View Recent Grants
Foundation Awards Over $1.1M in Grants
The Richland County Foundation Board of Trustees approved $1,147,667 in grants to nonprofit organizations during its August meeting.
The Foundation awarded $531,300 in scholarships for the 2021-22 school year to Richland County students. Scholarships are awarded based on a student’s financial need and grade point average.
A grant was made from an agency designated fund to Richland County Board of Developmental Disabilities to create an all-inclusive community park and playground at Sterkel Park in Mansfield.
The Board of Trustees approved grants from donor-advised funds to meet emerging needs at the following organizations:
Akron Children’s Hospital Mansfield Facility
Crawford County Education and Economic Partnership
Mansfield Area Y
Mansfield Art Center
Mansfield City Schools
Ohio Bird Sanctuary
Plymouth Area Historical Society
Plymouth-Shiloh Local Schools
Raemelton Therapeutic Equestrian Center
Renaissance Performing Arts
Richland Academy
Richland County Commissioners - Dog Warden
United Way of Richland County
Waleska United Methodist Church
Special Grants were awarded to:
Blessed to Run
Philanthropy Ohio
Plymouth Local Schools
Richland County Board of Developmental Disabilities
Career Technical Education Scholarship
One career technical education scholarship was approved for students to earn certifications and credentials at technical institutions. The Scholarship Committee implemented a rolling deadline for CTE scholarships to meet various enrollment deadlines. In aligning with Ohio’s Attainment Goal, the Foundation wants to help fill the gap between job openings and certified employees as well as lead the way to support workforce development through CTE scholarships.
August 11, 2021
Grants Approved Include De-Escalation Simulator & Repaving Bike Trail
The Richland County Foundation Board of Trustees approved $1,389,317 in grants to nonprofit organizations during its June meeting.
Projects at area nonprofit organizations that received grants from a combination of unrestricted, donor-advised, and field of interest funds include:
~The City of Mansfield Police Department received a grant to help fund a MILO De-Escalation Simulator. The simulator will provide officers opportunities to practice de-escalation techniques with real-time feedback. Officers will use the simulator on a quarterly basis in addition to other training requirements. The MPD also will utilize the equipment for community outreach.
~Friends of the Richland County Park District received grants to resurface the Richland B&O Bike Trail. The project also includes erosion control, fencing, and bridge repairs. Richland County Regional Planning secured a state grant for the project which required a 10% local match.
~The Greater Ohio Policy Center received a grant to help Mansfield and Richland County maximize funds from the American Rescue Plan Act. The GOPC facilitated a community conversation about the value of planning for ARPA funds. GOPC will review community plans and input to identify community priorities for the City of Mansfield and the county.
~Raemelton Therapeutic Equestrian Center received a grant for equine-based therapy scholarships.
~Shelby YMCA was awarded a grant to build an outdoor recreation area which will include a basketball and sand volleyball court.
~Little Buckeye Children’s Museum, Ohio Bird Sanctuary, Mansfield Playhouse, Downtown Mansfield Inc., Kingwood Center Gardens, Mansfield Art Center, and Richland Community Development Group received grants for marketing packages to facilitate Google Ad grants. RCF staff worked with Destination Mansfield to identify organizations that attract visitors to Richland County.
Two career technical education scholarships were approved for students to earn certifications and credentials at technical institutions. The Scholarship Committee implemented a rolling deadline for CTE scholarships to meet various enrollment deadlines. In aligning with Ohio’s Attainment Goal, the Foundation wants to help fill the gap between job openings and certified employees as well as lead the way to support workforce development through CTE scholarships.
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 Board of Trustees approved grants from donor-advised funds to meet emerging needs at the following organizations:
Ashland University
Capital Research Center
Catalyst Life Services
City of Mansfield
Domestic Violence Shelter
Downtown Mansfield Inc.
First United Methodist Church
Friendly House
Friends of the Richland County Park District
Greater Ohio Policy Center
Judicial Watch
Kingwood Center Gardens
Leadership Institute
Little Buckeye Children’s Museum
Mansfield Area Y
Mansfield Art Center
Mansfield City Schools
Mansfield Playhouse
Mansfield-Richland County Third Grade Spelling Bee
North End Community Improvement Collaborative
North Central Ohio Land Conservancy
North Central State College Foundation
Ohio Bird Sanctuary
Raemelton Therapeutic Equestrian Center
Richland Community Development Group
Renaissance Performing Arts Association
Richland Academy of the Arts
Richland County Regional Planning Commission
Richland County Soil & Water Conservation District
Richland Veterans Mentor Program, Inc.
Salvation Army
St. Peter’s Parish
Waleska United Methodist Church
June 15, 2021
Summer Fun On the Way
The Richland County Foundation Board of Trustees approved $474,670 in grants during its April board meeting.
Working in collaboration with the City of Mansfield, the Foundation approved grants for splash pads in Johns Park and North Lake Park. The project is supported by three funds at the Foundation: the unrestricted/community fund, Robert and Esther Black Family Foundation Fund, and the Fran and Warren Rupp Advised Fund.
The Foundation continues to support summertime programs focused on children. The Summertime Kids Committee Chaired by Foundation Board of Trustee member Jotika Shetty along with members from the community awarded 20 Summertime Kid grants. The grants of up to $2,500 were given to support creative, educational, and fun-filled activities for hundreds of local children.
