Licking County Foundation’s donors come from every walk of life…every generation…and their interests are as varied as the people they wish to serve. Yet each of our donors has something in common—an unmistakable desire to improve their community. We are truly grateful to the individuals, families and organizations that have recently established these charitable funds.

Funds Established in 2024

Buckeye Lake Pickleball Court Improvement Fund
This project fund was established by the Village of Buckeye Lake to enhance their community and promote an active and inclusive sport: Pickleball! Contributions to this fund will support the construction, maintenance and improvement of the pickleball courts located at Ryan-Braden Park in the Village of Buckeye Lake. Pickleball has gained immense popularity, attracting players of all ages and skill levels. Now, the Village of Buckeye Lake has the chance to create a dedicated pickleball complex in their own community, at Ryan-Braden Park. Playing pickleball is said to improve cardiovascular fitness, agility and coordination; and is a low-impact activity suitable to all ages and abilities. Established August 26, 2024.

To donate to this fund, click here. 

Pathways of Central Ohio Fund
An agency fund to support the long-term needs of Pathways of Central Ohio. Established August 2, 2024.

To donate to this fund, click here. 

Frederick A. and Valerie R. Bailey Scholarship Fund
This scholarship was established in 2024 by Valerie and Rick Bailey to help create opportunities for students to access training and education that helps prepare them to have meaningful careers and lead productive lives. Residents of Heath, the couple had careers steeped in helping young people to grow and achieve. Valerie’s career at Heath City Schools spanned 38 years, first as a teacher and later principal at Garfield Elementary School before becoming Assistant Superintendent and later Superintendent of Heath City Schools. Rick, a certified PGA professional, had a career as an electrician and while serving as the Assistant Golf Professional was asked to become the head Women’s Golf Coach at Denison University, a role he held until 2017. Rick and Valerie created this Fund to support educational needs that matter most to each of them, and both wish to help those students whose education and career path might point them toward career training. The Valerie R. Bailey Scholarship is renewable and supports graduates of Heath High School, including students who attended C-TEC Secondary Center, who demonstrate financial need and are pursuing a certificate or a degree. The Frederick A. Bailey Scholarship is renewable and supports graduating high school seniors pursuing a career or technical education certificate at a Licking County institution. Established July 17, 2024.

To donate to this fund, click here. 

Jennifer Dixon Memorial Scholarship Fund
This scholarship was established by Geraldine Marston in memory of her beloved and fun-loving niece, Jennifer Dixon, who passed away in February 2024. A graduate of Utica High School, Jen excelled in academics as well as sports, playing on both the volleyball and softball teams at Utica and was inducted into the Utica High School Athletic Hall of Fame. She went on to graduate from Miami University of Ohio with honors. Jennifer also loved to travel, joining her aunt on many adventures across the country, and especially loved their visits to national parks. This scholarship assists female seniors and recent graduates of Utica High School who participated in sports to further their studies at an accredited four-year college or university. Established May 21, 2024.

To donate to this fund, click here. 

Pride of Newark Practice Field Improvement Fund
The Pride of Newark Practice Field Improvement Fund is being established by Newark Band Parents, Inc. to improve the existing practice field for the Newark High School Marching Band. The current practice field has served the band and community for 60 years. Funds will be raised to make safety improvements to the field to reduce risk of student injury and damage to band equipment. Established May 9, 2024.

To donate to this fund, click here. 

Fritz Drumm Memorial Park Shelter Fund
The Fritz Drumm Memorial's initiative to build a shelter house and make other improvements at Fritz Drumm Park in Alexandria will enhance this recreational resource for use by the community, from Alexandria Fun Days and local children's sporting events to gatherings of friends and family! Gifts to the Fund at the Licking County Foundation are tax deductible. Established May 8, 2024.

To donate to this fund, click here. 

Fostering Further Endowment Fund
An agency fund to support the long-term needs of Fostering Further. Established April 25, 2024.

To donate to this fund, click here. 

Livable Licking County Strategic Initiatives Fund
The Licking County Foundation (LCF) was established in 1956 to improve the quality of life for all citizens of Licking County. LCF is establishing a Field of Interest fund to create support for expanding and emerging needs related to Licking County’s rapid growth. The Livable Licking County Fund is designed to address issues that impact both our rural and urban communities and the people who live, work, learn, and play in Licking County. Donations to this fund would address needs that help lift inclusion and livability across our county. Established April 10, 2024.

