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Richland County Foundation funds summer interns and more

The Richland County Foundation Board of Trustees approved $262,503 in grants during its April board meeting.  Over $100,000 in grants went to fund 24 paid summer interns at Richland County nonprofit organizations from the Fran and Warren Rupp Donor Advised Fund. 

The Summertime Kids Committee chaired by Foundation Board of Trustee member Julie McCready and members from the community awarded 35 Summertime Kid grants totaling $63,225.05. The grants of up to $2,500 were given to support creative, educational and fun-filled activities for hundreds of Richland County children. 

The Board of Trustees approved grants from donor-advised funds which allows individuals and families the opportunity to make grant suggestions to favorite charities. Donor Advised Funds are a flexible and convenient alternative to a private foundation. It is also a way to keep charitable contributions anonymous, at the preference of the donor.

The following organizations received grants from donor-advised:

 April 11, 2018

Foundation grants over $63,000 for kids' summertime activities 

The Richland County Foundation is supporting summertime programs focused on children.  The Summertime Kids Committee chaired by Foundation Board of Trustee member Julie McCready and members from the community awarded 35 Summertime Kid grants totaling $63,225.05. The grants of up to $2,500 were given to support creative, educational and fun-filled activities for hundreds of Richland County children. 

The following grants were approved:

Blue Rose Mission                                          Home Repairs and Training

Camp Nuhop                                                   Summer Camp

Crestview Local Schools                                 Arts Enrichment

Crossroads City Center                                  City Center – Summer Rocks!

Culliver Reading Center                                 Camp Culliver

CHAP Hubb                                                      Girl Talk                                             

Domestic Violence Shelter                            Outside the Box

Friendly House                                                Summer Fun Program

Harmony House                                              Kids Vacation

Heartland Academy                                        Splash-tastic Fun Time

Hospice of North Central Ohio                     Camp Hope

K-City Childcare                                               Summer of Science

Kingwood Center Gardens                            Bug Day

Little Buckeye Children’s Museum               Little Helper Program

Malabar Intermediate School                       Summer Bridge Camp

Mankind Murals                                              Summer Mural Project

Mansfield Area Y                                             Y on Wheels

Mansfield City Parks                                       Hooked on Fishing, Not Drugs

Mansfield Playhouse                                      Mulan Jr.

Mid Ohio Youth Mentoring                           Summer Picnic

NECIC                                                                Summer Manufacturing Institute

Ohio Bird Sanctuary                                       Friendly House Nature Camp

Ontario City                                                     Summer Recreation Program

Ohio State University – Mansfield               Summer STEM Camp

Parent Aide Program                                     Kids Cook International

Renaissance Performing Arts                       Camp Broadway

Salvation Army                                                Summer Zone

Shelby City Schools                                         Camp Invention

St. Mary Schools                                               Garden of Eatin

UMADAOP                                                         Summer Performing Arts

STK grants funded via Field of Interest Funds:

Catalyst Life Services                                        Do It Deaf

Children’s Cupboard                                         Summer Program

Independent Living of North Central Ohio   Try It Tuesdays

Richland Newhope                                            Campership Program

Zoe’s Learning Center                                       Field Trips

March 5, 2018

Richland County Foundation approves over $1.8M in grants 

The Richland County Foundation Board of Trustees approved grants totaling $ 1,824,304.10 during its February meeting.  

Grants were awarded from the Community Fund to the following nonprofit organizations:

Richland Community Development Group received a grant to purchase flowers and hanging baskets for its Mansfield and Bellville Beautification Sectors and to the Bellville Arts Sector to paint crosswalks.   

Plymouth Historical Society received a grant to assist in its application to designate Plymouth as a Historic District.

The Board of Trustees approved grants from donor advised funds which allows individuals and families the opportunity to make grant suggestions to favorite charities. Donor Advised Funds are a flexible and convenient alternative to a private foundation. It is also a way to keep charitable contributions anonymous, at the preference of the donor.