A grant was made to Richland Community Development Group Art Sector to fund a new community project called the Tributary Reader. It is a journal of art, literature, and environment that will be printed twice a year.
Five career technical education scholarships were approved for students to earn certifications and credentials at technical institutions. The Scholarship Committee implemented a rolling deadline for CTE scholarships to meet various enrollment deadlines. In aligning with Ohio’s Attainment Goal, the Foundation wants to help fill the gap between job openings and certified employees as well as lead the way to support workforce development through CTE scholarships.
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:
Buckeye Council of Boy Scouts of America
Camp Nuhop
Catalyst Life Services
City of Mansfield
City of Ontario Police Department
Domestic Violence Shelter
Downtown Mansfield Inc.
Emma Willard School
First Congregational Church
Friendly House
Friends of the Richland County Park District
Glimmerglass Festival
Grace Episcopal Church
Historic Saranac lake
Lucas Community Center
Madison Summer Baseball
Mansfield Art Center
Mansfield City Schools
Mansfield Community Playhouse
North Central Ohio Land Conservancy
North Central State College
Ohio Bird Sanctuary
Richland Community Development Group
Richland Public Health
Reinhardt University
Renaissance Performing Arts
Shelby YMCA
St. Peter’s Church Music Series
The Trust for Public Land
Waleska United Methodist Church
Warren Rupp Observatory
Western Reserve Land Conservancy
April 13, 2021
Children’s Summer Activities Supported by Grants
The Richland County Foundation is supporting summertime programs focused on children. The Summertime Kids Committee Chaired by Foundation Board of Trustee member Jotika Shetty along with members from the community awarded $44,648 in Summertime Kid grants. The grants of up to $2,500 were given to support creative, educational, and fun-filled activities for hundreds of Richland County children.
The Summertime Kids Committee wishes local children a very happy summer.
The following grants were approved:
Crestview Local Schools Summer Art Enrichment
First English Lutheran Early Learning Center Step Up the Beat
Flying Horse Farms Richland County Camperships
Friendly House Summer Fun Program
K-City Childcare & Preschool Going for the Gold
Kingwood Center Gardens Cultivation Education
LifeCare Alliance CODA Camp Programs
Little Buckeye Children’s Museum Mobile Imagination Stations
Mansfield Area Y Serving Up Summer
Mansfield Art Center S.T.E.A.M. into Multi-Media Camp
Ohio Bird Sanctuary Nature Camp
Renaissance Performing Arts Camp Broadway
Richland County Park District Critter Camp
Shelby City Schools Camp Invention
Shelby City Schools Safety Town
STK grants funded via Field of Interest Funds:
Independent Living Center of NCO A Summer of Books
Recreation Unlimited Summer Camp
Richland Newhope Campership Program
Salvation Army Summer Zone
Zoe’ Learning Center Summer Program
March 30, 2021
Charities Awarded Close to $1.8M in Grants
The Richland County Foundation Board of Trustees approved grants totaling $1,775,600 during its February meeting.
Two competitive grants were approved by the board. One was awarded to the Domestic Violence Shelter to purchase a building to increase its bed capacity from 30 to 50 beds. Another grant was awarded to the Ronald McDonald House of Central Ohio to house Richland County families with a seriously ill child hospitalized at Nationwide Children’s Hospital.
Two career technical education scholarships were approved for students to earn certifications and credentials at technical institutions. The Scholarship Committee implemented a rolling deadline for CTE scholarships to meet various enrollment deadlines. In aligning with Ohio’s Attainment Goal, the Foundation wants to help fill the gap between job openings and certified employees as well as lead the way to support workforce development through CTE scholarships.
Graduating high school seniors and current college students from Richland County are eligible to apply for college and career technical education scholarships.
New applicants including high school seniors must have at least a 2.5-grade point average (GPA), and returning applicants must have at least a 2.0 GPA, attend an accredited school, and be a resident of high school graduate of Richland County. The deadline for college scholarship applications is April 1.
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:
American Red Cross, Richland County
Brookwood School
Butler Clear Fork Adult Center
Catalyst Life Services
Cooperstown Food Pantry
Discovery School
Domestic Violence Shelter
Family Planning of South-Central New York
Family Service Association
Fenimore Art Museum
Firelands Symphony Orchestra
First Congregational Church
Friendly House
Friends of the Richland County Park District
Galion Community Center YMCA
Galion Historical Society
Greater Cleveland Food Bank
Habitat for Humanity of Richland & Crawford Counties
Harmony House
Hartwick College
Highlands Nature Sanctuary
Horse Rescue, Rehabilitation and Retirement Foundation
Humane Society of Richland County
Indian River Hospital Foundation
Lifeline of Ohio
Lighthouse Assembly of God Church
Lucas Community Center
Lucas Local Schools
Mansfield Art Center
Mansfield Christian School
Mansfield Reformatory Preservation Society
Mid-Ohio Youth Mentoring
Nature Conservancy
North Central Ohio Land Conservancy
North End Community Improvement Collaborative
Ocean Conservancy
Ohio Bird Sanctuary
Ohio Environmental Council
hioHealth Mansfield Hospice
Ohio State University Foundation
Ohio Heartland Community Action Center
Old Growth Forest Network
Planned Parenthood of Greater Ohio
Raemelton Therapeutic Equestrian Center
Resurrection Parish
Salvation Army
Shelby Helpline Ministries
Sierra Club Foundation
Springbrook Foundation
United Way of Crawford County
United Way of Richland County
The board allocated 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 board approved grants from donor-designated and agency funds to the following organizations:
AA/Mansfield Intergroup
American Guernsey Foundation
American Red Cross
Ashland University
Buckeye Council Boy Scouts of America
Catalyst Life Services
Center for Individual and Family Services
Children’s Dyslexia Center
Children’s Theatre Foundation
Clear Fork Valley Foundation
Community Action for Capable Youth
Discovery School
Domestic Violence Shelter
Downtown Mansfield Inc.