To donate to this fund, click here. 

Licking Park District Nancy and Jim Bradley Fund
This fund was established by Jim and Nancy Bradley to support costs of $5,000 or greater for maintenance and improvements at the James Bradley Center at Infirmary Mound Park. Established April 4, 2024.

To donate to this fund, click here. 

Be the Change Fund
A community charitable fund to support the causes most important to the Mastroianni family. Established April 2, 2024.

To donate to this fund, click here. 

Cheri Thompson Scholarship Fund
A scholarship fund established by the children of Cheri Thompson to support any student who graduated from a Licking County high school and demonstrates financial need. The scholarship is non-renewable. Established March 21, 2024.

To donate to this fund, click here. 

Licking Park District All-Terrain Wheelchair Fund
The Licking Park District All-Terrain Wheelchair Fund will be used to establish and store a fleet of all-terrain wheelchairs at the Licking Park District. These chairs will be equipped with levers, push bars, a rugged three-wheeled frame and mountain bike tires that will help to easily navigate around dirt trails, tree roots, rocks and uneven terrain. The community will be able to reserve and utilize the chairs at no cost. These all-terrain wheelchairs will give individuals a greater opportunity for structured and unstructured recreational activities off the pavement. These activities can range from hiking on natural surface trails, watching nature in one of the parks, playing disc golf, taking a pet to the dog park, etc. Established February 23, 2024.

To donate to this fund, click here. 

Funds Established in 2023

Behavioral Health Emergency Center Fund
A project fund established by Behavioral Healthcare Partners of Central Ohio, Inc. to build and operate a multi-faceted Behavioral Health Emergency Center for providing a continuum of care in one facility and serving the growing needs of individuals and families in Licking County, Knox County and surrounding counties.

To donate to this fund, click here. 

Buckeye Valley Family YMCA Fund for the Muskingum Valley YMCA
An agency fund established by the Buckeye Valley Family YMCA to support the activities of the Muskingum Valley YMCA which provides programs and services to meet the recreational, social and educational needs of families in Zanesville and surrounding Muskingum County, Ohio communities.

To donate to this fund, click here.

The Adah Grace Krokonko Spirit of Life Scholarship Fund
The Adah Grace Krokonko Spirit of Life Scholarship Fund has been established to honor the memory and loving spirit of Adah Grace Krokonko, who was lost to her family and friends on July 7, 2022. The Spirit of Life scholarship celebrates Adah’s creative spirit, compassionate personality, love for the Licking Valley School District, and gift of life she provided through organ donation. The establishment of this scholarship fund provides a means of keeping Adah’s spirit alive, while also helping give back to a school and community that has shown endless support for Adah and her family. This annual scholarship opportunity will be available to graduating Licking Valley High School seniors who seek to continue their education through full-time or part-time educational programs at any accredited college, university, trade or technical school. Selection criteria have been established through direct consultation with Licking Valley School District administrators and staff, and include a demonstrated history of academic achievement, creativity, leadership, community service, and personal responsibility.

To donate to this fund, click here. 

Licking County Housing Initiatives Fund

A field of interest fund established by the Governing Committee of the Licking Foundation for the broad purpose of creating supportive, safe and livable communities for all citizens of Licking County by addressing the critical level of housing scarcity and enhancing housing affordability. 

To donate to this fund, click here. 

Funds Established in 2022

Designated Agency

John A. and Dorothy L. Brown Fund
This designated agency fund was initiated by John A. Brown, Jr. and his wife, Dana, as a surprise Christmas gift to honor his parents, John A. and Dorothy L. Brown. John and Dorothy met while attending Newark Catholic High School and were married in 1968. John attended the University of Toledo on a football scholarship and earned his Master’s degree from Xavier University. The decorated Vietnam War veteran started his teaching and coaching career at Watkins Memorial High School and continued teaching and coaching in the Newark City Schools, serving as Assistant Principal at Lincoln Junior High School for one year before being appointed Athletic Director, from which he retired after 19 years. Dorothy spent her career in public service, first with Licking County Veteran’s Service Commission and eventually retiring from the Licking County Municipal Court as Chief Deputy Clerk of Courts. The fund supports the Newark High School Booster Club, Newark Catholic High School Foundation, and Church of St. Edward the Confessor, where the couple have been active members.

