Livable Licking County Fund to help with area’s industrial growth with Microsoft grant

Josué Perez Newark Advocate 

A Licking County agency wants to help community organizations tackle the area’s surging industrial growth. 

The Licking County Foundation announced that it established the Livable Licking County Fund, which will provide organizations with support for services and other benefits as they grapple with a spike in growth. 

One notable example of that growth is Intel’s massive chip plant that workers are building in Jersey Township.

A Microsoft seed grant established the fund, the agency said. 

The fund’s goals also include stimulating economic growth and promoting it while “encouraging stewardship of natural resources and interaction with natural places,” the agency stated in the release. 

“We know our donors, community members, nonprofit organizations and civic leaders understand that preparing for growth is essential,” Licking County Foundation President Mike Schmidt said in the release. “We are incredibly grateful to Microsoft for their partnership and sharing our vision that philanthropy can help our county adapt, grow and thrive in an environment of rapid change.” 

According to the release, the fund’s first three grants total $41,000 and organizers will spend some of the money supporting community engagement initiatives and expanding the Licking County Transit system. 

The Licking County Soil and Water Conservation District will also examine environmental organizations, the release states. 

“As this fund grows with the support of individuals, it will allow the Licking County Foundation to directly impact opportunities and challenges identified by our community partners,” Schmidt said.

Advocate reporter Josué Perez can be reached at jhperez@newarkadvocate.com.