First Christian Church, Mansfield
First Congregational Church
Friendly House Association
Friends of Richland County Park District
Habitat for Humanity Richland County
Hospice of North Central Ohio
Kingwood Center Gardens
Lucas Local Schools
Malabar Farm Foundation
Mansfield Richland Public Library
Mansfield 1st Evangelical Presbyterian Church
Mansfield Area Y
Mansfield Art Center
Mansfield Aviation Club
Mansfield Cancer Foundation
Mansfield Cancer Foundation – Pat Kracker
Mansfield Christian School
Mansfield City Schools
Mansfield Memorial Homes
Mansfield Playhouse
Mansfield Police Department
Mansfield Rotary Club Foundation, Inc.
Mansfield/Richland Public Library
Methodist Theological Seminary
North Central Ohio Alzheimer’s Association
North Central Ohio Land Conservancy
North Central State College
North Central State College Foundation
North End Community Improvement Collaborative
Ohio Bird Sanctuary
Ohio Genealogical Society
OhioHealth Foundation
OhioHealth Mansfield Hospital
Ohio State College of Medicine
Ohio State University – Mansfield
Ontario Local Schools
Ontario Police Department
OSU/NCSC Photo Arts Programs
Pioneer Career and Technology Center
Renaissance Performing Arts Association
Renaissance Theatre
Richard David Gardner Fund
Richland Academy of the Arts
Richland Carrousel Park
Richland Community Development Group
Richland County Children Services
Richland County Historical Society
Richland County Museum
Richland County Sheriff’s Office
Richland Newhope Center
Richland Newhope Industries
Richland Pregnancy Services
Salvation Army
St. John’s Church
The New Store
Third Street Family Health Services
Trapshooting Hall of Fame Inc.
United Way of Richland County
University Club
Volunteers of America
February 12, 2021
COVID Grants and Other Projects Funded by RCF
The Richland County Foundation Board of Trustees approved $254,038 in grants during its December meeting.
The Board of Trustees approved COVID-19 pandemic grants to the following organizations:
Grace Episcopal Church for a hoop house for its winter food distribution
Harmony House for roof repairs
Love in the Name of Christ for a copier
Madison Local Schools for Final Forms and a nurse
In response to the COVID-19 pandemic, the Richland County Foundation Board of Trustees redirected its Unrestricted/Community Fund to meet emerging needs. To date, a total of $743,902 has been awarded for COVID-19 Relief in the community. That total includes the funding from the Foundation's Community Fund, Donor-Advised Funds, $100,000 from Richland County Job and Family Services, and $37,742 raised online via a special COVID-19 Relief edition of Richland Gives in early May.
As part of the Mansfield Rising Plan, the Foundation approved a grant for a façade improvement program to Downtown Mansfield Inc. The Mansfield City Council also approved funding for the façade program through its Downtown Improvement Board which receives fund from the license plate fee.
Mansfield Rising is a citizen led plan backed by the Foundation to continue the revitalization of downtown Mansfield. For more details go to richlandcountyfoundation.org and click the Community Impact tab.
Seven career technical education scholarships were approved during the meeting. The Foundation has experienced a 75% increase for CTE scholarships this year. The increase is attributed to better communication with the schools and changes made to the criteria. Those changes included the elimination of the full-time student requirement and adjusted deadlines for career technical school scholarships. For more details on scholarships go to richlandcountyfoundation.org.
The Board of Trustees also approved donor-advised fund grants to meet emerging needs to the following organizations:
33 Forever, Inc.
American Red Cross
Avon Theater
Bellville Neighborhood Outreach Center
Boy Scout Troop 121
Catholic Charities
City of Mansfield Community Development
Discovery School
Domestic Violence Shelter
Downtown Mansfield Inc.
Freedom Ridge Church
Friendly House
Friends of Gorman Nature Center
Grace Episcopal Church
Harmony House
Humane Society of Richland County
Kingwood Center Gardens
Little Buckeye Children’s Museum
Love in the Name of Christ
Malabar Farm Foundation
Mansfield Area YMCA
Mansfield Art Center
Mansfield Christian School
Mansfield Community Playhouse
Mary McLeod Bethune Intervening & Enrichment Center
Mid-Ohio Guardianship Services, Inc.
