LIMA, Ohio (WLIO) — Four local organizations were each awarded $10,000 to support efforts aimed at improving the community.
The funding comes from the third annual “Chili for Charity” luncheon, where community members paid $10 for a meal while helping decide how the money raised would be distributed.
Six nonprofit groups delivered five-minute pitches outlining how they would use the funds to address community challenges. This year’s focus centered on opioid addiction, prevention and recovery.
Attendees voted for their top two choices, with the top four organizations each receiving $10,000 grants. Organizers say the event serves as a form of community crowdfunding while also raising awareness about local nonprofits.
“It is really a great way for our residents here to have an impact, so they can see exactly how their money’s being spent, what work is happening, and if nothing else, they’re walking away knowing more about these nonprofits than what they did when they walked in. What they’re doing in the community and how they can support them in the future,” said Kayla Monfort, director of Activate Allen County.
2026 Chili for Charity participants:
- Andrew’s House of Hope (winner)
- Big Brothers Big Sisters of West Central Ohio
- Church on the Rock (winner)
- Elevate Recovery
- Youth Connect 4 Mental Health (winner)
- YWCA of Northwest Ohio (winner)