To donate to this fund, click here. 

Ben and Kay Finckel Fund
This designated agency fund was established through a bequest from Kay Finckel to support the causes she and her late husband Ben cared about most during their lifetimes:  the Licking County Humane Society and the Foundation for Hospice of Central Ohio. Mary Katherine “Kay” House and Ben Finckel were married in 1966. Ben passed away in 2006; Kay died in 2020. Kay never met a stranger and loved animals. Ben, who retired after 43 years with Park National Bank, loved golf, was a Cleveland Indians fan, and served in the Ohio National Guard. Kay was a teller at the Old First National Bank for many years and also was a secretary at the Law Office of Mantonya. Kay was an Elder and a 58-year member of the Second Presbyterian Church where Ben served as Treasurer for 34 years. 

To donate to this fund, click here.  

Grow Your Music Fund
This designated agency fund was created by Linda Habig, a professional flutist and experienced music educator dedicated to sharing her joy of music-making with everyone—especially young people. The fund supports scholarships for private music instruction on orchestral or band instruments. Scholarships are offered to Licking County students in grades 7-12 who would not otherwise be able to take private music lessons due to their family’s financial situation. It is her hope that the Grow Your Music Fund will help more students grow their musical abilities and share their musical delight in the community.

To donate to this fund, click here. 

Lindsey-Tallman Fund    
This designated agency fund was established by the Last Will and Testament of John R. Lindsey to support the Second Presbyterian Church of Newark, Ohio and the Lindsey-Tallman Scholarship Fund of the Licking County Foundation, which will assist female high school graduating seniors with financial need to further their studies at an accredited college or university.

John passed away on April 13, 2022. Born on May 23, 1936 in Bryan, Ohio where he and his three siblings were raised, John was a standout basketball player through high school. After earning both his undergraduate degree and Juris Doctorate from The Ohio State University, John entered the United States Air Force through its Judge Advocate General program, and served as an officer and legal counsel prior to being honorably discharged at the rank of Captain. While stationed at Fort Dix, New Jersey, he met the love of his life, Sandra Ann Tallman. They married and settled in Granville, Ohio where they raised their two children, Meg and Kirk. 

John’s distinguished career as an attorney included serving in the office of the Ohio Attorney General as counsel for the Department of Transportation. He once held the office of City Solicitor for the City of Newark, Ohio, served for many years as a trustee at the Second Presbyterian Church in Newark, and served the community through his own law practice for more than 25 years. He was a voracious reader and a life-long Ohio State Buckeye fan, and a lover of the outdoors, shooting, boating, skiing, and tennis. With the exception of shooting, Sandra also enjoyed these interests – along with hikes in the woods, tending her garden, sewing, and listening to classical music. Professionally, she was a dietitian serving the nutritional and health needs of the elderly through various nursing homes in central Ohio. But she spent just as much time supporting her community in Newark and Granville with the generous dedication of her time and empathy and talent. Together, she and John loved life and each other immensely. Their legacy of love and kindness live on.

To donate to this fund, click here. 

Plymouth Church Legacy Fund
This designated agency fund was established by the congregation of Plymouth Church to support causes that were meaningful to them:  The Food Pantry Network of Licking County, Heartbeats for Life, and The Center for New Beginnings Shelter and Services. In 2021 the congregation voted to use the proceeds from the sale of the church building that had been occupied since 1909 to continue improving the lives of others. The beauty and history of the building will endure in the heart of downtown Newark, and the giving spirit of its congregation will endure for generations through grants from this fund.

To donate to this fund, click here. 

Scholarship

Buddy Callicoat Memorial Scholarship Fund
This scholarship fund was established in memory and celebration of the life of Edward A. “Buddy” Callicoat, a teacher and lifelong learner, by his family and friends. In addition to being a devoted father and outdoor enthusiast, Buddy spent his life creating lifelong connections as a student, coach at New Albany Schools, and as a teacher at Watkins Elementary and Middle Schools and Groveport Madison Elementary. Buddy’s approach to teaching and personal commitment to help every child learn inspired many of his students to pursue their own teaching careers. This scholarship assists graduates of Watkins High School intending to study education, ecology, or environmental science at an accredited post-secondary institution.

