View Recent Grants
Foundation Funds Community Center and Sports Complex
The Richland County Foundation Board of Trustees approved grants totaling $3,468,689 during its February meeting.
Competitive, field of interest and donor-advised fund grants approved by the board:
The North End Community Improvement Collaborative Community Impact Center received a grant for its new multi-purpose facility to serve youth, adults, and seniors. The Impact Center will host NECIC’s housing and community development program, minority business assistance, supportive social services, youth and adult employment and workforce development, and a commercial kitchen. Space will be leased to provide direct services such as healthcare, legal and financial services.
YMCA of North Central Ohio received a grant for its indoor/outdoor sports complex in Bellville. The complex will feature soccer and an all-purpose area for other sports such as basketball, volleyball, and pickleball. The building will feature a fitness area, sports medicine, coffee shop, food service, and a sports gear retail shop.
Ronald McDonald House of Central Ohio received a grant for its Helping Hands Program. Families with a seriously ill child hospitalized at National Children’s Hospital can stay at the Ronald McDonald House while their child receives treatment. This grant will help cover costs for Richland County families.
Buckeye Imagination Museum, Ohio Bird Sanctuary, Kingwood Center Gardens, 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.
Four career technical education scholarships were approved for students to earn a certification at a technical institution. The Scholarship Committee implemented a rolling deadline for CTE scholarships to meet various enrollment opportunities. 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 or 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, families, and corporations the opportunity to make grant suggestions to their 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:
Alzheimer’s Association, NW Ohio Chapter
American Red Cross
American Red Cross East Central Ohio
Area Agency on Aging
Buckeye Imagination Museum
Community Foundation of Otsego County, Inc.
Crawford County United Way
Domestic Violence Shelter
Family Planning of South-Central New York
Family Service Association
Fenimore Art Museum
Friends of the Richland County Park District
Galion Community Center - YMCA
Glimmerglass Festival
Habitat for Humanity – Richland County
Heartwood
Helios Care
Highlands Nature Center
Killbuck Water Shed Land Trust
Lucas Local Schools
Mansfield City Schools
Mansfield-Richland County Spelling Bee
Mid-Ohio Youth Mentoring
Nature Conservancy
North Central Ohio Land Conservancy
North Central State College and Foundation
North End Community Improvement Collaborative
Nuhop Center for Experiential Learning
Ohio Bird Sanctuary
Ohio Environmental Council
OhioHealth Mansfield Hospital
Ohio Heartland Community Action Center
Pathfinder Village Foundation, Inc.
Planned Parenthood of Greater Ohio
Raemelton Therapeutic Equestrian Center
Rails to Trails of Wayne County
Renaissance Theatre
Richland County Agricultural Society
Richland Pregnancy Services
Ronald McDonald House of Central Ohio
Rubies Women’s Group
Shelby Helpline Ministries
Sierra Club Foundation
Sierra Club Ohio
Soundwaters, Inc.
Springbrook Foundation
St. Peter’s Parish
The Ocean Conservancy
United Way of Ashland County
United Way of North Central Ohio
United Way of Richland County
Wayne Center for the Arts
Wooster Community Hospital Foundation
YMCA of North Central Ohio
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 a new suitable organization.
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
Catholic Charities
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
Plymouth Area Historical Museum
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's Services
Richland County Historical Society
Richland County Museum
Richland County Sheriff’s Office
Richland Newhope Center
Richland Newhope Industries
Richland Pregnancy Services
Salvation Army
Shelby Helpline Ministries
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
Feb. 14, 2023
Foundation Funds Richland County Fair Show Arena
The Richland County Foundation Board of Trustees approved $1,002,661 in grants during its December meeting.
The Richland County Senior Fair Board received a $100,000 grant to build a larger and more accessible livestock show arena. More than 700 students are involved in 4-H and FFA in Richland County. The new arena will expand education, entertainment, and other activities to enrich youth and the entire community.
The Board of Trustees approved additional grants from the Community Fund and Field of Interest Funds:
Habitat for Humanity of Richland & Crawford Counties for a new house to be built.
