J Earl Belch Charitable Trust
Accepts applications
J Earl Belch Charitable Trust is a private foundation in Columbus Grove, Ohio. In tax year 2025 it gave $1.1 million in 12 grants; the typical grant was $6,739 and the largest $650,008. It accepts applications; its filing gives the instructions below.
From its IRS Form 990-PF for tax year 2025.
- Grants paid, 2025$1.1 million
- Number of grants12
- Typical grant$6,739
- Largest grant$650,008
- Assets$1.1 million
- New grantees44%
Giving in 2025 was up from $176,040 the year before.
44% of its 2025 grantees had not received a grant from it the year before, a sign it is open to new organizations.
Giving by year
| Tax year | Grants paid | Number of grants | Assets |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2023 | $57,005 | 9 | $601,071 |
| 2024 | $176,040 | 9 | $1.2 million |
| 2025 | $1.1 million | 12 | $1.1 million |
How to apply
| Contact | Nicholas Gilgenbaugh 10866 St RT 12 W, Columbus Grove, OH 45830 |
|---|---|
| Phone or email | (419) 235-1950, tfcnickg@gmail.com |
| What to submit | Letter |
| Restrictions | Primarily in and for the benefit of the columbus grove, putnam county Ohio area. |
What J Earl Belch Charitable Trust funds
Where it gives
Its grants went to recipients in 2 states, the most to Ohio.
| State | Grants | Amount |
|---|---|---|
| Ohio | 11 | $1.1 million |
| Alabama | 1 | $5,000 |
Grants paid in 2025
| Recipient | Purpose | Amount |
|---|---|---|
| Columbus Grove Local Schools | For athletic complex upgrades | $650,008 |
| Lifewise Academy | For new facility | $300,000 |
| Columbus Grove Local Schools | Scholarships for putnam co oh students | $80,000 |
| The Ohio State University | Scholarship for putnam county oh student | $15,000 |
| Bowling Green State University | Scholarship for putnam co oh student | $10,000 |
| Columbus Grove Local Schools | To support their programs and activities. | $8,478 |
| Animal Protection League of Mercer County | To support their programs and activities. | $5,000 |
| Columbia Southern University | Scholarship for putnam co oh student | $5,000 |
| Lifewise Academy | To support the christian education of putnam county oh students | $5,000 |
| Sons of American Legion | To support their programs and activities. | $3,000 |
| Rhodes State College | Scholarship for putnam co oh student | $2,098 |
| Bluffton University | Scholarship for putnam co oh student | $649 |
Officers and trustees
- Nicholas Gilgenbaugh
- Thomas Gerdeman
- Thomas Birkemeyer
Questions people ask
Does J Earl Belch Charitable Trust accept grant applications?
Yes. Its latest IRS filing says it accepts applications.
How much does J Earl Belch Charitable Trust give?
$1.1 million in tax year 2025, across 12 grants, with a typical grant of $6,739.
Who runs J Earl Belch Charitable Trust?
Its 2025 filing lists Nicholas Gilgenbaugh (Co-Trustee), Thomas Gerdeman (Co-Trustee) and Thomas Birkemeyer (Co-Trustee).
What does J Earl Belch Charitable Trust fund?
Based on its grants, mainly education.