To donate to this fund, click here. 

Coach Hardin / Coach Klontz Bulldogs Forever Scholarship Fund
This scholarship fund was established by classmates, friends and alumni of Bulldog Sports in honor of Coach Dave Klontz and Coach Don Hardin for their decades-long service and dedication to providing Heath High School students with outstanding coaching support in the track and baseball programs. The scholarship celebrates their impact not only in bringing out the best in student athletes but also sharing important life lessons and modeling values of hard work, leadership, teamwork, honesty, integrity, respect, and personal responsibility. This scholarship assists Heath High School graduating seniors who demonstrate outstanding achievement in Heath High School sports who wish to continue their education at a two or four-year program at any accredited college, university, trade or technical school.

To donate to this fund, click here. 

C. Vernon Johnston Scholarship Fund
This scholarship fund was established by the former Jacksontown High School Alumni Association to honor their treasurer, longtime volunteer, friend, fellow Alumnus and Lakewood Schools Future Cities instructor Clifford Vernon Johnston. Vern was a 1953 graduate of Jacksontown High School who, in early adulthood, sustained serious injuries from a water-skiing accident. Doctors predicted he would never walk again, but Vern defied those odds and went on to have a successful career in the aerospace and engineering industries, including forming his own engineering firm which he ran for 30 years and holding several patents. He says his favorite endeavor was his 15 years as mentor with the Future Cities program for Lakewood Schools; Lakewood frequently placed among Ohio’s top five Future Cities teams and took second-place honors twice. As Jacksontown High School was the forerunner to the current Lakewood High School, the scholarship will provide one-time support to two graduating seniors from the Lakewood High School Class of 2023.

Anne Owens Seidel Scholarship Fund
This scholarship was established in 2020 by Anne Seidel as one of two scholarships in honor of her husband, Walter H. Seidel, and their 60 years together. The Seidels were married on July 10, 1948, and Walter passed away in 2008. He graduated from Newark High School and served in the U.S. Navy during World War II. He worked for the A.H. Heisey Co., the Heath Refinery, and retired in 1990 from Denison University as a stationary engineer. He said that his job was to “keep the co-eds warm at Denison.” Anne graduated from Granville High School, played piano by ear and was a member of the Sweet Adelines chorus for 60 years. She worked for the Pure Oil Company Heath Refinery for 40 years and worked as a secretary in the mayor’s office for the City of Newark for 13 years. This renewable scholarship assists Granville High School graduating seniors who have been involved in some form of music program (e.g., orchestra, band, choir) during high school, are pursuing a bachelor’s degree and give preference to students who declare majors in a music-related field.

To donate to this fund, click here. 

Walter Seidel Scholarship Fund
This scholarship was established by Anne Seidel as one of two scholarships in honor of her husband, Walter H. Seidel, and their 60 years together. The Seidels were married on July 10, 1948, and Walter passed away in 2008. He graduated from Newark High School and served in the U.S. Navy during World War II. He worked for the A.H. Heisey Co., the Heath Refinery, and retired in 1990 from Denison University as a stationary engineer. He said that his job was to “keep the co-eds warm at Denison.” Anne graduated from Granville High School, played piano by ear and was a member of the Sweet Adelines chorus for 60 years. She worked for the Pure Oil Company Heath Refinery for 40 years and worked as a secretary in the mayor’s office for the City of Newark for 13 years. The renewable scholarship assists Newark High School graduating seniors who are pursuing a bachelor’s degree in engineering at an accredited college or university.

To donate to this fund, click here. 

Lindsey-Tallman Scholarship Fund
A scholarship fund established by the Last Will and Testament of John R. Lindsey. This non-renewable scholarship assists female high school graduating seniors with financial need to further their studies at an accredited college or university.

To donate to this fund, click here. 

