The Shelby Foundation is the outgrowth of the old Shelby Development Corporation – begun in the mid 1960’s as a result of the closing of the Wilkens Air Force Depot. It was the vision of the community leaders to do what they could to deal with the economic realities of the closing of the
“Depot”. After the successful disposition of the “Depot” into what is now Central Ohio Industrial Park, there
was no further need for activity, with a few thousand dollars leftover in the entity. The remaining funds were placed in
reserve until 1985, at which time The Shelby Foundation was created with the “seed” money left behind and the first substantial gifts of assets. With the creation of the Foundation in 1985, the initial Board of Trustees established a purpose: “…to receive and accept contributions to be administered under this instrument exclusively for charitable purposes
primarily in and for the benefit of the community of Shelby, Richland County, Ohio and the vicinity thereof…”. In 2005, the Shelby Foundation emerged into a community foundation to give philanthropic donors the opportunity to impact the future of Shelby. Led by community leaders as its Board of Directors, the Shelby Foundation
continues its mission – to build a legacy of community philanthropy by connecting generosity with community needs.
