The Messer Construction Co. Foundation was created to administer multi-year gifts from the company and to provide a disciplined approach to larger gifts.
The Foundation seeks to support organizations that advance the interests of society in the areas of economic inclusion, education and workforce development. Learn more about our grant guidelines.
Applications for the 2012 grants are now being accepted. Download a copy of the application here.
Since its creation in 2005, $525,000 in $25,000 grants have been awarded.
The 2011 grant recipients were sponsored by Messer employees, recommended by a committee composed of Messer employees, and approved by the Foundation Board of Trustees. More than 45 applications were received and considered, resulting in the selection of the following organizations:
Crossroads of America Council is a youth development organization serving central Indiana’s Boy Scouts of America constituency. As such it aims to prepare young people to make ethical and moral decisions by instilling values of the Scout Oath and Law. Program pillars include citizenship training, character development and personal fitness. Scouts are encouraged to advance through the program ranks by fulfilling requirements in the areas of leadership, service and outdoor skills. The grant will fund materials to build the Messer Youth Leadership Training Camp Shelter at Camp Red Wing in Munice, Indiana. The 45 ft. by 25 ft. shelter will be used to conduct leadership training programs, distribute supplies and provide a sleeping area for leaders in support of the White Stag program. White Stag is a nationally recognized youth leadership training program that helps prepare Scouts for real life leadership situations through hands-on experiences.
JustLead, the flagship program of Emerald Youth Foundation, is conducted in partnership with a network of 21 neighborhood churches and faith-based organizations in the Knoxville, Tennessee area. Geared toward at-risk youth, the program provides Christian ministry of faith, education and sports program designed to create and shape leaders who will make a positive difference in their communities. The $25,000 grant will be used to assist in renovating the former Mechanicsville Medical Clinic building, donated by Cherokee Health Systems, to a learning and community center for Clinton Chapel AME Zion Church. The center will provide Clinton Chapel with much needed space to expand its JustLead ministry with neighborhood youth in Mechanicsville.
A service of City Gospel Mission, Green Recycling Works is a self-sustaining social enterprise that provides transitional employment, job training and life skills for graduates of the Mission’s Exodus men’s recovery program. The business collects and recycles clothing, books, cardboard, paper, plastics, aluminum, and carpets that can be purchased by manufacturers and scrap yards to make new materials. Grant dollars will support the purchase of equipment needed to run the facility.
2010 Grant Recipients:
- Homeless Families Foundation, Columbus, OH
- Repairers' Lexington, Lexington, KY
- YWCA Dayton, Dayton OH
2009 Grant Recipients:
- Boonshoft Museum of Discovery, Dayton, OH
- Boys and Girls Clubs of Indianapolis, Indianapolis, IN
- The Greater Cincinnati Foundation, Cincinnati, OH
2008 Grant Recipients:
- Easter Seals Central and Southeast Ohio, Inc. Columbus, OH
- YWCA of Greater Cincinnati, Cincinnati, OH
- YouthBuild Louisville, Louisville, KY
2007 Grant Recipients:
- Brooklawn Child & Family Services, Louisville, KY
- Shepherd Community Center, Indianapolis, IN
- Urban League of Lexington-Fayette County, Lexington, KY
2006 Grant Recipients:
- Boys and Girls Club of Tennessee Valley, Knoxville, TN
- Toyota Bluegrass Miracle League, Lexington, KY
- Woodward Career Technical High School, Cincinnati, OH
2005 Grant Recipients
- Boys and Girls Club of Columbus, Inc., Columbus, OH
- ISUS, Inc. (Improved Solutions for Urban Systems). Dayton, OH
- University of Louisville J.B. Speed School of Engineering, Louisville, KY