Junior Achievement of North Central Ohio for an “Inspire to Hire” event for high school juniors and seniors.
Mid-Ohio Guardianship Services, Inc. for guardianship services in Richland County.
Planned Parenthood of Greater Ohio for access to birth control.
Salvation Army for emergency social services.
Seven career technical education scholarships were approved during the meeting. 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 also approved donor-advised fund grants to meet the emerging needs of the following organizations:
American Red Cross East Central Ohio Chapter
Bruce Museum
Buckeye Imagination Museum
City of Mansfield
Discovery School
Domestic Violence Shelter
Downtown Mansfield Inc.
Friendly House
Grace Episcopal Church
Habitat for Humanity
Humane Society of Richland County
Idea Works
Junior Achievement
Kingwood Center Gardens
Knox Technical Career Center
Lifeline of Ohio
Lucas Community Center
Madison Adult Career Center
Mansfield Art Center
Mansfield City Schools
Mansfield Memorial Museum
Mary McLeod-Bethune Intervention and Enrichment Center
Mid-Ohio Guardianship Services, Inc.
Mid-Ohio Civic Opera
North Central State College
North Central Ohio Land Conservancy
North End Community Improvement Collaborative
Ohio Bird Sanctuary
Ohio State University Foundation
Pioneer Career Technical Center
Planned Parenthood of Greater Ohio
Raemelton Therapeutic Equestrian Center
Renaissance Performing Arts Association
Resurrection Parish
Richland Astronomical Society
Richland Carrousel Park
Richland Community Development Group
Richland Agricultural Society
Richland County Soil and Water Conservation District
Salvation Army
St. Anne’s Episcopal Church
St. Peter’s Catholic School
The Friends of the Richland County Park District
The New Store
Third Street Family Health Services
United Way of Richland County
Volunteer Florida Foundation
Wayfinders Ohio
YMCA of North Central Ohio
December 13, 2022
Foundation Awards Grants to Meet Emerging Needs
The Richland County Foundation Board of Trustees approved $657,618.90 in grants to area nonprofit organizations during its October meeting.
The Board approved a grant to Catholic Charities for two of its programs; Empower, Encourage and Engage (3E Program), and Adult Advocacy Services. The 3E program assists individuals to overcome barriers to employment. Adult Advocacy Services provides guardianship services to older adults who have been deemed incompetent, have a diagnosed incapacity, and do not have family members to advocate on their behalf to protect them against abuse, neglect, or exploitation.
A grant was approved for the second phase of the Homeless Response Initiative to address the increased unhoused population in downtown Mansfield with a group effort between law enforcement officials and mental health professionals.
The Ohio Bird Sanctuary received a grant for its capital campaign to improve accessibility to the Visitor Center and create a new Avian Ambassador Encounter Area.
A façade improvement grant was awarded to Downtown Mansfield, Inc. This is the third of a four-year grant to improve the exteriors of downtown businesses. The program has funded 17 projects.
Nine career technical education scholarships were approved. 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 additional grants from donor-advised funds to meet the emerging needs of the following organizations:
Buckeye Imagination Museum
Discovery School
Forgotten Felines
Habitat for Humanity
Idea Works
Lucas Local Schools
Mansfield Memorial Homes
Mansfield Rotary Club Foundation
Ohio Bird Sanctuary
Plymouth-Shiloh Local Schools
Richland Community Development Group
Richland School of Academic Arts
Rubies Women’s Group
St. Peter’s Catholic School
October 2022
Richland County Foundation Awards Teacher Grants
The Richland County Foundation Board of Trustees approved $718,870 in grants to nonprofit organizations to meet emerging needs during its August meeting.
The Board of Trustees approved 47 Teacher Assistance Program grants totaling $52,939. Funding was provided from the unrestricted grant budget as well as field of interest funds. TAP grants are selected by a committee for 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 for their classrooms.
