Versailles, IN — A total of $739,105 in grants was awarded to seven non-profit organizations in the Versailles area Wednesday night at the 166th birthday celebration for Uncle Jim Tyson in the Tyson United Methodist Church sanctuary.
The following organizations were awarded the 2022 Tyson Fund grants:
- Main Street Versailles – $12,000 for operating expenses and programs in the town throughout the year.
- South Ripley School Corporation – $30,000 for a new sound system in the high school auditera.
- The Tyson Activity Center (TAC) – $60,105 for program funding at TAC, and improvements to the gym floor epoxy area, wash seal glazed brick, seal gym roof front sign.
- Town of Versailles – $452,000 to improve the water and sewer systems, water bond payment, dump truck payment, INDOT matching funds for roads/street improvements, dewatering station, pocket park finishing touches, digital water meters, flair mower, and street lamps.
- Tyson Library – $150,000 to fund programs and the operating budget for the benefit of the community’s citizens.
- Versailles Fire & Rescue – $25,000 for the payment on the 2006 Rescue Truck, which was purchased two years ago. This is another payment on that vehicle.
- Versailles Lions Club – $10,000 for the 2022 Pumpkin Show entertainment, advertising, rental of the stage area and sound system, and other expenses incurred by the Lions.
The awards were presented by the President of the Versailles Tyson Fund Bob Meyer and the other eight Tyson Fund Trustees.
The trustees received requests totaling $812,020 this year.
The man known as “Uncle Jim” used $74,000 in Walgreens stock in 1930 to set up a trust fund that specifically benefits the citizens of his hometown.
Only residents of the Town of Versailles may vote for projects and grants that are given out annually every September 14.
This is the 91st year the grants were made to non-profits in the Versailles area.