North Central Ohio Land Conservancy
North End Community Improvement Collaborative
Ohio Bird Sanctuary
Plymouth Improvement Committee
Raemelton Therapeutic Equestrian Center
Richland Community Development Center
Richland Early American Center for History
Reinhardt University
Renaissance Performing Arts Association
Richland Academy of the Arts
Richland Area Educational Chamber Foundation
Richland County Soil & Water Conservation District
Salvation Army
Soldiers and Sailors Memorial Building
Starfish Project of Richland County
Third Street Family Health Services
Visual Bucket List Foundation
December 21, 2020
COVID-19 Emerging Needs Are Funded
The Richland County Foundation Board of Trustees approved $863,328 in grants to area nonprofit agencies during its October meeting.
The Foundation expanded its COVID-19 Rapid Relief efforts to help protect local nonprofits. The operating revenue for many charities has been decimated by the effects of the pandemic. A Community Engagement Team made up of people working in the health and human services sectors meets every two weeks to make grant recommendations.
Catholic Charities has experienced an increase in applications for rental assistance. The board approved a grant to help meet the need.
The Little Buckeye Children’s Museum which has remained closed since mid-March received a grant for emergency operational support.
The Mansfield Art Center reduced staff, rentals, canceled special events, and limited access to the building during the pandemic and received a grant for emergency operational support.
Raemelton Therapeutic Equestrian Center reduced staff and the number of horses during the pandemic and received a grant for emergency operational support.
To date, a total of $714,032 has been awarded for COVID-19 Relief in the community. That total includes the funding from the Foundation's Community Fund, Donor-Advised Funds, $100,000 from Richland County Job and Family Services, and $37,742 raised online via a special COVID-19 Relief edition of Richland Gives in early May.
Nine career technical education scholarships were approved during the meeting. The Foundation has experienced a 75% increase for CTE scholarships this year. The increase is attributed to better communication with the schools and changes made to the criteria last year. Those changes included elimination of the full-time student requirement and adjusted due dates for career technical school scholarships. For more details on scholarships go to richlandcountyfoundation.org.
The Board of Trustees approved additional grants from donor advised funds to meet emerging needs to the following organizations:
Bruce Museum
Citizens Against Government Waste
Conservancy of Southwest Florida
Crawford County Partnership for Education and Economic Development
Freedom Ridge Church
Friends of Gorman Nature Center
Humane Society of Richland County
Knox Technical Center
Lucas Community Center
Madison Adult Education
Mansfield Art Center
Mansfield Playhouse
Mansfield Rotary Club Foundation
Media Research Center
NAMI Mansfield
Naples Community Hospital – Center for Philanthropy
North End Community Improvement Collaborative
North Central Ohio Industrial Museum
Nuhop Center for Experiential Learning
Ohio Bird Sanctuary
Ohio Environmental Council
Plymouth Area Historical Society
Plymouth-Shiloh Local Schools
Rails to Trails of Wayne County
Reinhardt University
Resurrection Parish
Richland Academy of the Arts
Richland Public Health
Shelby YMCA
United Way of Richland County
October 14, 2020
Local Teachers Receive Education Grants
The Richland County Foundation awarded $61,659 in educational program grants for the upcoming school year to local teachers for their creative or supplemental programs not covered by school funding.
The Teacher Assistance Program 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, former teachers, and community volunteers.
Abraxas School of Ohio | Academic & Career Readiness Resources |
Abraxas School of Ohio | Tiered Instruction & Intervention for Struggling Readers |
Abraxas School of Ohio | Culturally Responsive Novels in the Diverse ELA Classroom |
Abraxas School of Ohio | Special Education Resources |
Clear Fork Bellville Elementary | Multicultural Novels Study |
Clear Fork Bellville Elementary | Integrated Novel Study |
Crestview High School | Anatomy & Forensic Skeleton Models |
Crestview High School | Environmental Plastic Pollution Study |
Crestview High School | Aeronautics STEAM Community Outreach |
Lexington Central Elementary | One Big Happy Family |
Lexington Central Elementary | STEM Snap Circuits |
Lexington Eastern Elementary | 4th Grade Science - Maker Maven STEM Bags |
Madison High School | Robotics Club |
Madison High School | Musicianship through score study |
Madison Middle School | Structural Engineering |
Madison Middle School | Talking Books |
Madison South Elementary | SnapWords |
Mansfield Malabar Intermediate | Adapted Physical Education |
Mansfield Malabar Intermediate | 6th Grade Science Fair |
Mansfield Middle School | Simple Solutions - 8th Grade Math |
Mansfield Middle School | Simple Solutions |
Mansfield Middle School | Emotional Disturbance/Behavior Unit |
Mansfield Middle School | SIMPLE SOLUTIONS |
Mansfield Senior High School | Intellectual Disabilities High School Resource |
Mansfield Senior High School | Cooking at Home Assignments |
Mansfield Senior High School | Gizmos Lab |
Mansfield Sherman Elementary | Reading Success, Scholastic News & Science Spin |
Mansfield Spanish Emersion | Raz-Plus/Science |
Mansfield Springmill STEM | Hands-on STEM |
Mansfield Springmill STEM | STEM building and exploration |
Mansfield Springmill STEM | Build and Learn STEM |
Mansfield Springmill STEM | Global Challenges Project-Based STEM |
Mansfield Springmill STEM | STEM activity labs and books |
Mansfield Springmill STEM | Fairy Tales STEAM |
Mansfield Springmill STEM | Read Aloud STEM |
Mansfield Woodland Elementary | 3rd Grade Math |
Mansfield Woodland Elementary | Studying STEM Stations |
Ontario Middle School | STEM Bins |
Ontario Middle School | Calm Surroundings |
Ontario Stingel Elementary | Guided Reading |
Richland School of Academic Arts | Maneuvering the Middle Math Curriculum |
Richland School of Academic Arts | Reading Technology and Intervention System |
Richland School of Academic Arts | Creative Space for Imaginations |
Richland School of Academic Arts | Starbooks Cafe #2 |
Richland School of Academic Arts | Classroom Reading Support |
Richland School of Academic Arts | Guided Reading Intervention Program |
Richland School of Academic Arts | ESGI/RAZ-Kids |
Sacred Heart Catholic School | Rules for Robots |
Shelby Dowds Elementary | Take Home Grief Bags |
Shelby Dowds Elementary | Word Work Workshop |
Shiloh Middle School | Shiloh Middle School Robotics Team |
Temple Christian | Math Advancements |
Temple Christian | Classroom Reading Support |
Temple Christian | Spanish language learning |
August 26, 2020
Foundation Funds Second Round of COVID-19 Rapid Response Grants
In its second round of grants, the Richland County Foundation COVID-19 Rapid Response initiative awarded $55,760 in grants to Richland County Youth and Family Council and Area Agency on Aging.