Here is a list of TAP grant recipients and projects:
Abraxas Kimberly Hall Intervention
Abraxas Julie Pfeifer Life Skills
Abraxas Virginia Young Art Heals
Clear Fork Butler Rebecca Clapp Math Literacy
Clear Fork Bellville Jessica Wend Multiplication Madness
CF Bellville and Butler Molly Weyhmeller High Interest Reading
Clear Fork High School Nicholas Allerding Zoology
Clear Fork Middle School Rich Hoover Ohio State Reformatory Field Trip
Crestview High School Dwight Souder Spirulina Algae – Fueling Our Future
Lexington Central Kathy Weidig Career Books and Activities
Lexington Eastern Christine Elder Social Studies Makerspace
Madison Eastview Melissa Wigton One School One Book
Madison Mifflin Stephanie Bistline One School One Book
Madison South Katelyn Smith Handwriting PT
Madison South Ashley Galbraith Phonics
Mansfield Christian School Sonnet Hogue Glass Works
Mansfield Christian School Ashley DeFrancisco Worm Farm
MCS John Sherman Gena Boyd Literacy Intervention
MCS Malabar Emily Nicol Mote Chrome Extension
MCS Malabar Heidi Payne Literacy Books
MCS Senior High Thomas Blike Culinary Arts Career Tech
MCS Senior High Dirk Eachus Music Appreciation
MCS Senior High Elizabeth Donahue Young Adult Literature
MCS Middle School Carmen Egner 8th Grade Math Supplemental
MCS Springmill STEM Mackenzie Carter Economics Study
MCS Springmill STEM Raymel Early Makey Makey Fun
MCS Springmill STEM Andrea Gibson Project Based Literature
MCS Springmill STEM Amy Mathes Wilson Reading System
MCS Springmill STEM Melissa Vogt Hands On Intervention
MCS Tyger Digital Wendy Doup Paper and Pencil Practice
MCS Tyger Digital Kathy Kranch Reading Intervention
MCS Tyger Digital Jennie Norman Science Lab Equipment
MCS Tyger Digital Elizabeth Shirk Building Literacy
Ontario Middle School Kellie Ritchey History in Literature
Ontario Stingel Natasha Jolin Hands on Math
Ontario Stingel Tonya Winningham Engaging Science Lessons
Richland School of Academic Arts Sydney Benjamin Picture Books
Richland School of Academic Arts Kelsey Brooks Maneuvering Math Intervention
Richland School of Academic Arts Tara Gilliam Science of Reading Foundations
Richland School of Academic Arts Dan Jones Creating Independent Learners
Richland School of Academic Arts Grace Larsen Classroom Library
Richland School of Academic Arts Alicia Olivieri Building Critical Thinking
Richland School of Academic Arts Sue Rothacher Guided Reading Intervention
Richland School of Academic Arts Erika Smith Hands on Science Lab
Richland School of Academic Arts Angela Vega Marvel-Nomics
Richland School of Academic Arts Angela Vega Ohio: 1787-1813 The Musical
Richland School of Academic Arts Elizabeth Voytko Scholastic News
Shelby Auburn Amanda Green Science of Reading
Shelby Dowds Anne Finn Game On
Shelby Dowds Jami Gilger Decode Reading Daily
Temple Christian School Bethany Anglin Guided Reading Books
The Board of Trustees approved $644,630 in grants from donor-advised funds to meet emerging needs at the following organizations:
Ashland University
Brookwood School
Capital Research Center
Catalyst Life Services
Discovery School
Green Local Schools
Habitat for Humanity
Harmony House
Idea Works
Judicial Watch
Love INC.
Lucas Community Center
Lucas Local Schools
Mansfield Art Center
Mansfield City Schools
Mansfield Reformatory Preservation Society
Mohican-Malabar Bike Club, Inc.
North Central Ohio Land Conservancy
Ohio State University-Mansfield
Philanthropic Venture Foundation
Richland Community Development Group
Resurrection Parish
Richland Academy of the Arts
Richland County Veteran Mentoring Program
Richland County Agricultural Society
Richland County Humane Society
The Leadership Institute
Third Street Family Health Services
United Way of Richland County
YMCA of North Central Ohio
Over $21,000 for five college scholarships and four career technical education scholarships were approved. 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 15, 2022
June Grant Awards Help Meet Emerging Needs
The Richland County Foundation Board of Trustees approved $2,277,575 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:
~A new security camera system for Mansfield Memorial Homes. The system will enhance existing security measures which include other cameras and guards patrolling the campus.
