Defiance Area Foundation

11/01/2026

Congratulations to The Huber Opera House and Civic Center for receiving a $1,000 grant from the Defiance Moose Lodge #2094. The Moose Lodge holds a donor advised fund under the umbrella of the Defiance Area Foundation. This grant will be used for their w**e and b**r tasting event coming up on November 13th.

Pictured are (L to R) Chris Feichter - Director of Operations at the Huber Opera House and Stacy McCartney - Moose Lodge Administrator.

10/31/2026

Generosity takes many forms.

A gift to the Defiance Area Foundation might establish a fund, support a scholarship, honor someone special or provide resources for local organizations. No matter the reason or amount, each gift becomes part of something bigger.

We are grateful for the people who trust the Foundation to help their generosity make a meaningful difference throughout Defiance County. 💚

10/30/2026

We raised $130,700 at our Gala. But where does that money go? 💚

It's a question worth asking, and one we want our community to understand.

Our Bow Ties & Boas Gala was an incredible evening of celebration, but the real purpose goes far beyond the music, dinner, and dancing.

The dollars raised help grow the Defiance Area Foundation Community Fund, which supports grants to organizations and projects making a difference right here in Defiance County.

Here's something you might not know:

During our fall grant cycle, local organizations requested $196,397 in funding. We approved $112,402 in grants, with $81,723 coming directly from the Community Fund.

As this fund grows, so does our ability to support more eligible projects and respond to needs in our community.

We recently shared a closer look at WHY we hold a Gala, WHERE the dollars go, and HOW generosity is making a difference throughout Defiance County.

📖 Read the full story:
https://defianceareafoundation.org/blog-more-than-a-gala-community-impact/

Because the real celebration isn't just what happened on October 3. It's what our community can accomplish together in the years ahead.

Discover how the 2026 Defiance Area Foundation Gala raised $130,700 for the Community Fund and how local grants support Defiance County.

10/29/2026

Look who Chris was rolling with this morning! The City of Defiance Fire Department came over to show us their new ATV! 🚒

The Defiance Area Foundation granted $4,000 to the Department for this ATV back in March 2025 and we are excited to join the fire department in enhancing their ability to serve and protect our community!

10/29/2026

💛 MANY HANDS. ONE BIG IMPACT. 💛

What happens when a community comes together for its kids? Just look at these smiling faces! 🥰

On Sunday, October 25, volunteers in Defiance and Hicksville rolled up their sleeves for another successful Clothes For Kids - Defiance Area Foundation sorting day!

Behind every bag of clothing is a shopper who gave generously, a volunteer who helped organize, and a community that believes every child deserves to feel cared for.

From shopping and collecting to sorting and delivering, this program is truly a TEAM effort! 🛍️👕👟

To every shopper, donor, volunteer and school team lead, THANK YOU! Because of your kindness, local children will soon receive more than new clothing. They'll receive a little extra confidence and a reminder that their community cares. 💛

👏 Help us give these incredible volunteers some love in the comments below!

10/27/2026

Congratulations to the Sight Conservation of Defiance, Lion's Club for receiving a $1,000 grant from Defiance Moose Lodge #2094 for the upcoming Halloween Parade taking place on October 31 in downtown Defiance. 🎃🎶

The Moose Lodge holds a donor advised fund under the umbrella of the Foundation.

Pictured with the grant are (L to R), Ben Schrock - Halloween Parade Chair and Marilyn Clay - Moose Lodge Chaplain.

10/27/2026

💚 MEMBER SPOTLIGHT | Layne Schroeder

For Layne Schroeder, giving back to Defiance County is a family commitment, and one that continues to grow.

Layne, Senior Vice President of Supply Chain and Procurement at Valtris Specialty Chemicals, is one of our newest Defiance Area Foundation members!

His family's involvement with the Foundation began in 2021 through Project 2030 and grew in 2025 with the establishment of the Sufficient Grace Ministries Memorial Fund.

💬 “I chose to be a member of the Defiance Area Foundation because of the variety of options to support our community. The Foundation is making a difference through scholarships, grants, youth philanthropy and more and I am proud to be a part of that.”

We are grateful for members like Layne and families who recognize that generosity can take many forms. Together, we're building a stronger Defiance County, today and for generations to come.

💚 Thank you, Layne, for being part of our Foundation family!

10/25/2026

Our annual report is here. 💚

This year’s report tells the story behind the numbers: the generosity of our community, the people and organizations creating meaningful change, and the many ways giving continues to build a stronger Defiance County.

Inside, you’ll find stories of impact, grants and scholarships, community initiatives, donor generosity, and a look at how the Defiance Area Foundation has continued to grow from a $22,000 endowment in 1979 to more than $20 million in charitable assets today.

Most importantly, it’s a reflection of what happens when a community comes together with a shared desire to make a difference.

📖 Read our 2026 Annual Report today: https://online.fliphtml5.com/fwrt/rxqx/ =1

10/24/2026

A stronger Community Fund means more opportunities to say YES to Defiance County.

YES to local nonprofits doing important work.
YES to projects that make our communities stronger.
YES to emerging needs.
YES to ideas we haven’t even imagined yet.

The Defiance Area Foundation Community Fund is designed to serve our community broadly, giving us the flexibility to direct grants where they can make a meaningful difference.

When you give to the Community Fund, you aren’t choosing just one cause. You’re investing in the future of Defiance County. 💚

10/23/2026

When the call comes in, our local firefighters need to be ready. 🚒

Defiance Moose Lodge #2094 recently awarded $4,000 to the Highland Township Fire Department to support equipment and training for its firefighters.

The Moose Lodge holds a charitable fund with the Defiance Area Foundation, giving its members a way to continue supporting organizations and needs that matter right here in our community.

This is what local generosity can look like: one community organization investing in another so the people serving our neighbors have the tools and training they need.

Thank you to Defiance Moose Lodge #2094 for continuing to put generosity into action, and to the Highland Township Fire Department for the important work you do for our community. ❤️🚒