A man’s love for the arts prompted his family to establish a fund in his honor, and nonprofit organizations can repay that love by applying for a Fall Grant and putting grant dollars to work in our community.

The deadline is July 31.

The Donald J. Klaes Music the Performing Arts Fund was established at the Community Foundation of Jackson County in December 2020 following his death.

“Don was a graduate of Indiana University, and throughout his life he continued his musical education well beyond his degree,” his sister Julie Bradley of Brownstown said.

Don was a graduate of Seymour High School, and he served in the U.S. Army from 1982 to 1985, playing with the U.S. Army Band while stationed in Germany. In addition to his work with local bands and community theater, he had played in the worship band at Seymour Christian Church and The Alley Church. He was an avid chess player and a long-time employee at Mactac in Columbus.

“Don was a gifted keyboard player who was well known for his playing in several groups, churches and with the Jackson County Community Theatre,” Dr. Chris Klaes said of his younger brother. “His talents were enjoyed by many as a member of the Ang Trio, the Elements of Jazz and the Sound of Dreams. He also was an actor in multiple plays with JCCT.”

Creation of the Donald J. Klaes Music the Performing Arts Fund as a field-of-interest fund will allow the foundation to automatically provide more grant dollars to support the arts across Jackson County. That is, of course, if nonprofits apply for a grant. You must apply in order to receive a grant.

The fall grant cycle is the foundation’s annual competitive grant process. Grants are funded with earnings from community funds — also known as unrestricted funds — and field-of-interest funds. Last year, the overall fall grant cycle paid out $125,138 in 2023, providing funds for 21 grants. This year, the foundation expects to have more than $137,000 in funds for the Fall Grant cycle.

Nonprofits, churches and governmental units can apply for a fall grant. Applications may be found online at the Foundation’s website, cfjacksoncounty.org.

The foundation has long supported the arts in Jackson County through the fall grant cycle, but this new field-of-interest fund boosts targeted giving toward the arts. The foundation joins the Klaes family in eagerly awaiting to see how Don’s love for the arts continues as a living legacy.

Remember, the deadline is July 31.

Dan Davis is president and CEO of the Community Foundation of Jackson County, 107 Community Drive, Seymour, IN 47274. For information about donating to the foundation, call 812-523-4483 or send an email to [email protected].