Membership
Becoming a member of the Foundation is more than just a commitment, it’s a partnership in shaping the future of Defiance County. As a member, you’ll have the opportunity to advocate for our mission, promote growth, and ensure that the Foundation continues to make a meaningful impact in our community.
Why Become a Member?
- Be an Advocate: Your voice can help amplify our mission, ensuring that more people understand the importance of supporting local philanthropy.
- Lead by Example: With a one-time donation of $1,000 and an annual gift of $250, you set the standard for generosity and community spirit.
- Share Your Knowledge: Your insights into the community’s needs, opportunities, and resources are invaluable. Help us make informed decisions that drive positive change.
- Support Worthy Causes: Encourage grant applications from charitable groups that are making a difference, ensuring that our resources are used where they’re needed most.
- Get Involved: Serving on one of our six committees allows you to play an active role in guiding the Foundation’s operations and strategic direction.
By becoming a member, you’re not just contributing financially; you’re joining a network of passionate individuals dedicated to enhancing the quality of life in Defiance County. Together, we can make a lasting impact.
What does it mean to be a member of the Defiance Area Foundation?
Becoming a member means more than making a gift, it’s a partnership. Members help shape the future of Defiance County by supporting philanthropy, sharing ideas, and staying connected to the needs of our community.
What is the commitment to become a member?
Membership begins with a one-time gift of $1,000 and an annual contribution of $250. This commitment reflects your investment in strengthening our community for today and for future generations.
How can I get involved as a member?
Members can serve on our DAF committees, help identify community needs, encourage grant opportunities, and advocate for the Foundation’s mission. Your voice and perspective help guide meaningful decisions and local impact.
Why does membership matter?
Your involvement helps ensure that resources are directed where they are needed most, supporting local nonprofits, programs, and initiatives that improve quality of life across Defiance County. Together, members build a lasting legacy of generosity.
Honoring Gifts That Last Beyond a Lifetime
The Legacy Society recognizes individuals and families who have included the Defiance Area Foundation in their estate or planned giving. These visionary donors are committed to building a strong and generous future for Defiance County, one that reflects their values and impacts generations to come.
Legacy gifts can be made through a will, trust, life insurance policy, or retirement account. There is no minimum gift amount, and donors may choose to be recognized publicly or remain anonymous.
Members of the Legacy Society are essential to the long-term strength and sustainability of the Foundation and the causes we serve.
Interested in leaving a legacy of generosity?
Interested in making a difference?
Let us help!
Members
Julie Baden
Lisa Becher
John Boesling
Kenneth Boroff
Brooke Bostelman
Sharon Brownlee
Kirk G. Collins
Gary Gooper
Lawrence R. Culler
Amy Daeger
Robert DeLeon
Gary Dowler
Myra English
Dan Farrell
Sharon Farrell
Mark Ferris
Dave Figley
Mark Froelich
Jeff Fogt
Dennis Gable
Jon Gathman
Steve Grube
Matt Guilford
Bruce Guilford
Rachel Hammersmith
Don Hange
Jay Hanson
Lea Ann Hayes
Brian Heil
Mandie Heil
Kathryn Groff- Held
Deb Hench
Connie Higbea
Donald Hileman
Joseph Howard
Terry Howarth
Tom Hubbard
Carol Hull
John Jacob
Bo Joost
Alyndria Joost
Aaron Keller
Bryan Keller
Peter Kennerk
Rita Kissner
Mandi Kissner
Mark Klein
Mike Klein
William Koester
David Kondas
Gary Konst
Levi Kuhn
Luke Kuhn
Jason LaBounty
Paul Mallett
Mary Keller Mulvaney
Brandon McCann
Laurie McCann
Mike McCann
Craig McKibben
Rita Meier
Terry Melton
Aileen Meyer
Daniel Michel
Karen Moats
Anne Murray
Joe Nester
Jake Oberlin
Phillip O’Donnell
Sean O’Donnell
Kieu Okuley
Jeremy Otte
Kristi Pariseau
Andy Parsons
Ted Penner
Chad Peter
Grant Phillips
Jim Rensi
Craig Riedel
Eric Rolf
Kerry Samples
Tom Sauer
Matt Schmenk
Jim Schmidt
Chelsie Schroeder
Layne Schroeder
Mickey Schwarzbek
Andrew Shindler
Doug Shindler
Cris Shock
Beth Sigg
Bill Small
Chris Smitley
Paula Sprow
Jeff Starner
Greg Steyer
Michael Steyer
Erin Strausbaugh
Jeff Strausbaugh
Sam Strausbaugh
Sue Strausbaugh
Ethan Stykemain
Jessica Stykemain
Joe Stykemain
Tisha Rau Tingle
Sarah Wagner
Jack Wahl
Steve Walker
Michael Walz
Marc Warncke
David Weaner
John Weaner
Casey Wertz
Holly Wendling
Jim Williams
Erika Willitzer
Tim Whetstone
Larry Woods
Chris Yoder
Randy Yoder
Diane Zeigler
Ambassadors
The Board may confer Ambassador status on any member who has demonstrated exemplary service to the Defiance Area Foundation, but is unable to fulfill the responsibilities of the full membership, due to age, illness or geographic removal from the Defiance Area, or other appropriate circumstances.
Leona Bailey
Cindy Beane
Steve Boomer
Linda Brose
Barb Callan
Debbie Dean
Amy Galbraith
Steve Grosenbacher
Harold Hahr
Todd Harpest
Mark Hench
Jan Hersh
Jan Hubbard
Pat King
Glenn Kuhn
Martha Mallott
Mary Martin
Web Olsen
Sue O’Neil
Fred Schultz
Kathy Warner
Don Van Brackel
Steve VanDema
Members Eternal
Members Eternal recognizes our founders and individuals that passed away while a Member or Ambassador of The Defiance Area Foundation.
Charles Bailey
Dennis Beatty
Martha Bleeks
Fred Brown
Randy Buchman
William Carter
Justin Coressel
Ed Charles
William Diehl
E. Steven Dix
Denver Eckert
Dr. John Fauster
Don Fee
Ben Gaeth
Jim Gillis
Bea Gonzales
T.L. Hench
M.C. Horman
Craig Hoffman
Keith Hubbard
Elizabeth Jaeckle
Mary Kampe
Dr. Charles Krouse
Dr. William Krouse
Frank Lorenz
John Manchester
Rod Martin
Lucy Weaver Marckel
James Meier
Mark Moats
Jerry Monnin
Margaret Jean Nolan
Carl Offerle
Richard Pastor
Juanita (Gallup) Penney
Milton Penney
Mary Reeves
Greg Reineke
John Rohrs Sr.
Delbert Schultz
Michael Schultz
Robert Serrick
Walter Shindler
Jane Small
Gene (H.E.) Smart
L.E. Smart
John Smart
William Sterling
Joe Steyer
Karen Tubbs
Bud Williams
Jerry Wertz
Karl Weaner
Fred Wise
John Zimmerman