~ The Ohio State University at Mansfield will fully implement its Bachelor of Science in Engineering Technology degree to meet emerging workforce needs for mechanical, electrical, industrial, and robotics engineers. The grant will support the creation of a Connected Smart Manufacturing Lab at OSU-Mansfield.
~Richland Community Development Group received a grant for advertising and marketing of the newly created Richland County brand.
~Raemelton Therapeutic Equestrian Center received a grant for equine-based therapy scholarships.
~Richland County Soil and Water Conservation District received a grant to help farmers implement nutrient management plans. The plans are an integral part of the H2Ohio program which seeks to limit the amount of fertilizer and livestock waste in rivers and lakes.
~Richland Public Health received a grant for a Pediatric AED Equipment and Education program. Automated external defibrillators (AED machines) will be placed in Richland County schools and athletic fields. Health Department staff will provide CPR training. According to Health Department data, sudden cardiac arrest is one of the leading causes of death in the United States for youth and adults.
~Third Street Family Health Services received a grant to purchase a mobile unit to provide Medication-Assisted Treatment (MAT) and therapy for Substance Use Disorder to people where transportation is a barrier to access. The mobile unit will offer other health care services such as dental care and vaccinations.
The Board of Trustees approved $708,300 in college scholarships to 231 Richland County students. Scholarships are awarded based on a student’s financial need and grade point average. The average scholarship amount was $3,066.
In addition, the Board of Trustees awarded $11,500 to students attending a career technical education school. 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:
Akron Children’s Hospital
American Red Cross
Area Agency on Aging
Buckeye Council Boy Scouts of America
Catholic Charities
Cleveland Clinic Foundation
Crawford Partnership Education/Economic
Denison University
Domestic Violence Shelter
Downtown Mansfield Inc.
Forgotten Felines
Friends of the Richland County Park District
Grace Episcopal Church
Hospice of North Central Ohio
Humane Society of Richland County
Loudonville-Perrysville School Foundation
Lucas Community Center
Mansfield Art Center
Mansfield City Schools
Mansfield Memorial Homes
Mansfield Rotary Club Foundation
Mid-Ohio Civic Opera
North Central Ohio Industrial Museum
North Central Ohio Land Conservancy
North Central State College
Ohio Bird Sanctuary
OSU Foundation on behalf of OSU-Mansfield
Pioneer Career & Technology Center
Renaissance Theatre
Richland Academy of the Arts
Richland Community Development Group
Richland County Soil & Water Conservation District
Richland Newhope Industries
Richland Public Health
Ronald McDonald House
Salvation Army – Mansfield
SoundWaters
The Downtown Arts Theater
The Trust for Public Land
Third Street Family Health Services
United Way of North Central Ohio
Village of Bellville
The Board of Trustees voted to modify its gift acceptance policy to accept cryptocurrency.
June 20, 2022
Grant Awarded to Homeless Pilot Program
The Richland County Foundation Board of Trustees approved grants totaling $562,905 during its April meeting.
The Board of Trustees approved a grant from the Community Fund to Downtown Mansfield, Inc. (DMI) for a pilot program to address the needs of the homeless community and the ongoing development of downtown. Richland County Mental Health and Recovery Services Board, Richland County Job and Family Services, Richland County Commissioners, and DMI have partnered with the Mansfield Police Department to develop the program. A Homeless Response Team consisting of a behavioral health professional and a law enforcement officer will work together. The behavioral health professional will provide mental health and substance use disorder assessments and connect individuals with resources. The law enforcement officer will provide security and support. The program will begin May 1 and continue through June 30, 2023. Data will be collected and evaluated with a report for potential changes to the program by September 1.
A grant was awarded from the Board Discretionary Fund to the City of Mansfield – Community Development Department to create an incentive for downtown property owners to renovate the upper floors in buildings for additional apartments. The grant supports a project outlined in the Mansfield Rising Plan.
