Foundation grants over $8.7M in 2024

By Maura Teynor

(Photo: RCF President & CEO Allie Watson, outgoing Board of Trustees Member Jessica Gribben, and Chairman Chris Hiner at the annual meeting May 9.)

During the Richland County Foundation's annual meeting, President & CEO Allie Watson reported that the Foundation granted $8,771,101 in 2024. Donors continued to be very generous, and gifts for the year totaled $8,721,037.

Foundation donors were most passionate about supporting community development with grants totaling $2,640,595. Other sectors receiving grants were children/families/youth $1,618,939, education $1,599,678, arts & culture $1,411,118, human services $877,956, health services $196,736, environment $191,436, economic development $153,537, and churches $81,106. To review the 2024 annual report, go to richlandcountyfoundation.org. 

Guest speaker Chair of the Women’s Fund, Amy Hiner discussed their focus on childcare. She said the Women's Fund has invested in childcare since 2019. Access to affordable, high-quality childcare is an economic issue for women and lays the foundation for successful educational outcomes in children ages birth to five. When women and families thrive, our community is strong, and our future is bright. The Women’s Fund is seeking companies and organizations to partner with us to fund this effort. 

During the business portion of the meeting, Troy Cramer, Laurie McKeon, and Marcella Smith were approved as incoming Board of Trustees members. The following trustees will serve as officers this coming year: Chair Dr. Theresa Roth-Groth, Chair Elect Lee Tasseff, Secretary Jack Stewart, and Treasurer Dakota Durbin. 

Jessica Gribben, Jason Guilliams, Barbara Zaugg-Joudrey, and Jotika Shetty completed their terms and were recognized for their dedication and service to the community.