2009 Awards

Bryn Du Commission

The Granville Foundation awarded the Bryn Du Commission $6,000 to assist renovation of the mansion's formal gardens, a project whose overall cost exceeds $220,000.  The foundation anticipated that it would provide follow-on assistance in ensuing years.

Granville Fellowship

The Granville Foundation has supported the Granville Fellowship since our inception.  In light of its invaluable services it provides senior citizens in our community, the Granville Foundation awarded the  Fellowship a $6,000 grant for 2009.  This award will assist the Fellowship in producing seven issues of its monthly newsletter, monthly luncheons and four trips for program participants.

Granville High School

The Granville High School submitted a proposal seeking $6,000 to assist in underwriting the $28.000 cost of  “alternative spring break trip," a student service project helping the hurricane-devastated city of Port Arthur, Texas.    Previously, similar public service projects were funded by federal disaster recovery grants and fees of about $300 paid by participating students.  Recognizing the educational value of this project, the foundation awarded the Granville High School the full $6,000 grant that was requested.

Granville Historical Society

During 2009, the Granville Historical Society received a large collection of historical documents that had been collected by the defunct Oese Robinson museum.  Sorely lacking in document storage space, the Society requested the Granville Foundation to award a grant of $5,500.00 to fund preliminary architectural plans for expanded museum space.  The foundation awarded the Society the full $5,500 stipend requested, the latest in a string of grants to assist this important community institution.

Granville Meals on Wheels

Operated from the Methodist Church kitchen, Granville's Meals on Wheels program delivers hot meals to community shut-ins and has been a mainstay of the community's social fabric for many years.  The Granville Foundation awarded $4,000 grant to assist the operations of this program.

Kendal at Granville

Located about a mile west of the Village on Columbus Road, Kendal at Granville provides housing, social, and comprehensive health services to an important part of the community's older citizens.  There is no path, however, that makes it possible for Kendal residents to walk or bike safely to the Village.   Led by resident and retired Denison University professor Bill Hoffman, Kendal at Granville requested the foundation to assist funding of engineering footprint study for a new pathway and possible purchase of necessary right-of-way.  The Granville Foundation agreed to provide $5,000 to assist this endeavor.

Granville Studio of Visual Arts

Established in 2008 to enrich the art awareness and education of Granville's youth, the Granville Studio of Visual Arts (GSVA) requested the foundation to assist its start-up efforts.  After verifying that the GSVA was a going and viable organization, the foundation awarded the organization a $5.312 grant to underwrite the purchase of four potter's wheels.  The GSVA operates in a renovated building on the grounds of the Bryn Du Mansion.

Midland Theater

Providing an important stage for enriching the cultural life of Granville and surrounding areas, the Midland Theater, under the leadership of Executive Director Michael Morris, Sr., sought a $1,500 grant “to provide workshops/master classes for Granville High and Middle School vocal students….and adult songwriting workshops."  The foundation awarded the full amount requested, building on grants to the Midland amounting to $6,000 in 2007 and $5750 in 2008.

Rendville Artists

Under the auspices of the Bryn Du Mansion, Laurie McKenzie Crane requested a $400 grant to help underwrite the cost of operating a benefit art show by the Rendville Art Works, an Ohio-based organization serving developmentally disabled adult artists.  Recognizing the success of a similar show in 2008, the Granville Foundation awarded the full stipend requested.

Robbins Hunter Museum

First a home and later a fraternity house, the Avery Downer House hold an exceptional collection of American decorative arts collected by Robbins Hunter and left to the people of Licking County, Ohio.  Meticulously restored to its 19th century elegance, the building is home to educational and entertainment opportunities for the enrichment of Granville and surrounding communities.  In 2009, the museum's board of governors sought a $5,000 grant to restore its exceptional Victoria Woodhull clockworks and to present educational workshops and an exhibit. The foundation awarded the museum the full amount requested, the latest in a number of grants dating back to 1985. 

The Teen Center

Operated in a facility donated by the First Presbyterian Church, the Teen Center was established to provide after-school care for community children.  The foundation awarded the Center $4,000 to provide scholarships to support the cost of after-school care for families with limited income.  

Vintage Voices of Granville

The Granville Foundation provided a $1,500 grant to the Vintage Voices.  Originally known as the "Village Voices,"  this program is also a long-time recipient of Granville Foundation grants. The Vintage Voices have received grants from the foundation each year since 1985, starting with a grant of $250.00. The Group, led by long-time Granville vocal leader Theodosia “Teddy” Westlake, provides vocal music to groups and organizations throughout Granville and Licking County all year long. Perhaps as or even more important, the Vintage Voices provides a musical outlet to older men in the community, giving them the chance to perform for audiences and to fraternize with others in similar circumstance.