Freese Grant Advisory Board

Freese
The Freese Grant Advisory Board annually recommends projects to be funded through grant money. City Council then gives final approval for projects. The city receives the grant funding from the Egbert M. Freese Foundation, and it must be used for Galion parks and recreation projects, or projects that fit the intent of Mr. Freese's will. 

​Members


The board consists of five members. Under city ordinance, the mayor, safety-service director, and city council president all sit on the board, and two citizens are appointed. Current members:

Gar Gledhill, chairman
Mayor Tom O'Leary
Safety-Service Director Nicole Ward
Council President Carl Watt
Drew Karnes

​Grant Criteria


Freese Grants are available to the City of Galion, Galion City Schools, and any local, 501(c)3 nonprofit organization. The grantee must provide at least a 25% match toward project funding.

Project applications are reviewed in early spring. The number of projects funded is dependent on the amount of grant money available each year.

Click here to view the funding application.

Completed Projects

Project
Grantee
Grant Amount
Splash Park and Replacement Restroom City of Galion $244,775
Carriage House Museum Historical Society $9,375
Parking Lot YMCA $7,500
Football Stadium Improvements Galion City Schools $191,000
Baseball Field Improvements Galion City Schools $112,500
Softball Field Lights Galion City Schools $37,500
Tennis Court Reconstruction City of Galion $140,000
Amann Shelter and Restroom City of Galion $60,000
Stadium Handicap Accessibility Galion City Schools $16,000
Basketball Court Resurfacing City of Galion $26,549
Depot Restroom City of Galion $70,000
Heise Park Restroom Replacement City of Galion $85,000
Bike Path - Phase 1 City of Galion $260,613
Inclusive Playground City of Galion $490,000
Heise Pool Improvements City of Galion $50,500
Log Cabin Roof Replacement City of Galion $9,435
New Safety Mulch City of Galion $35,000