To date, a total of $454,727 has been awarded for COVID-19 Relief in the community. That total includes the funding from the Foundation's Community Fund, Donor-Advised Funds, and $100,000 from Richland County Job and Family Services, and $37,742 raised online via a special COVID-19 Relief edition of Richland Gives.
A matching 1:1 grant was awarded to the Richland County Youth and Family Council for its COVID-19 Relief Fund. Assistance will be provided to single adults, couples without minor children and those over the age of 60 and have experienced a job loss or wage reduction related to the pandemic. The assistance will be given to people who apply and meet certain criteria such as an income at or below 200% of the Federal Poverty Guidelines. Richland County Job and Family Services has additional programs and funds to assist families with children.
The Area Agency on Aging received a grant to deliver meals to people in need between the ages of 50 and 59.
The Foundation believes that generosity has the power to unite and heal communities in good times and bad. A global threat like COVID-19 affects more than just the infected. It is a time to come together to drive a spike of generosity, citizen engagement, business and philanthropy activation, and support for our community and nonprofits in Richland County.
To support this effort, we encourage donors to contribute to the Community Fund /donate. Any Community Fund gifts received throughout 2020 will be used to assist nonprofits directly impacted by COVID-19.
In addition, Donor Advised Fund grants were awarded to the following organizations:
Avon Theater Film Center - Scholarships
Catalyst Life Services – General Support
Community Health Access Project (CHAP) – Basic Needs for Babies
Denison University - Annual Campaign
Discovery School – General Support
Friends of the Black Fork – General Support
Healthnetwork – General Support
Idea Works – Entrepreneurs’ Kitchen
Little Buckeye Children’s Museum – General Support
Mansfield Playhouse – General Support
Ohio Bird Sanctuary – General Support
Ohio State University Foundation – COVID-19 Support for the Medical Center
Richland County Veteran Mentoring Program – Yoga for Veterans
Worthington Township – Hitchman Park Playground
May 5, 2020
Foundation Funds COVID-19 Rapid Response Grants
In response to the COVID-19 pandemic, the Richland County Foundation Board of Trustees has redirected its Unrestricted/Community Fund to meet emerging needs. The Community Fund will provide grants for health and human services on a rolling basis to nonprofit organizations in Richland County.
To support this effort, we encourage donors to contribute to the Community Fund /donate. Any Community Fund gifts received throughout 2020 will be used to assist nonprofits directly impacted by COVID-19.
The Foundation believes that generosity has the power to unite and heal communities in good times and bad. A global threat like COVID-19 affects more than just the infected. It is a time to come together to drive a spike of generosity, citizen engagement, business and philanthropy activation, and support for our community and nonprofits in Richland County.
This week COVID-19 Rapid Response grants funded from the Community Fund and Donor-Advised Funds to the following organizations:
American Red Cross for general support
Ashland Community Foundation for its Emergency Fund
Avita Health Foundation for personal protective equipment and general support
Bellville Neighborhood Outreach Center for meat in its food pantry
Catalyst Life Services for personal protective equipment, telehealth and tech support
Community Foundation of Otsego County for its COVID Fund
Domestic Violence Shelter for general support
Grace Episcopal Church for its outdoor food pantry and food
Mansfield Area Y for general support
OhioHealth Foundation for lodging for frontline healthcare providers
Salvation Army for general support
Other grants awarded were for summer internships and programming to the following organizations:
Catholic Charities
Children’s Cupboard Inc.
City of Mansfield Community Development
Friends of the Gorman Nature Center
Kingwood Center Gardens
Little Buckeye Children’s Museum
Mansfield Area Y
Mansfield Art Center
Mary McLeod Bethune Intervening and Enrichment Center
North End Community Improvement Collaborative
Ohio Bird Sanctuary
Renaissance Performing Arts Association
Richland Academy of the Arts
Richland Community Development Group
Salvation Army
Other grants were awarded to the following organizations:
Mansfield Art Center for its building fund
Raemelton Therapeutic Equestrian Center for its general fund
Waleska United Methodist Church for general support
A Career Technical Education scholarship was awarded this week. The CTE scholarships are reviewed and awarded on a rolling deadline to better meet the needs of students.
