation is proud to contribute to this project that increases playground accessibility through a grant provided to support the construction process.
Weinland Park Youth Athletics, UA Youth Football League Transportation
2023: Grant by Jeff and Marissa Backes Family, Fitzpatrick Family Fund, and Krauss Family Fund
The Weinland Park Youth Athletics’ mission is to provide a year-round youth athletics initiative focused on sports, quality education, routine good health, and a safe, resourceful lifestyle. A grant by the Jeff and Marissa Backes Family, the Fitzpatrick Family Fund, and the Krauss Family Fund provided transportation for Weinland Park students to participate in the Upper Arlington and Grandview Heights’ Black and Gold Youth Football League, liability insurance, and promotional materials for marketing needs.
The Stand Project, Speaker Fees
2023: Grant by Lynn and Bob Ness Fund, Speaker
The Stand Project is an Upper Arlington community coalition committed to addressing youth substance misuse and standing by students and families in finding help. 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 Upper Arlington High School and an evening program for community members aged 18 and older.
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 support 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, originally a roller hockey rink established in 2012, was one of the Foundation’s first capital projects.