The non-profit Ressler Mill Foundation oversees a number of programs which have continued the community service goals Anna and Franklin Ressler had in mind when they began their foundation. The foundation established the William Morton Bird Sanctuary near the dam as Mill Creek flows into the Ressler Mill. Here visitors and residents may fish or picnic along the creek as they enjoy the birds and wildlife.
The foundation also funds projects that help prevent Mill Creek from eroding and controlling pollution to the Susquehanna River and Chesapeake Bay.
The foundation's annual grants program supports the requests and needs of more than 25 non-profit, educational institutions in Lancaster County each year. Any organization wishing to submit a grant application should contact the Ressler Mill Foundation Grant Office at P.O. Box 7209 Lancaster, Pa. 17604
The foundation purchases and distributes approximately 6,000 dictionaries each year to every third grader in the Lancaster County public and parochial schools.
A watch is given to the Spelling Bee Champion and to every high school student that achieves the Keystone Degree in the FFA study program in the County.
A grant of $1,000 is given to any semi-finalist in the Teacher of the Year Program in the form of a donation to the teacher's school district for the teacher to use to purchase teaching materials.
All county high schools are able to send a selected number of students to the National Constitution Center in Philadelphia, paid for by the foundation.
Other teachers and students who have achieved recognition of their accomplishments in history or education also receive special grant support. Student enrichment programs are again being offered to create an interest in local history. All visitors to the mill receive free admission to the properties open to the public. Home schoolers and all students are invited to visit the historic mill and miller's house to learn first hand about the importance of early mills in the growth of the community.