April 16, 2020
Mansfield Rising Allocated $1.5M Over Five Years
The Richland County Foundation Board of Trustees approved a five-year, $1.5M investment plan for Mansfield Rising projects during its February meeting. This year money was allocated to encourage downtown development, improve facades on existing businesses, increase the number of public facilities, public art, and free public Wi-Fi. Future investments are for wayfinding, linear parks and multi-use public spaces for gathering.
"The 5-year budget allows us to work with the Mansfield Rising Committee to formalize a road map of opportunity," Foundation President Brady Groves said.
The vision is for Mansfield to become an optimal place to conduct business, gather and live. The plan has 39 projects and the Foundation is seeking collaborators and partners in all these projects.
This is a plan for any organization, business, citizen, or group looking to get involved. In order to be successful, this must be a comprehensive effort. The execution phase needs to be just as collaborative as the development one.
Costs range from sweat equity to millions of dollars. The Foundation will continue to lead, convene, guide, and fund efforts that support this plan. It will be implemented at various speeds and through various organizations with a result of a better downtown.
Mansfield Rising projects funded by several organizations in 2019 were a community-wide branding effort and a mid-block crosswalk on West Fourth Street that included additional traffic calming measures. The Mansfield Rising committee knew community branding was the logical first step to take in order to move forward with all the other projects to follow. The committee meets monthly to review progress.
The funders for 2019 projects were the Foundation, the City of Mansfield, Destination Mansfield, Mechanics Bank, Richland Bank, OhioHealth, Richland Area Chamber of Commerce, Richland County Commissioners and Richland County Regional Planning.
In 2018, the City of Mansfield passed a $5 license plate tax to fund projects in downtown Mansfield between Sixth and First Streets (north and south) and Adams and Bowman Street (east and west.) It is expected to raise about $220,000 annually over the next 12 years for a total of over $2.5M.
To review the plan, go to /community-impact/mansfield-rising
February 11, 2020
Foundation approves over $2.3M in grants to nonprofits
The Richland County Foundation Board of Trustees approved grants totaling $2,315,102 during its February meeting.
The Foundation will celebrate its 75th Anniversary this year with free community events throughout Richland County. Grants were awarded to various nonprofit organizations to host free events. Details on how to attend the free events will be released in April.
The Board approved a five-year, $1.5M investment plan for Mansfield Rising projects. This year money has been allocated to encouraging downtown development, improve facades on existing businesses, increase the number of public restrooms, public art, and free public Wi-Fi. The Foundation is seeking partners to help fund and work on Mansfield Rising projects. To review the entire Mansfield Rising Plan click here: https://adobe.ly/2NssFMH
Four career technical education scholarships were approved for students to earn certifications and credentials at technical institutions. The Scholarship Committee implemented a rolling deadline for CTE scholarships to meet various enrollment deadlines. In aligning with Ohio’s Attainment Goal, the Foundation wants to help fill the gap between job openings and certified employees as well as lead the way to support workforce development through CTE scholarships.
The deadline for college scholarship applications is April 1.
Three competitive grants were awarded:
Flying Horse Farms for Summer Camp for children with serious illnesses
Raemelton Equestrian Center for equine-based therapy scholarships
Women’s Fund for an endowment campaign
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:
Altrusa Club of Mansfield
American Red Cross
Ashland University
Avita Health System Foundation
Capital Research Center
Catalyst Life Services
Catholic Charities
Domestic Violence Shelter
First Congregational Church
Friendly House
Harmony House
Humane Society of Richland County
Judicial Watch
Leadership Institute
Lifeline of Ohio
Lucas Community Center
Lucas Local Schools
Madison Summer Baseball League Inc.
Mansfield Area Y
Mansfield Art Center
Mansfield Christian School
Mansfield Rotary Club
Mansfield Richland County Public Library
Mid-Ohio Youth Mentoring
MIT Cambridge
Nature Conservancy
Neos
OhioHealth MedCentral Health System
Ontario Police Department
Raemelton Therapeutic Equestrian Center
Richland Community Development Group
Richland County Habitat for Humanity
Salvation Army
Shelby Helpline Ministries
United Way of Richland County
Western Reserve Academy
Willard Church of the Nazarene
The board allocated 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 from donor-designated and agency funds:
AA/Mansfield Intergroup
American Guernsey Foundation
American Red Cross
Ashland University
Buckeye Council Boy Scouts of America
Catalyst Life Services
Center for Individual and Family Services
Children’s Dyslexia Center
Children’s Theatre Foundation
Clear Fork Valley Foundation
Community Action for Capable Youth
Discovery School
Domestic Violence Shelter
Downtown Mansfield Inc.
First Christian Church, Mansfield
First Congregational Church
Friendly House Association
Friends of Gorman Nature Center
Habitat for Humanity Richland County
Hospice of North Central Ohio
Kingwood Center Gardens
Lucas Local Schools
Malabar Farm Foundation
Mansfield Richland Public Library
Mansfield 1st Evangelical Presbyterian Church
Mansfield Area Y
Mansfield Art Center
Mansfield Aviation Club
Mansfield Cancer Foundation
Mansfield Cancer Foundation – Pat Kracker
Mansfield Christian School
Mansfield City Schools
Mansfield Memorial Homes
Mansfield Playhouse
Mansfield Police Department
Mansfield Rotary Club Foundation, Inc.