The following organizations received grants from donor advised funds: 

The board approved grants from donor designated and agency funds. Agency Funds are established by charitable organizations and can be endowed or non-endowed. The agency benefits from the Foundation’s professional asset management, which allows the agency’s staff and board to focus on providing services to their constituents.

Designated Funds provide annual support to the charities selected by the donor. They offer the added benefit that if the organization ceases to exist; the Foundation has the responsibility to ensure that the donor's original intent is met in seeking new suitable organizations.  

The following organizations received grants form donor designated and agency funds:

February 13, 2018

Connections Fund Awards almost $18,000 in Grants

The Connections Fund of the Richland County Foundation announced grant awards during its Winter Reception January 19 held at the foundation. The Connections Fund donors approved 12 grants totaling $17,907

Foundation President Brady Groves said, “The Connections Fund is a great way for younger donors to get involved in philanthropy and community leadership.”

The following organizations and programs were funded by Connections.

Altrusa International - Tools for School

Crestview Middle School - Maker Space

First School at Foundations for Living - G.E. D. software

Junior Achievement - Richland County Programs

North Central State College - Women’s Leadership Development Program

Ohio State University at Mansfield - Free Science Saturdays

Ontario High School - Sea Perch Underwater Robotics

Parent Aide - Family Action Nights

Mansfield Area YMCA - School Days Out Program

Mansfield Sherman Elementary - Pedaling for Our Future

Mansfield Spanish Immersion School - Kids Can Code

Stellar Robotics - Program improvements

Since 2005 the Connections Fund has awarded over $106,600 to nonprofit organizations in Richland County. The mission of the Connections Fund of the Richland County Foundation is to foster and retain leaders and professionals in Richland County and to promote a philanthropic identity and involvement in the community. 

January 19, 2018

Community Foundation approves close to $430,000 in grants

The Richland County Foundation Board of Trustees approved $429,986 in grants to area nonprofit agencies during its December meeting.

Projects that received grants from unrestricted community funds and field of interest funds impacting area residents include: 

Mansfield Memorial Homes received a grant for its Meals on Wheels program.  A nutritious hot meal, friendly visit and safety check helps senior citizens cope with hunger, isolation, and loss of independence. MMH also received a grant for its Rotary Adult Daycare. This service allows older adults to remain independent as long as possible and out of nursing home care.

Raemelton Equestrian Center received a grant for scholarships to provide equine-based therapy. Children ages three to 21 with intellectual and/or developmental disabilities are eligible for the scholarships based on their financial need.

Shelby Park Board received a grant to complete its Black Fork Commons Park. The grant will fund the construction of an amphitheater and restrooms.

The Board of Trustees approved additional grants from donor advised funds to meet emerging needs to the following organizations:

December 12, 2017

Generous Donors Make Richland Gives a Success

Richland Gives, an online day of giving hosted by the Richland County Foundation, raised over $187,770 for 75 Richland County nonprofit organizations. 

The day is designed to encourage people to contribute to local nonprofits they care about through a single giving website. The foundation hosted the day to build capacity, grow philanthropy and make the community stronger. It allows local organizations to raise funds and awareness as well as cultivate new donors and reinvigorate lapsed donors.

The Foundation awarded $47,500 in matching grants as incentives during the giving event. The nonprofit organizations that raised the most overall were awarded $1,500 for first place, $500 for second place and $250 for third place.  

The winners in the small nonprofit category were Little Buckeye Children’s Museum, first, Lucas Community Center, second, and North Central Ohio Land Conservancy, third.

The winners of the large nonprofit category were Friendly House, first, North Central State College Foundation, second, and Ohio State University Foundation, third.

