The Ottawa County Community Foundation, Inc. recently elected 2019 officers. They are: President Joy Roth; Vice-President Jan Preston; Secretary Marcia Jess; and Treasurer John Madison. Paul Druckenmiller, Deb Harmeyer and Gary Kohli were re-elected to three-year terms on the Board of Directors.

Arlyn Bensch, of Oak Harbor, was approved as the newest board member. He will begin his three-year term in March, bringing the board roster to 14 members.

“This will be an exciting year for us,” said Roth. “We will celebrate our 20th year as a Community Foundation. Ottawa County Community Foundation, Inc., a public charitable organization, was created in 1999 by the citizens of our community.”

Roth was proud to highlight how the foundation has grown in just two decades.

“Our assets are over $8.6 million in 88 different funds, and these funds are invested for the future,” said Roth. “Last year, we were able to award grants to 34 local organizations to support special projects. And scholarship funds provided financial support to 120 students seeking higher education.”

Scholarship applications for graduating Ottawa County seniors can be obtained from the guidance office at high schools throughout Ottawa County. This is also the time when the OCCF Grants Committee accepts requests for funding for 2019-20. Interested organizations should refer to the Grant Guidelines available on the Foundation’s website www.ottawaccf.org. The deadline for applications is Friday, March 15. Questions regarding grants or scholarships may be directed to info@ottawaccf.org or stop at the foundation office, 306 Madison St., Port Clinton on Wednesdays between noon and 3 p.m.

President Roth expressed thanks to businesses and individuals for their generous response to the year end fund-raising campaign. This support enables the Ottawa County Community Foundation to continue its mission to serve as a mechanism for charitable giving and enrich the community by supporting local needs.