Straker Foundation Awards over $2.1M in Grants

ZANESVILLE, OH – The J.W. & M.H. Straker Charitable Foundation has wrapped up its 2025 grant cycle.

The foundation saw more applicants than ever before, highlights the growing needs in Muskingum County. Among the lucky recipients are John Glenn Flag Football and Cheer and the Tri-Valley Band Boosters. JG Flag Football and Cheer received over $17,000 to create an inclusive and affordable league.

“It’s not money that’s just for a kids sport, it’s so much more than that. We know that 70% of kids by the age of 13 are quitting sports. That’s really unfortunate because we know high school athletes become successful later in life because they’re getting critical skills like discipline, leadership, and teamwork. The two main reasons kids are quitting is because cost is a big barrier and it’s just not fun anymore for them. So, we’d like to make those funds to create an affordable and inclusive sport for kids,” Co-Founder of JG Flag Football & Cheer Mandy Williams said.

The Tri-Valley Band Boosters are also marching away with over $10,000 to build a much-needed storage facility at their practice field. Right now, their storage unit is located off-site, making it difficult to access. The new storage facility will give the Tri-Valley Band and guard students a dedicated space to store all their necessities including props, paint for the field, and other equipment.

“I can’t even begin to tell you what this means. We currently have volunteers; all of the boosters are volunteers. They are the ones who help go get all of the stuff and a lot of them have full time jobs as well. So, getting the volunteers to be able to go help during practices is really hard. Being able to have something that is easily accessible for the director to go get and for the students to go get, is just going to be so much easier on everyone.” Secretary of Tri-Valley Band Boosters Rosie Nicholson said.

For more details on the Straker Foundation and their grants, please visit their website.

The J.W. And M.H. Straker Charitable Foundation – Ohio