These following 35 organizations were the first to raise at least $1,000 during Richland Gives and were awarded a $1,000 matching grant:
North Central Ohio Land Conservancy
Lucas Community Center
Friendly House
North Central State College Foundation
Ohio State University Foundation
Little Buckeye Children’s Museum
Discovery School
Taking Root Farms
Love in the Name of Christ
Ohio Bird Sanctuary
Connections Fund
Richland Community Development Group
The New Store
Mansfield Y
Renaissance Performing Arts Association
Linden Road Presbyterian Church
Compassion in Action
North Central Ohio Industrial Museum
Friends of the 179^th Family Readiness & Support Group
Parent Aide Program
Mansfield Community Playhouse
Richland Carrousel Park
Neos Dance Theatre
Humane Society of Richland County
Mansfield Art Center
Mankind Murals Inc.
Malabar Farm Foundation
United Way of Richland County
Altrusa International Foundation
Downtown Mansfield Inc.
American Red Cross, Lake Erie Heartland
Kingwood Center Gardens
NUHOP Center for Experiential Learning
Domestic Violence Shelter
Community Action for Capable Youth

The organizations awarded $500 Golden Tickets during Power Hours for raising the most money during a specified hour were Friendly House, Lucas Community Center (two), North Central Ohio Land Conservancy and Little Buckeye Children’s Museum (two.)

$500 matching grants were awarded during giving day events to Little Buckeye Children’s Museum (two), North Central Ohio Land Conservancy, Altrusa and Plymouth Historical Society.

A $500 matching grant was awarded to the first five nonprofit organizations that raised at least $500 via Richland Gives last year and increased donations this year by at least 30%: Discovery School, Linden Road Presbyterian Church, Love In the Name of Christ, Ohio State University Mansfield Student Emergency Fund and Connections Fund.

December 1, 2017

Women’s Fund grants over $25,000 to local nonprofit agencies

The Women’s Fund of the Richland County Foundation recently awarded $25,100 to 14 organizations during its annual luncheon. The endowed fund exceeds $1 million and has granted over $343,000 in the community since its inception in 1996.

The Women’s Fund grants are awarded to agencies that provide programs to empower women and girls. Grants were awarded this year to the following agencies and programs:

Catalyst Life Services received a grant for a community enrichment series for women and girls who are deaf and hard of hearing. The program will focus on financial independence, safety and self-advocacy.

A grant was awarded to Community Action for Capable Youth for its People Encouraging People program. The program will bring teenagers and women together to talk about risk taking behaviors through interactive, small-group activities. The goal is to influence the girls to make changes in order to live a healthy and safe life.

The Harmony House received funding for its Transitions Program. Homeless women and their daughters need special support, guidance and services during their transition into and out of homelessness. Extra support will be provided through weekly activities to focus on stress reduction and coping skills as well as a mentorship program.  

The Independent Living Center of North Central Ohio received a grant for its Grandmothers Raising Grandchildren program. An Information Fair will be held in March to provide resources and services targeting senior women who are parenting grandchildren, step grandchildren and/or grand nieces and nephews.

The Mansfield Area Y received a grant to fund its American Red Cross Babysitters Course. The course is designed to teach girls ages eleven and up how to provide care to children in a safe, professional, and nurturing manner.

The North End Improvement Collaborative received funding for its Women on the Rise program. It is to support women in transition from public assistance to the workforce. The network will encourage women to move forward, connect assets, and develop confidence and leadership skills.

The Ohio State University at Mansfield received a grant for a Coding is Cool program. It will provide intermediate school African American girls in the Mansfield City School District an opportunity to explore a STEM-related field and empower them to consider new career options. 

The Parent Aide Program received funding for its Life Skills program which provides support at critical times. Parent Aide will provide help so women can achieve educational and parenting goals.

Pioneer Career and Technology Center received funding for its GRADS students to take a field trip to North Central State College to explore career paths, the admission process, and financial assistance. GRADS is an in-school Family and Consumer Science program for pregnant girls, expectant fathers, and young parents.

Pioneer Career and Technology Center received a grant for a women’s mentorship program. The program will meet monthly and have guest speakers to empower girls to become successful in the workforce.