Mansfield/Richland Public Library
Methodist Theological Seminary
North Central Ohio Alzheimer’s Association
North Central Ohio Land Conservancy
North Central State College
North Central State College Foundation
North End Community Improvement Collaborative
Ohio Bird Sanctuary
Ohio Genealogical Society
OhioHealth Foundation
OhioHealth Mansfield Hospital
Ohio State College of Medicine
Ohio State University – Mansfield
Ontario Local Schools
Ontario Police Department
OSU/NCSC Photo Arts Programs
Pioneer Career and Technology Center
Renaissance Performing Arts Association
Renaissance Theatre
Richard David Gardner Fund
Richland Academy of the Arts
Richland Carrousel Park
Richland County Children’s Services
Richland County Historical Society
Richland County Museum
Richland Newhope Center
Richland Newhope Industries
Richland Pregnancy Services
Salvation Army
St. John’s Church
The New Store
Third Street Family Health Services
Trapshooting Hall of Fame Inc.
United Way of Richland County
University Club
Volunteers of America
Women’s Fund
Y Aware
February 11, 2020
Mansfield Rising Branding Project Funded by RCF
The Richland County Foundation Board of Trustees approved $524,558 in grants during its December meeting.
As part of the Mansfield Rising Plan, the Foundation approved a grant to spearhead a community branding effort. The grant was awarded to Richland Community Development Group to hire Cubic Creative of Tulsa, OK to research and collect data to build an authentic brand story. The Mansfield Rising team determined a cohesive powerful and positive story will foster economic development efforts, tourism, talent attraction and build civic pride.
Other organizations funding the branding project are Destination Mansfield, Richland Area Chamber of Commerce, Mechanics Bank, Richland Bank, and the Richland County Commissioners.
Mansfield Rising is a citizen led plan backed by the Foundation to continue the revitalization of downtown Mansfield. For more details go to richlandcountyfoundation.org and click the Community Impact tab.
Other community grants approved by the board of trustees are:
Junior Achievement to expand its programs in Richland County schools
Domestic Violence Shelter to hire a development director
Salvation Army to provide emergency social services to low-income residents
The Board of Trustees also approved other grants to meet emerging needs to the following organizations:
Alzheimer’s Association of Northwest Ohio
Ashland Schines Theater
Blue Rose Mission
Boy Scouts of America, Buckeye Council
Catalyst Life Services
Catholic Charities Diocese of Toledo
City of Mansfield
Clear Fork Valley Foundation
Community Foundation of Otsego County
Cooperstown Food Pantry
Costeau Society
Crawford United Way
Discovery School
Domestic Violence Shelter
Family Planning of South Central New York
First Congregational Church
Friendly House
Friends of Gorman Nature Center
Funk Heritage Center
Galion Community Center YMCA
Galion Community Foundation
Harmony House
Healthnetwork Foundation
Humane Society of Richland County
Junior Achievement of North Central Ohio
Linden Road Presbyterian Church
Little Buckeye Children’s Museum
Love in the Name of Christ
Lucas Community Center
Malabar Farm Foundation
Mansfield Area Y
Mansfield Art Center
Mansfield Kiwanis Club
Mansfield Playhouse
Mansfield-Richland Area Educational Foundation
NAMI of Richland County
Nature Conservancy
North End Community Improvement Collaborative
NEOS
North Central Ohio Land Conservancy
North Central State College Foundation
Ohio Bird Sanctuary
Ohio Genealogical Society
Ohio Heartland Community Action Center
Ohio State University Foundation
Old Growth Forest Network
Ontario Police Department Fund
Pathfinder Village Foundation
Raemelton Therapeutic Equestrian Center
Richland Community Development Group
Renaissance Performing Arts
Richland Academy of the Arts
Richland Carrousel Park
Richland County Humane Society
Richland Pregnancy Services
Salvation Army
Soldiers and Sailors Museum
Southwest Little League
St. Peter’s Music Series
Supporters of Delnor Wiggins Park Inc.
Taking Root Farms
The Brookwood School
The Family Service Association
The Ocean Conservancy
The Springbrook Foundation
Triple 777 Ranch and Equine Rehab Facility
United Way of Ashland County
United Way of North Central Ohio serving Crawford County
United Way of Richland County
Visual Bucket List
Waleska United Methodist Church
Wayne Center for the Arts
December 10, 2019
Women’s Fund Announces the Largest Grant in its History
The Women’s Fund of the Richland County Foundation is excited to announce it has awarded its largest grant ever; $25,000 to Richland County Youth and Family Council for a childcare initiative. The grant was announced during the annual grant award luncheon held on November 13. The “Childcare Support for Step Up to Quality” grant will provide resources to local centers and in-home childcare providers so they can meet Ohio’s new Step Up to Quality standards. The goal is to retain and grow available high-quality childcare in the community. Richland County Job and Family Services provided matching funds of $25,000 for this initiative.
In its strategic plan, the Women’s Fund has committed three years of investment in making quality childcare affordable and accessible to all women. They decided to focus on childcare following a community survey and focus groups.