The Princess Endowment’s Field Strong Summer Youth Camp received a field of interest fund grant for summer programming. Volunteers will hold a summer camp for area youth in the former Hedges School building.
Four career technical education scholarships were approved for students to earn a certification at a technical institution. 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 allow 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
Catalyst
EHOVE
Friendly House
Friends of the Richland County Park District
Habitat for Humanity
Healthnetwork Foundation Inc.
Hospice of North Central Ohio
Kingwood Center Gardens
Lexington Baseball Softball Association
Little Buckeye Children’s Museum
Love INC.
Lucas Local Schools
Mansfield Art Center
Mansfield Playhouse
Mary McLeod Bethune Intervention and Enrichment Center
North End Community Improvement Collaborative
Ohio Bird Sanctuary
Raemelton Therapeutic Equestrian Center
Renaissance Performing Arts
Richland Academy of the Arts
Richland County Soil & Water Conservation District
Richland Newhope Industries
Richland Pregnancy Services
Ronald McDonald House Charities of Central Ohio
Salvation Army – Dewald Community Center
United Way of Richland County
YMCA of North Central Ohio
April 11, 2022
Foundation Grants Help Meet Emerging Needs
The Richland County Foundation Board of Trustees approved grants totaling $3,617,687 during its February meeting.
Competitive, field of interest, and donor-advised fund grants approved by the board:
Akron Children’s Hospital Mansfield Location – Behavioral Health Center
The hospital will construct a building north of its current one on S. Trimble Road. It will house a Behavioral Health Center and will employ 20 staff by 2025. Richland County ranks highest in the Greater Akron Region for the number of children who have experienced two or more adverse childhood experiences in their lifetime.
City of Ontario – Inclusive Playground and Spray Park
Ontario is taking steps at Marshall Park to provide an inclusive playground and spray park for families. It will be constructed in 2022 to provide opportunities for able-bodied children to play alongside differently-abled children in a unique environment accessible to everyone.
OhioHealth Foundation – Mobile Mammography Unit
OhioHealth will purchase a new mobile mammography unit to provide mammograms in our area. Only 50% of eligible women receive a mammogram annually. The unit will bring care to women and remove a key barrier of accessibility.
Ronald McDonald House of Central Ohio - Helping Hands Program
Families with a seriously ill child hospitalized at Nationwide Children’s Hospital in Columbus can stay at the Ronald McDonald House while their child receives treatment. In 2021, RMHC provided service to 67 Richland County families for a total of 521 nights. The grant will provide 250 nights of rest for Richland County families this year.
The Renaissance Theatre, Mansfield-Richland County Public Library, Little Buckeye Children’s Museum, and Idea+Works will collaborate to show three outdoor movies this summer in the green space by the theatre on Park Avenue West. This is a Mansfield Rising project and a grant from the Board Discretionary Fund will support it.
Zoe’s Learning Center received a general support grant and Raemelton Therapeutic Equestrian Center received a COVID-19 Rapid Response grant for general operating support.
One career technical education scholarship was approved for a student to earn a certification at a technical institution. 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 or 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:
Akron Children’s Hospital, Mansfield location
American Red Cross, Richland County
Ashland Schine Theatre
Ashland University
Bruce Museum
Catalyst Life Services
Catholic Charities
City of Ontario
Cooperstown Food Pantry
Discovery School
Domestic Violence Shelter
Downtown Mansfield Inc.
Family Planning of South-Central New York
Fenimore Art Museum
First Congregational Church
Friendly House
Friends of the Richland County Park District
Galion Community Center – YMCA
Glimmerglass
Grace Episcopal Church
Habitat for Humanity – Richland County
Harmony House
Helios Care
Humane Society of Richland County
Idea Works
Little Buckeye Children’s Museum
Mansfield Christian School
Mid-Ohio Civic Opera
Mid-Ohio Jazz Orchestra
Mid-Ohio Youth Mentoring
Nature Conservancy
New Store
North Central Ohio Land Conservancy
North Central State College Foundation
North End Community Improvement Collaborative
Ocean Conservancy
Ohio Bird Sanctuary
Ohio Environmental Council
Old Growth Forest Network
OhioHealth Foundation
Ohio Heartland Community Action Center
Pathfinder Village Foundation, Inc.
