Blog
From the front lines at the community foundation
When I say I work at the Richland County Foundation, most of my friends and family don't understand what I do. The most common response I get is, Oh you write a lot of grants. Well, not really.
How can we make applying for a grant easier?
Making it easier to apply for a grant. Access to support and online applications are two ways. One key point to keep in mind is that we’re all just people. You can contact a funder and ask questions. Listen to what they’re saying about your project or idea and take their advice. One of the greatest benefits of connecting with a community investment officer at a foundation is that person has contact with board and committee members who are making decisions about your grant application.
What goes on at a community foundation?
I am working on the annual report and thought I would share some FAQs. What is a community foundation? A community foundation is an independent, tax-exempt public charity whose mission is to accept and administer charitable gifts and bequests, regardless of size, for the benefit of the local community. Community foundations fulfill donors’ charitable goals by awarding grants that meet a broad range of community needs, from the arts to basic human needs, to the environment. Typically, a community foundation is comprised of many separate component funds. Unlike private foundations, community foundations funds come from many sources, including individuals and families, businesses, and other nonprofit organizations. The first community foundation started in 1904 in Cleveland, Ohio. Today there are over 700 independent community foundations located across the country.
Economic metrics are the focus of community dashboard
A new website has been launched to track the economic health of the local community. RichlandVitalSigns.com is a key piece of the Richland County Foundation's five-year transformative economic development strategic plan.
Richland County Foundation Accredited with Rigorous Philanthropic Standards
Richland County Foundation again received accreditation with the nation's highest standard for philanthropic excellence. National Standards for U.S. Community Foundations® establish legal, ethical, effective practices for community foundations.
Richland County Foundation Connections Fund awards over $20,000 in grants
The Connections Fund of the Richland County Foundation announced its 2017 grants during its Winter Reception January 27 held at the foundation. The Connections Fund donors approved $20,000 in grants this year.
Betty Martin Establishes an Elementary Education Fund
Betty Martin recently established a field-of-interest fund to support elementary education in the Mansfield City School District. She taught at Carpenter Elementary School for 28 years and is passionate about educating children.
Foundation kicks off third year of its Osborne Meese Academy
The Richland CountyFoundation held an orientation January 12 for staff members from 15 nonprofit organizations to kick off its third year of the Osborne Meese Academy. The program is designed to build and support nonprofit organizations and to act as a catalyst.
The Foundation Welcomes a Community Investment Officer
Alan Mitchell II has been named the community investment officer at the Richland County Foundation.
Where is the next emerging opportunity for philanthropy to build social capital?
The role of the mid-sized and smaller community foundation is changing. More and more conversations with my community foundation peers turn to the topic of: how can we be proactive in driving economic and community development in our respective communities
What Happened to Civility?
The Women's Fund of the Richland County Foundation will host a roundtable discussion entitled What Happened to Civility January 25 at 7 p.m. Women's Fund Chair and OSU Mansfield Lecturer Paula Cohen will facilitate the discussion and help individuals develop a three-point plan to become a part of the solution.
Wow, You Are Generous!
Richland Gives, an online day of giving hosted by the Richland County Foundation, raises over $172,000 for local nonprofit organizations.
Grants available for educators and others who think outside of the box
Rev. Robin McCullough-Bade (and her husband the late Rev. John McCullough Bade) honored her parents with a field of interest fund at the Richland County Foundation named the Harry and Lois McCullough Fund. The fund will award grants in the community
Fund Celebrates 20 years of Empowering Women
The Women's Fund of the Richland County Foundation celebrates its 20th anniversary.
Philanthropy is a way of life for this family
Since 1959, the year they graduated from Mansfield Senior High School, Richard (Dick) and Sally (Heckert) Uhde have felt a connection to and an appreciation of the Richland County Foundation.
What if we all gave on the same day?
The day is designed to encourage everyone to contribute to local nonprofits they care about through a single giving platform/website. The Richland County Foundation is hosting the day to build capacity, grow philanthropy and make the community stronger.
What is philanthropy?
My son asked me today, what is philanthropy? I said, it is when people donate money or other resources to help people and charities in need.
Run for unity. Race for prevention.
You have a chance to help address the drug abuse epidemic in our community by participating or donating to the Spherion Mid Ohio 13ER. The half marathon and 5-K race will be held Saturday, September 3 in downtown Mansfield.
Women's Fund is taking grant applications
The Women's Fund of the Richland County Foundation is accepting grant applications until September 16 for programs that support women and girls.
Join our team!
The Richland County Foundation has an opening for a community investment officer. Please take a look at the job description for duties and requirements.
Local teachers receive $55,000 in grants
The Richland County Foundation awarded over $55,000 in Teacher Assistance Program grants for the upcoming school year to 55 local teachers for their creative and innovative supplemental programs not covered by school funding.
Justin and Lynn Marotta Fund
The Justin and Lynn Marotta Fund was recently established as a means to promote horticulture in our region.
Mind Body Align establishes charitable fund
Mind Body Align Charitable Fund fund will support projects that support women and empower them to lead happier, more fulfilling lives. Examples include, but are not limited to: alternative wellness, women's entrepreneurship, yoga for underserved populations, healthy foods initiatives, arts & culture, and professional development.
Why do you give?
Why do you give? The Foundation is welcoming five new members to its board of trustees who will give their time and expertise to guide the foundation.
Shelby's gifts
Guest Blogger Tim Cooper His comments on April 6 to kick off the Lifeline of Ohio Torch Run for Life to bring awareness to organ and tissue donation.
Scholarship application deadline is fast approaching
The Foundation transitioned from a paper application to an online form to make it easier for students to apply for scholarships. The deadline is April 1 at 11:59 p.m.
Connections Fund members select new leaders
The Connections Fund of the Richland County Foundation Advisory Committee recently selected new co-chairs; Cristen Gilbert and Dr. Amy Staker-Breitinger.
How to start a new fund
Five steps to establish a charitable fund at Richland County Foundation to meet your specific interests, both now and in the future.
School establishes an endowed fund to continue its mission
Mansfield Christian School establishes an endowed fund. For 55 years, Mansfield Christian School has been a steadfast leader in Christian education.
