SIDNEY — The Trustees of the Sidney-Shelby County Chamber of Commerce Foundation met late last year to review education grant applications for the 2018-19 school year.

“The Foundation is an extension of our Chamber’s mission that supports education improvement initiatives to better prepare the youth of our community for their eventual entry in the workplace of our members,” said Jeff Raible, chamber president. “Through the generosity of Chamber members, each year we are able to support many wonderful education enrichment programs throughout Shelby County. These are educator driven initiatives that might not otherwise occur if not for the funding from our Foundation.”

In addition to member contributions, support for the Chamber Foundation also includes a substantial $5,000 annual donation from Honda of America that significantly assists the Chamber Foundation with funding education based projects throughout the county.

Chamber Foundation Trustees approved 18 grant requests submitted by Chamber member schools and organizations involved with the education of Shelby County youth. In total, more than $15,600 was granted to the following: Sidney City Schools, Botkins Schools, Anna Schools, Shelby County Historical Society, Shelby County Libraries, Big Brothers – Big Sisters, Russia Schools, Raise the Roof for the Arts, Fairlawn Schools, SCARF and the Salvation Army.

In addition, the Chamber Foundation has pledged its ongoing support to the Workforce Partnership of Shelby County with an annual operating grant.

Information about the Sidney-Shelby County Chamber of Commerce Foundation may be obtained by calling Jeff Raible at 937-492-9122 or the chamber website at www.sidneyshelbychamber.com.