Foundation grantmaking soars with donation from Harold Behnken

The name Harold Behnken may not ring a bell, but it could be up there with the likes of Ruth Parker and George Mylander, as key philanthropists who made their mark on our community, according to a news release.

Behnken was a quiet hero, leaving millions of dollars to the Erie County community that will grow over time and be distributed through grants to help Erie County thrive for years to come, the release said.

Behnken grew up in Brooklyn, New York, served in the Navy during World War II, and narrowly escaped death at the battle of Iwo Jima, the release said.

He met his dream girl, Priscilla, and later got married and started a career in engineering, the release said.

Eventually, he landed in Sandusky through his job with General Motors and rose to the rank of plant manager.

The couple had charitable mindsets, volunteering and giving to their church and his college, the release said.

In 2017, Behnken received the Herbster Award from Parkvue Community noting his years of philanthropic dedication and unwavering concern for the residents of Parkvue.

In the coming years, Behnken’s donation significantly will impact the grantmaking of the Erie County Community Foundation, according to the release.

With his unrestricted donation, the Community Foundation can address a greater variety of needs in Erie County, the release said.

The 2022 Round 2 Grant Application officially is open, and Erie County nonprofits are invited to apply.

Applications

Applications are due Aug. 1, and details can be found at www.eriefoundation.org/ community-grants.

The Community Foundation encourages proposals for projects that collaborate among Erie County organizations, build organizational capacity, leverage additional resources, demonstrate sustainability and address community needs, the release said.

The minimum grant awards are $1,000 with a general range of $1,000 to $20,000 and typically are awarded for one year only, the release said.

Grant projects must serve Erie County residents.

The 2022 Round 1 Grants cycle put $220,000 into the hands of Erie County nonprofits, schools and municipalities, according to the release.

Projects awarded included Vermilion’s Harbor View Park Access project, Margaretta Elementary School’s robotics program, Goodwill’s employment reentry program for reincarcerated individuals, Boys & Girls Club’s financial literacy programs for teens, Victory Kitchen’s Feeding the Hungry Project and enhanced entertainment and education at the Sandusky PRIDE festival.

If you’d like to leave a legacy in Erie County like Behnken, contact 419-6219690 for more information.