ADRIAN, Mich., Nov. 2, 2026 – The Lenawee Community Foundation (LCF) is investing nearly $82,000 in organizations working to strengthen lives and communities throughout Lenawee County, including $46,449 awarded through the V.C. and Velma Knight Memorial Fund.
This year, 16 local organizations received Knight Health and Human Services grants supporting programs that address basic needs, health and human services. The grants continue the remarkable legacy of V.C. and Velma Knight, whose commitment to caring for others continues to make a difference decades after their passing.
Since 2008, more than $718,000 has been awarded through the Knight Fund, helping local organizations provide food, shelter, counseling, literacy services and other resources that bring health, happiness and hope to Lenawee County residents.
“The Knight Memorial Fund is a beautiful example of what it means to create a legacy rooted in love for your community,” said Paula Trentman, executive vice president of the Lenawee Community Foundation. “V.C. and Velma Knight cared deeply about helping others, and today their generosity continues to meet real needs and strengthen the organizations serving our neighbors. We are honored to carry their wishes forward and connect their generosity with causes that matter.”
This year’s Knight grants will support a range of services, including homelessness prevention, adult literacy tutoring, programs providing food, support for children experiencing trauma, and efforts to ensure students have nutritious food outside of school.
Recipients of the 2026 Knight Health and Human Services grants are:
Adrian Community Preschool
Adrian Rea Literacy Center
Associated Charities of Lenawee County (ACLC)
Boys & Girls Club of Lenawee
Catherine Cobb Safe House
Catholic Charities of Jackson, Lenawee & Hillsdale Counties
Child Care Network
Daily Bread of Lenawee Inc.
First United Methodist Church – Fishes & Loaves
Housing Help of Lenawee
Lenawee Department on Aging
The Salvation Army
Sleep in Heavenly Peace Inc.
Society of St. Vincent de Paul
St. Mary’s Food Pantry – Holy Family Parish
YMCA of Greater Toledo
Beyond the Knight Memorial Fund awards, the Foundation is extending that spirit of community investment through an additional $35,500 in grants to seven organizations serving communities across Lenawee County. These grants provide another opportunity to uplift local efforts, strengthen community connections and support organizations responding to needs close to home.
Additional grant recipients are:
Blissfield Rotary Club
Community Learning Connections
Habitat for Humanity
Lenawee Now
Rotary Club of Adrian Morning
Tecumseh Service Club
United Hudson Churches
“Each of these organizations brings something important to the communities they serve,” Trentman said. “Together, these grants reflect what community philanthropy can accomplish: people who care coming together with local organizations that understand the needs, opportunities and hopes of their neighbors.”
The Foundation is grateful to the community volunteers who serve on its Grant Committee and thoughtfully reviewed this year’s requests. The committee’s recommendations were unanimously approved by the Lenawee Community Foundation Board of Directors.
The number of applications received this year underscores the important work happening throughout Lenawee County and the continued need for charitable resources to support it. Through endowed funds like the V.C. and Velma Knight Memorial Fund, generosity today can continue caring for the community for generations to come.
The Lenawee Community Foundation connects people who care with causes that matter, helping bring health, happiness and hope to Lenawee County now and forever. To learn more about grant opportunities, charitable funds or ways to give, visit the Lenawee Community Foundation website at lenaweecommunityfoundation.com.
About Lenawee Community Foundation:
The Lenawee Community Foundation is a charitable organization created by and for the community. By collecting donations and investing them for lasting impact, the Foundation funds grants, scholarships, and local initiatives to address community needs, support nonprofits, and enhance the wellbeing of Lenawee County. More than just an organization, the Lenawee Community Foundation is an opportunity for individuals, families, and businesses to leverage the power of collective giving to make sure their community stays strong and supported for years to come.
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For more information, please contact: Kirsten Stiver, 517-263-4696, kirsten@lenaweecf.com.