Four local organizations won $10,000 to support efforts aimed at improving the community.

Troy Elwer, the fair’s promotions and operations manager, spoke Monday at the Lima Rotary Club, giving an update on preparations at the fairgrounds for the big event.

Artists of all disciplines — including film, performing arts, dance, and more — can apply for grants that support professional development in their careers. Nonprofit and cultural organizations are also eligible for funding to create or expand in-person public art events, broadening access to cultural experiences for Lima residents.

The “Access to Capital” Lunch and Learn will be held Thursday, May 15, at the Rhodes State Borra Center in Lima Town Square. The event begins at 11 a.m. and is free to attend, though registration is requested by email at charitie.toland@yourstatebank.com.

LIMA, Ohio (WLIO) — Applications for the City of Lima’s Community Development Block Grants (CDBG) and HOME funds are now available.

“We have a lot of excellent organizations in the community that do great things for people of all ages,” said Troy Elwer, incoming Rotary Foundation president. “Our main goal and mission as the Rotary Foundation Board is to award them with grant opportunities and dollars that they can either put toward their general operating budget for the year or for a specific project that they’re looking to accomplish, either in a facility or in the community.”

The grants are funded through a collaboration between Activate Allen County, the Mental Health and Recovery Services Board of Allen, Auglaize and Hardin Counties, the Mental Health, Alcohol and Drug Addiction Recovery Board of Putnam County, and Mercy Health.

Area faith organizations got a financial boost on Wednesday thanks to Activate Allen County and Mercy Health St. Rita's.