In 2019, The Shelby Foundation worked collaboratively with several organizations to help improve the quality of life for area residents.

One effort was with Marvin Memorial Library and the Little Buckeye Museum to bring traveling exhibits to the Shelby. The $10,000 grant, on all accounts, has been successful. Kids of all ages are getting enticed into the library and enjoying the exhibits while getting a taste of what the Little Buckeye Museum has to offer and other opportunities on what library can bring.

The united effort built a strong relationship between the organizations. So, when the Little Buckeye Museum and the Renaissance embarked on their own joint project to expand their space into a designated “arts area” called the Imagination District, they had the Foundation’s full support.

The two organizations are pursuing a campaign to raise $6 million to renovate properties adjacent to the Renaissance’s current location to further their respective missions, expand programming, and establish an attractive, creative and financially viable anchor from a series of neglected, derelict buildings.

The Shelby Foundation Board unanimously voted to support the capital campaign by awarding $25,000 to the project.

This is another substantial grant awarded by The Shelby Foundation. In the last two years, the Foundation’s Board has awarded $50,000 to Shelby’s Fire Department and $250,000 to the Community Improvement Corporation of Shelby’s downtown revitalization project.

Director Carrie Kemerer said, “The Foundation exists to help area nonprofits succeed in their missions with grants to help them sustain their everyday programming; however, when large scale opportunities present themselves, the Foundation’s financial support can make all the difference for organizations that turns their vision into a reality.”