In 1952, the James Forsythe Milroy Foundation was established through the will of Robert G. Milroy, a descendant of early Scottish settlers in western Ohio.
The foundation was created to honor this heritage and to provide incentives for individuals who wished to continue the agricultural legacy set by the first pioneers, as well as to remember Robert’s father, James Milroy.
The original goal of the foundation was to manage the two Milroy farms, GLENHEAD and CAMBERT HILL, using the income from these properties to allow young people to gain practical farming experience during their school years.
The idea was to provide them with a hands-on opportunity to learn and test the most modern farming methods of the time.
However, by 1977, changing regulations for non-profit foundations made it clear that the best way to honor the intentions of the Milroy will would be to convert the assets into more income-producing sources.
As a result, the farms were sold, and the proceeds were invested into securities and bonds through Banc Ohio (now PNC).
This move allowed the foundation to significantly increase student funding and continue supporting young agricultural enthusiasts.
Today, the Milroy Foundation remains committed to supporting the agricultural tradition and offering financial assistance to students pursuing careers in farming.
Justin Dinovo, President of the Milroy Foundation:
Who should apply?
Any high school senior or graduate who resides in Logan County with the intention of working in agriculture, food science, or the environment (or a related field) at the completion of college or equivalent training.
Where can you attend school?
The will establishing the Foundation provides that funds may be granted to those enrolled in academic programs related to agriculture, food science, and the environment at Institutions of higher
education in Ohio.
What can I expect?
Funds are granted in the form of no-interest loans.
Foundation trustees may be able to forgive part of the loan & convert that portion to a scholarship if the income of the trust allows.
Funding is renewable each year as long as the student remains in good academic standing, enrolled as a full-time student, and remains in an academic area of study related to agriculture, food science, or the environment at an Ohio institution of higher learning.
What are the payback provisions?
Loans are interest-free during the time the student is in school and remain interest-free for a maximum of four years following graduation or termination of studies.
Academic fields that qualify:
- Animal Science
- Environmental Sciences
- Dietetics & Human Nutrition
- Food Science Technology
- Agriculture Business
- Horticulture & Crop Science
- Human & Community
- Resources
- Equine Sciences
- Agriculture Education
- Agricultural
- Engineering
- Biological Engineering
- Textile Sciences
- Natural Resources
- Plant Pathology
- Genetics
- Extension
Trustees of the Foundation:
- Justin Dinovo, President
President, Citizens Federal Savings and Loan
100 North Main Street, Bellefontaine, OH 43311
937-593-0015
[email protected] - Jacob King, Trustee
Extension Educator, Ag & Natural Resources OSU Extension – Logan County
1100 S. Detroit Street, Bellefontaine, OH 43311
937-565-6065
[email protected] - Rev. Greg Menssen, Trustee
Master of Divinity, Pastor, First United Presbyterian Church
117 North Main Street, Bellefontaine, OH 43311 - Carol Sue Thompson
Foundation Administration Assistant, Citizens Federal Savings and Loan
100 North Main Street, Bellefontaine, Ohio 43311
937-593-0015
[email protected]