Planned Parenthood of Greater Ohio
Raemelton Therapeutic Equestrian Center
Renaissance Theatre
Richland Academy of the Arts
Richland Community Development Group
Richland County Commissioners – Dog Warden
Richland Pregnancy Services
Ronald McDonald House of Central Ohio
Salvation Army, Mansfield
Shelby Help Line Ministries
Sierra Club Foundation
Sierra Club of Ohio
Springbrook Foundation
Supporters of Del-Nor Wiggins Park, Inc.
Trust for Public Land
United Way of Ashland County
United Way of Crawford County
United Way of Richland County
Wayne Center for the Arts
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 a new suitable organization.
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
Catholic Charities
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
Shelby Helpline Ministries
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 14, 2022
Richland County Foundation Funds a New Nursing Program
The Richland County Foundation Board of Trustees approved $268,512 in grants during its December meeting.
COVID-19 Rapid Response Grant
The Board of Trustees approved a COVID-19 Rapid Response grant to North Central State College Foundation to create a modified licensed practical nurse (LPN) program to increase the number of nurses. The pandemic created a nursing shortage locally and across the country. The new program will last six months instead of 10. The grant will support tuition, uniforms, transportation, and daycare for students in need. Since the start of the pandemic, the Foundation Board of Trustees directed resources to meet emerging needs.
Downtown Mansfield Inc. received two Mansfield Rising grants. One grant will fund a third round of new benches and trash cans. The other grant is to support the second year of the façade improvement program which has approved thirteen projects for funding.
Career Technical Education Scholarship
Two career technical education scholarships were approved during the meeting. 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 also approved donor-advised fund grants to meet emerging needs to the following organizations:
33 Forever
Akron Children’s Hospital
Altrusa Club of Mansfield
Catalyst Life Services
City of Mansfield
Discovery School
Domestic Violence Shelter
EdChoice Inc.
Friendly House
Harmony House
Heartwood Inc.
Highlands Nature Sanctuary
Killbuck Watershed Land Trust
Knox County Career Center
Lucas Local Schools
Madison Adult Education
Mansfield Area Y
Mansfield Christian School
Mansfield City Schools
Mansfield Playhouse
North Central Ohio Industrial Museum
North Central Ohio Land Conservancy
Ohio Bird Sanctuary
Ohio Environmental Council
Ohio State University Foundation
Raemelton Therapeutic Equestrian Center
Richland Community Development Group
Renaissance Theatre
Richland Academy of the Arts
Richland County Commissioners
Salvation Army
Soldiers and Sailors Memorial Museum
St. Peter’s School
The New Store
United Way of Richland County
December 15, 2021
Women’s Fund Celebrates is 25th Anniversary
The Women’s Fund of the Richland County Foundation recently celebrated its 25th anniversary and awarded its annual grants.
The Women’s Fund, established in 1996 as a permanent endowment, has grown to over $2 million. The WF has awarded close to $484,000 in grants impacting hundreds of lives. The original founders were Linda Smith, Suzanne Davis, Dr. Erin Fain, Catherine Goldman, Carol Goldman, Edith Humphrey, Joanne Humphrey, Carol Payton, Bets Risser, and Suzanne Wilson. The founders were recognized and given a 25th-anniversary necklace to mark the occasion.
For the third year in a row, the WF awarded $25,000 to Richland County Youth and Family Council for the childcare initiative. RCYFC has matched the $25,000 each year of this project. In its strategic plan, the Women’s Fund is committed to making quality childcare affordable and accessible to all women.
This year the grant will continue the mentor program for in-home providers with a focus on early literacy development and social/emotional development. The pandemic has caused disruptions in children’s lives. The Childcare Committee reached out to Catalyst Life Services to engage their early childhood mental health staff to work with the YWCA to engage in-home providers in expanding the trauma training. The program will strengthen women economically by helping them learn business skills for their childcare operation.