Plymouth Shiloh Youth Volleyball received a grant to establish a youth league for girls in grades third through sixth to develop them physically, emotionally and socially.

Raemelton Therapeutic Equestrian Center received funding for an equine-facilitated class. Ten women referred from the Mental Health Docket of the Mansfield Municipal Court will participate. Horses are therapeutic by nature. The program is designed to teach the participant to manage stress, anxiety, frustration and anger by adjusting the way they ask a horse to perform a task.

The Salvation Army of Mansfield received a grant to fund its home economics after school program for teenage girls. The program will teach the girls life skills to promote independence.

The Third Street Family Health Services received a grant to purchase two new exam tables for its OB/GYN office.

November 9, 2017

Community Foundation approves over $2M in grants

The Richland County Foundation Board of Trustees approved $2,051,238 in grants to area nonprofit agencies during its October meeting.

Kingwood Center Gardens received a three-year grant from the community fund to help build a visitor center. It will be constructed near the Trimble Road entrance and will serve as a welcome center and banquet hall. The new facility will provide visitors a place to purchase tickets, consider the benefits of membership, learn about volunteer opportunities, gather information, plan their visit and learn the rich history of Kingwood Center.

Other nonprofits that received grants for projects and programs from the community fund that are impacting area residents include:

-Catholic Charities to provide individual assistance.

-City of Mansfield Historic Preservation Commission to submit a nomination to the National Register of Historic Places for an area in Downtown Mansfield. The district will allow building owners to apply for historic tax credits for certain building renovations.

-Dayspring Assisted Living & Care Facility for security enhancements.

-Northwest Ohio Scholarship Fund for scholarships for low income students to attend private, charter or home school.

-Shelby YMCA for a boiler and roof replacement project.

The Board of Trustees approved additional grants from donor advised funds to meet emerging needs to the following organizations: 

 October 12, 2017

Foundation awards August grants

The Richland County Foundation Board of Trustees approved over $400,354 in grants to area nonprofit organizations during its August meeting.

Richland County nonprofit organizations that received grants for projects from unrestricted funds include:

Richland County school districts to help fund half of the cost of a VEX Robotics kit and curriculum purchased from Integrated Systems Technology to either start a program or build upon an existing STEM program.

Mansfield Richland Area Educational Foundation to send a group of local people to the South by Southwest Conference in Austin, TX. The group would use information acquired during the conference to coordinate ideas for sustainability and growth of Mansfield’s Central Business District and surrounding areas.

Matching grants to nonprofit organizations that meet certain criteria while participating in Richland Gives, the day of giving, set for November 28.

The Board of Trustees approved grants from donor advised funds to meet emerging needs at the following organizations:

Alzheimer’s Association of NW Ohio Chapter

American Red Cross

Avow Hospice

Brown University

City of Mansfield

Conservancy of Southwest Florida

Colorado Rocky Mt. School

Emma Willard School

Florida Sheriff’s Association/Youth Ranches

Friendly House

Kingwood Center Gardens

Lucas Community Center

Mansfield Area Y

Mansfield Art Center

Mansfield Memorial Homes

Neos Dance Theatre

North Central Ohio Land Conservancy

Ohio Bird Sanctuary

Planned Parenthood of Greater Ohio

Plymouth Lutheran Church

Raemelton Therapeutic Equestrian Center

Reinhardt University

Richland Community Development Group

Richland County Children’s Auxiliary

Richland Veteran Mentor Program

Salvation Army

Youth Haven

August 15, 2017

Foundation awards close to $60,000 in grants to local teachers

The Richland County Foundation awarded $59,671 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.

The grants are given to K-12 teachers in public or private Richland County schools to encourage them to develop new programs, projects, or events for their classrooms.  The following grants were selected by a committee comprised of Richland County Foundation board members, teachers, and community volunteers.

Funded through the Harry and Lois McCullough Fund