The Michelle Wightman-Karrie Wieber Charitable Foundation
Accepts applications
The Michelle Wightman-Karrie Wieber Charitable Foundation is a private foundation in Sandusky, Ohio. In tax year 2025 it gave $350,000 in 70 grants; the typical grant was $3,077 and the largest $30,000. It accepts applications; its filing gives the instructions below.
From its IRS Form 990-PF for tax year 2025.
- Grants paid, 2025$350,000
- Number of grants70
- Typical grant$3,077
- Largest grant$30,000
- Assets$7.3 million
- New grantees39%
Giving in 2025 was up from $332,500 the year before.
39% of its 2025 grantees had not received a grant from it the year before, a mix of repeat and new grantees.
Giving by year
| Tax year | Grants paid | Number of grants | Assets |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2023 | $335,309 | 68 | $6.4 million |
| 2024 | $332,500 | 68 | $6.7 million |
| 2025 | $350,000 | 70 | $7.3 million |
How to apply
| Contact | Wightman Wieber Charitable Found Attn Stepanie Lawrence, 100 E Water St, Sandusky, OH 44870 |
|---|---|
| Phone or email | (419) 625-8424, smlawrence@civista.bank |
| What to submit | A completed grant application includes a proposal narrative, a budget form and a 501(c) (3) IRS determination letter or group exemption letter. Applications are available at the sandusky erie county community foundation office or online at www.sanduskyfoundation.org. |
| Deadlines | Completed applications must be received by 5:00 pm on march 1 and september 1. |
| Restrictions | Grant projects must serve erie county residents. Organizations must be determined to be tax exempt by the IRS under section 501(c)(3). Churches, schools, governmental or other entities covered by a group exemption are eligible for funding but must provide a copy of the group exemption letter and documentation of the organization's inclusion within the group. Generally, grants are not made for advertising or sponsorships; annual campaigns; debt reduction; medical or other research organizations; political purposes or lobbying activities; routine operating expenses for ongoing programs; salaries/benefits of organization staff; sectarian religious purposes; tickets or advertising for fundraising events. |
Foundation website IRS filings on ProPublica
What The Michelle Wightman-Karrie Wieber Charitable Foundation funds
Where it gives
Its grants went to recipients in 2 states, the most to Ohio.
| State | Grants | Amount |
|---|---|---|
| Ohio | 69 | $345,000 |
| Georgia | 1 | $5,000 |
Grants paid in 2025
| Recipient | Purpose | Amount |
|---|---|---|
| City of Sandusky | Sandusky bay pathway | $30,000 |
| Cambell Christian Community Center | Program building & expansion | $25,000 |
| Ohgo | Building expansion | $20,000 |
| Sandusky Blue Streak Boosters Club | Turf project at strobel field | $15,000 |
| Erie Co Public Defender's Office | Project strength | $14,000 |
| Margaretta Middle School | Washington dc trip | $11,000 |
| City of Sandusky | Safety town | $10,000 |
| Erie County Health Department | Enhancing acces to compass point | $10,000 |
| Family Health Services | Fundraising commitment | $10,000 |
| Ohgo | Food pantry building expansion | $10,000 |
| Sandusky State Theatre | Strengthening engagement for ccyt | $10,000 |
| Second Harvest Food Bank | Food distribution | $10,000 |
| Sandusky Amvets Baseball | Facility & equipment upgrades | $9,000 |
| Erie Residential Living | Erll transportation services | $6,907 |
| Erie County Casa Program | Volunteer recruitment & training | $6,000 |
| Erie County Health Department | Aged well | $6,000 |
| Bgsu Foundation | George mylander scholarship new | $5,000 |
| Cacehr Inc | Sandusky head start stove & oven | $5,000 |
| Caryl Crane Youth Theatre | Rudolph the red nosed reindeer music | $5,000 |
| Erie County Board of DD | Safe homes. Same families | $5,000 |
| Erie County Community Foundation | Links internship program | $5,000 |
| Erie County Economic Development | Downtown development & vibrancy | $5,000 |
| First Congregational United Church | Angel helping to clothe the communit | $5,000 |
| Kinship | Kinship house flooring project | $5,000 |
| New Perspective Foundation | Fundraiser sponsership | $5,000 |
| Salvation Army | Emergency svcs & homeless prevention | $5,000 |
| Sandusky Career Center - Nursing | Skills lab technology update | $5,000 |
| Sandusky Christmas Market Foundatio | Additional kiosk project | $5,000 |
| Sandusky City Schools | Kids fest | $5,000 |
| Polar Bear Swim Club | Swim programs | $4,500 |
| Anthonys Villa | Group home enrichment & therapeutic | $4,000 |
| Margaretta Elementary School | 5th grade science fund | $4,000 |
| Margaretta Local Schools | Protecting the lake program | $4,000 |
| Sandusky City Schools | On the road to team sucess | $3,475 |
| Kelley's Island Local School | Island ecosystem connections | $3,154 |
| Firelands Symphony Orchestra | Family summer pops concert | $3,000 |
| Kiwanis Club of Sandusky | Imagination library of erie co | $3,000 |
| Leadership Erie County | Improvements to the cookie house | $3,000 |
| New Jerusalem Baptist Church | Christmas gathering | $3,000 |
| Erie County Senior Center | Meals on wheels equipment updates | $2,515 |
Officers and trustees
- Darlene Lowery
- Ann Murray
- Rhonda Watt
- Gene Kidwell
- Jennifer Chapman
- Kevin Lutz
- Justin Harris
- Tricia Patten
- Jim Murray
Questions people ask
Does The Michelle Wightman-Karrie Wieber Charitable Foundation accept grant applications?
Yes. Its latest IRS filing says it accepts applications, with this on deadlines: Completed applications must be received by 5:00 pm on march 1 and september 1.
How much does The Michelle Wightman-Karrie Wieber Charitable Foundation give?
$350,000 in tax year 2025, across 70 grants, with a typical grant of $3,077.
Who runs The Michelle Wightman-Karrie Wieber Charitable Foundation?
Its 2025 filing lists Darlene Lowery (Trustee), Ann Murray (Trustee), Rhonda Watt (Trustee) and Gene Kidwell (Trustee) among 9 officers and trustees.
What does The Michelle Wightman-Karrie Wieber Charitable Foundation fund?
Based on its grants, mainly education, health and faith communities.