Other grants were awarded to North End Community Improvement Collaborative for its Empower Me mentoring program, the Altrusa Club for buddy bags for homeless students, the Ohio State University at Mansfield for its Hand in Hand: Strategies for Resilience and Networking for Diverse Women program, Mansfield Senior High School Girls Volleyball Team for a nutrition program, Crossroads City Center for Girl Talk, Mansfield Area Y for Female Empowerment Self-Protection class, and Love on a Mission for its Fly Your Flag program.
The WF announced the JoAnn Dutton Volunteer Community Service Award. 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.
This year’s winner is Linda Smith. She served on the Richland County Foundation Board of Trustees, where she was the second woman to serve as chair, the Mansfield Area YMCA, Planned Parenthood, MedCentral Mansfield Hospital Auxiliary, Avita Health System, Park National Bank, and the Malabar Farm Foundation.
But one of her most notable acts of volunteerism is the creation of the Women’s Fund. She wanted to direct funding in Richland County to empower women and girls. She did her research and brought together a group of women to start the Women’s Fund.
Nov. 16, 2021
Foundation Sets Up a Gift of Grain Fund and Awards Grants
The Richland County Foundation Board of Trustees approved setting up a new fund and $1,475,213 in grants to area nonprofit organizations during its October meeting.
A Gift of Grain Fund was established by the Board to accept donations from area farmers, and it provided an initial $15,000 to seed the fund. Farmers looking to minimize their tax liability and contribute to their community can donate crops to the Foundation at a local elevator. The Foundation will work in partnership with local farmers to award grants to agriculture-related nonprofit organizations such as 4H and FFA. Farmers should consult with their tax advisor to determine whether a donation of commodities is appropriate to their tax situation. For details on how to make a Gift of Grain, go to the “Giving” tab on richlandcountyfoundation.org.
The Board awarded a grant to partially fund a senior housing complex planned by the Area Agency on Aging District 5. The funds used for this grant were the Community Fund and the Gorman Fund. The Ritter’s Run project on Ohio Street in Mansfield is a ranch-style apartment complex designed to serve low-income adults ages 55 and older. The handicap-accessible development will include support services, affordable rent, utilities, appliances, and off-street parking.
The Board approved a grant from a donor-advised fund to Catholic Charities for two of its programs; the 3E program, Empower, Encourage and Engage, and Adult Advocacy Services. The 3E program assists individuals to overcome barriers to employment. Adult Advocacy Services provides guardianship services to older adults who have been deemed incompetent, have a diagnosed incapacity, and do not have family members to advocate on their behalf to protect them against abuse, neglect, or exploitation.
The Board of Trustees approved additional grants from donor-advised funds to meet emerging needs to the following organizations:
American Red Cross
Area Agency on Aging District 5
Backcountry Concerts, Inc.
Catholic Charities Diocese of Toledo
Crestview Local School District
City of Mansfield
Forgotten Felines of Richland County
Friends of the Richland County Park District
Heaven’s Gait Therapeutic Riding
Humane Society of Richland County
Idea Works
Kingwood Center Gardens
Little Buckeye Children’s Museum
Lucas Community Center
Madison Adult Education
Madison Local School District
Make-A-Wish Foundation
Mansfield Area Y
Mansfield Art Center
Mansfield City Schools
Mary McLeod Bethune Intervention and Enrichment Center
Mid-Ohio Civic Opera
Mid-Ohio Educational Service Center
Monroe Township
North End Community Improvement Collaborative
Ohio Bird Sanctuary
Ohio Genealogical Society
Ohio State University – Mansfield
Pioneer Career and Technology Center
Plymouth Area Historical Society
Project One
Raemelton Therapeutic Equestrian Center
Reinhardt University
Renaissance Performing Arts
Resurrection Parish
Richland Academy of the Arts
Richland County Soil and Water Conservation District
St. Peter’s Parish and School
Shelby YMCA
Soldiers and Sailors Museum
Village of Bellville
Waleska United Methodist Church
October 12, 2021
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 de