Rob and Beth Anne Young Scholarship Fund
This fund was established by Beth Anne Young, who passed away in 2022. Beth Anne and Rob spent 42 years together until Rob’s passing in 2019. Rob and Beth Anne both saw their time together as “the greatest ride you could ever hope for.” Both graduates of Newark High School, Rob and Beth Anne worked and lived in Newark until Rob’s career with American Electric Power (AEP) took the couple abroad to Pakistan for two years. Upon returning to the States and Rob retired, they moved to Virginia. Beth Anne continued working for Gloucester Social Services and Rob was active with the Coast Guard Auxiliary and the local Rotary International chapter.  Rob was a member of the Newark/Heath Rotary Club, Newark Elks Lodge 391 and American Legion Post 85. The couple both enjoyed Newark Maennerchor and the Buckeye Lake Yacht Club and continued to travel. Beth Anne also enjoyed her regular luncheons with fellow Park National Bank retirees and friends from her 1963 Class of Newark High School. The scholarship assists Licking County residents furthering their education and is renewable up to four years.

To donate to this fund, click here.

Donor Advised and Community Charitable Funds

Jim and Tammy Roberts Family Fund
This fund was established to support the charitable causes most important to Jim and Tammy Roberts and their children. 

To donate to this fund, click here. 

Karen Sullivan Memorial Fund
This community charitable fund was established by Tim Sullivan in honor and memory of his wife, Karen Sullivan, to whom he was married for 43 years. Karen was a native of Licking County and worked at Owens Corning Fiberglas Technical Center in Granville for nearly 25 years, where Tim worked for 43 years.  After retirement, Karen and Tim moved to the Columbus area to be closer to their son Brian, daughter-in-law Rebecca, and grandsons Kaiden and Grayson.  Karen was diagnosed with Parkinson’s Disease in 2010, and aggressively battled the symptoms with Delay the Disease workout sessions at PDNext Steps for over a decade. In 2021, Karen was diagnosed with a rapidly growing form of brain cancer and passed away in 2022 after several months of treatments. She Karen was a role model who stoically and cheerfully fought multiple health-related challenges. Grants from the Karen Sullivan Memorial Fund support fitness programs in Franklin and Licking County for people with Parkinson’s Disease and projects that improve recreation and leisure opportunities in Granville. 

To donate to this fund, click here.

Joe L. and Sue W. Yee Fund
This donor advised fund was established by Sue W. Yee in loving memory of her husband Joe L. Yee, to assist the charitable causes and organizations that were important to them during their nearly 57 years of marriage and to support ever-evolving community challenges and opportunities. A native of Youngstown, Ohio, Joe attended college through an ROTC scholarship and proudly served his country as a member of the US Army during Vietnam. Sue grew up in a small village near Canton, China and moved with her parents to Ohio, graduating from Cleveland Heights High School. Sue was finishing her nursing degree when she met Joe at a community picnic held at a Cleveland area park. They were married in 1963 and moved to the Newark area in 1973.  After 20 years with GE, Joe retired then took a job with ODOT until he retired. Sue kept up her nursing license while raising their two sons and returned to work at Licking Memorial Hospital after her youngest went to college. Throughout their marriage, both Sue and Joe always cared for others. In creating the fund to honor Joe and give back to the community, Sue says, “I just felt that I need to give back. We were always mindful of others’ hardships, and while Joe worked a great deal, we felt very fortunate.” Especially important to Sue are organizations that assist veterans, older persons and others with basic and medical needs.

To donate to this fund, click here.

Unrestricted

Brenda L. Kutan Fund
This established unrestricted fund was established to allow the Licking County Foundation to address the community’s most urgent needs and emerging opportunities. Brenda is a life-long Licking County resident. Two weeks after graduating from Lakewood High School, Lowell Anstine hired Brenda to work at Park National Bank’s Hebron branch. She moved on to the Newark Branch and capped her career at almost 45 years when she retired – having spent most of those years as the administrator in the executive office. Brenda says she is inspired by the people and the closeness of the community. “People care about each other. I love the small-town feel. Friends and family always want to know what’s happening here in Licking County and love to visit!”

To donate to this fund, click here.

Waltan Family Fund
This fund was established by the estate of Walter and Lillian Anne Seidel, to support Licking County nonprofit organizations to improve the lives of others in our community. The Seidels enjoyed 60 years of marriage until Walter's death in 2008. 

To donate to this fund, click here.