On November 21, 1956, five local civic leaders seized on an idea to create a way to “continually improve life in Licking County.” Everett D. Reese was joined by Harold L. Ballinger, Robert H. Flory, Francis P. Kennedy, Howard E. LeFevre (Vice Chairman), and Games Slayter (Chairman) - and Reese’s son, J. Gilbert Reese, who was elected Secretary-Treasurer. Gilbert Reese drafted and filed a declaration of trust and was tasked with preparing “a brochure to be given to the public explaining the uses and purposes of the foundation.” When the 11:30 am meeting at Park National Bank concluded, the group had set in motion decades of charitable support for changing lives. The Licking County Foundation for Public Giving was born.

Thanks to these visionary leaders – and to donors from every walk of life and every corner of Licking County since that day – Licking County Foundation has grown into an endowment for our community worth nearly $130 million in assets. Today, those dollars generate more than $3.8 million in grants and scholarships annually to change lives – a meal delivered by Licking County Aging Program, a child enjoying her very own new book through Licking County Library’s Dolly Parton Imagination Library, a concert by NGSO, a teen benefiting from the YES Clubhouse, or a first-generation college student pursuing a dream career thanks to one of our scholarship donors.

Over the next 12 months, we’ll share with you highlights of our past – and our hopes for the future. You’ll be invited to share your hopes and dreams for Licking County, too! Together we’ll celebrate, and plan for an extra-special occasion in November 2022.

The Licking County Foundation is proud and privileged to be your foundation. If you have a special passion or a cause you care about deeply, consider joining our legacy of 65 years of putting compassion into action.