The Maxine E. Spitler Foundation has awarded $34,642.68 in grants to 18 organizations throughout Jasper and Lawrence counties, supporting educational initiatives, youth programs, community services, libraries, the arts, and animal welfare.
The grants, announced June 26, 2026, will fund a wide variety of projects ranging from classroom technology and musical instruments to literacy programs, food assistance, theater workshops, school equipment, and animal rescue efforts.
Jasper County Recipients
Several Jasper County organizations received funding for projects that will directly benefit local students and residents.
ERBA Jasper County Outreach Office received $1,000 to provide food for Jasper County low-income children in grades K-12.
The Jasper County Health Department was awarded $1,249.97 to purchase Safe Sitter student handbooks, provide snacks, and help cover nursing costs for the 2027 Safe Sitter Class.
Jasper County CUSD #1’s R.E.A.D. (Reading Excites All Dreams) program received $2,000 to purchase three reading books that will be shared among all Jasper County elementary schools, including St. Thomas School.
Newton Elementary School’s Strong Girls and B.O.Y.S. programs received $999 for T-shirts and lesson materials.
The Newton Community High School Music Department was awarded $2,600 toward the purchase of a 13,000-lumen Epson laser projector.
The Jasper County Junior High Music Boosters received the largest Jasper County grant of $5,944.20 for the purchase of a Musser vibraphone.
St. Thomas the Apostle Catholic School received $4,992 to purchase 13 ASUS Chromebooks for students in grades 5-8.
Lawrence County Recipients
Lawrence County organizations also benefited from the annual grant program.
Parkside Elementary School’s Music Department received funding for 20 classroom xylophones, while the school’s library, art department, and TECH Room each received grants supporting educational materials and equipment.
Other recipients included Kids Shopping Day of Lawrence County, the Lawrence County Humane Society, Lawrence County Arts Council, Lawrence County Historical Society, and Parkview Junior High School’s Positive Behavioral Intervention and Support (PBIS) program.
Red Hill CUSD #10’s Sumner Attendance Center also received funding to purchase 24 anti-tip scooter boards for its physical education department.
About the Foundation
Organizations eligible to apply for Maxine E. Spitler Foundation grants must be tax-supported governmental units or qualifying 501(c)(3) nonprofit organizations located in Jasper or Lawrence counties. Projects must benefit youth or support domestic or wild animal welfare.
Applications for the annual grant program are available through Weber and Company, Inc., 604 W. Jourdan Street in Newton, with applications due each year by May 31. Awards are determined annually by the Foundation’s advisory board.
Grant Recipients
| Recipient | Award | Purpose |
|---|---|---|
| Parkside Elementary Music | $1,000 | Classroom xylophones |
| ERBA Jasper County Outreach | $1,000 | Food pantry for Jasper County children |
| Kids Shopping Day of Lawrence County | $2,500 | School clothing and supplies |
| Lawrence County Historical Society | $1,000 | Cemetery Project technology |
| Lawrence County Humane Society | $2,000 | Spay & Neuter program |
| Jasper County Health Department | $1,249.97 | Safe Sitter Class |
| Jasper CUSD #1 R.E.A.D. | $2,000 | Reading books |
| St. Thomas Catholic School | $4,992 | Chromebooks |
| Newton Elementary Strong Girls/B.O.Y.S. | $999 | T-shirts and lesson materials |
| Parkside Library | $1,000 | Library signage and storage |
| Saved By Grace Animal Rescue | $2,000 | TNR and rabies program |
| Lawrence County Arts Council | $1,404.50 | Theatre Week and workshop |
| Newton Community High School Music | $2,600 | Laser projector |
| Jasper Junior High Music Boosters | $5,944.20 | Musser vibraphone |
| Parkview Junior High PBIS | $1,250 | Annual platform subscription |
| Parkside Art Department | $1,000 | Art equipment |
| Parkside TECH Room | $650 | Educational equipment |
| Red Hill CUSD #10 | $2,053.01 | Anti-tip scooter boards |