The total amount awarded by the Women’s Fund this year is $32,293.82. Grants were awarded to the following agencies and programs:
Mansfield Art Center “Families Rising”
North Central State College Foundation “Essentials for Women Program”
Ohio State University at Mansfield “Voices for Change: A Student Leadership Conference”
Richland Astronomical Society “Astronomy for Girls”
Shelby High School for “GOLD Middle School Mentoring Program”
The Women’s Fund was established in 1996 as a permanent endowment to support programs that benefit women and girls in our community. The fund has grown to over $1.4 million and has now awarded almost $411,000 in grants impacting hundreds of lives.
The Women’s Fund also announced the JoAnn Dutton Volunteer Community Service Award winner; Pam Siegenthaler. Siegenthaler served as the president of the Richland County Foundation for 16 years, retiring in 2010. She currently is the chairwoman for the Third Street Family Health Services Board. She served on the Mansfield City School Board and the Ohio State University Mansfield Advisory Board. She has led the downtown beautification project in Mansfield, volunteers at The New Store and is a literacy mentor at Hedges and Prospect Elementary Schools.
The award was named in honor of JoAnn Dutton, former executive director of the Mansfield YWCA. It celebrates and honors women who devote a significant amount of time and energy in a meaningful way to local charitable organizations.
November 13, 2019
Foundation Funds Community Projects and Emerging Needs
The Richland County Foundation Board of Trustees approved $700,429 in grants to area nonprofit agencies during its October meeting.
The Ohio Bird Sanctuary received a grant to build a treehouse that will be accessible to students and visitors with physical disabilities. OBS will partner with Animal Planet’s Treehouse Masters to design and build the new outdoor classroom which will include a bridge into the tree canopy.
Other nonprofits that received grants for projects and programs from the community and field of interest funds that are impacting area residents include:
-Catholic Charities to provide individual assistance.
-Dayspring Assisted Living for an emergency exit ramp.
-Richland Public Health for fluoride treatment and dental health education.
The Board of Trustees approved additional grants from donor-advised funds to meet emerging needs to the following organizations:
Bellville Neighborhood Outreach Center
Community Action for Capable Youth
Catholic Charities
Crawford Partnership for Education and Economic Development
Children’s Cupboard
City of Mansfield Community Development
Dayspring
Downtown Mansfield Inc.
Fenimore Art Museum
Glimmerglass Festival
Gorman Nature Center
Grace Episcopal Church
Habitat for Humanity of Richland and Crawford Counties
Harmony House
Idea Works
Kingwood Center Gardens
Little Buckeye Children’s Museum
Lucas Community Center
Mankind Murals
Mansfield Area Y
Mansfield Art Center
Mansfield City Schools
Mid-Ohio Opera
North End Community Improvement Collaborative
Neos Dance Theatre
North Central Ohio Industrial Museum
Ohio Bird Sanctuary
Ohio Environmental Council
Ohio Genealogical Society
Ohio State University Foundation
Planned Parenthood of Greater Ohio
Richland Community Development Group
Resurrection Parrish
Richland Academy of the Arts
Richland Astronomical Society
Richland County Soil and Water Conservation District
Richland Newhope Industries
Rotary Club Foundation
Salvation Army
Shadowcliff Retreat Center
Shelby Helpline Ministries
The Trust for Public Land
Visual Bucket List Foundation
October 15, 2019
Board of Trustees Awards over $300,000 in Grants
The Richland County Foundation Board of Trustees approved $304,278 in grants to area nonprofit organizations during its August meeting.
The board reviewed the $52,561 education grants for the upcoming school year to local teachers for their creative or supplemental programs not covered by school funding. The grants were given to K-12 teachers in public and private Richland County schools to encourage them to develop new programs, projects, or events for their classrooms.
The following teachers received grants:
Clear Fork Valley Schools:
Jessica Wend Microscopes and Science Supplies
Rich Hoover Ohio State Reformatory Field Trip
Rebecca Clapp Classroom Library
Crestview Local Schools:
Dwight Souder Aeronautics STEAM
Robin Dawson DNA Kits
Christy Walter Read, Explore, Write!
Lexington Local Schools:
Alyssa Crist Classroom Library
Lindsey Brokaw Lego’s and Building Blocks
Cara Pelphrey Science Discovery Bins
Madison Local Schools
Cheryl Belcher Lego Simple Machines
Craig Green Music Sight Reading
Christine Elder VEX Robotics
Heather Reynolds Behavior Management and Social Skills
Mansfield Christian School:
Craig Klotzbach Surface Water Research
Mansfield City Schools:
Carmen Egner Math Supplies
Cynthia Colvin Arts Integration
Heidi Payne Classroom Library
Janet Weithman Scholastic News
Jennie Norman Gizmo Subscription
Kathy Edwards Time for Kids and Scholastic News
Kathy Kranch Social Studies Resource Boxes
Maria Aivaliotis On-Site History Field Trips
Melissa Vogt STEM and Literacy Library
Nancy Niedermier Family Engagement Packs
Sarah Schonauer Rhyme Time Hot Spot Station
Sherry Vaught Science Seasons
Stephanie Uhde Soil Test Kits
Thomas Blike International Buffet
Wendy Doup
