Richland County Foundation funds health and housing needs

The Richland County Foundation Board of Trustees approved grants totaling $1,477,004.99 to nonprofit organizations during its October meeting.

Competitive and field of interest fund grants were approved by the board to four organizations.

Community Health Access Project (CHAP) received a grant to enhance care coordination services for uninsured and underinsured residents in Richland County. Operating through Community Health Workers  and the Pathways Community HUB system, CHAP partners with Third Street Family Health Services, ProjectOne, Independent Living Center of North Central Ohio, Rubies Women’s Group, Shelby Helpline, and NAMI Richland County to provide comprehensive services including healthcare access, housing, transportation, food resources, employment support, behavioral health, and maternal health.

Mansfield Leased Housing Corporation (MLHC) received a grant to expand the Sterkel Heights affordable housing development located off Cook Road in Mansfield. The project will include 90 additional one-bedroom, two-bedroom, and three-bedroom apartments. Developed by MLHC, a nonprofit affiliate of Mansfield Metropolitan Housing Authority, and in partnership with Provident Management, Inc., the project addresses Richland County’s documented need for 2,700 additional affordable rental units by 2032, with 50% of Mansfield renters cost burdened. Construction is scheduled for April 2027–October 2028.

Richland Community Development Group received a grant for the “Wings Over Mansfield Air Show” scheduled for next summer at Mansfield Lahm Airport. The event aims to provide family entertainment, honor military service members, educate on aviation history, and inspire youth aviation careers while supporting economic development through local tourism. Event organizers expect 20,000-40,000 spectators which will generate an economic boost through hotel and restaurant reservations.

The Village of Butler received a grant to renovate Frances Hitchman Park next year. The project will create two pickleball courts, resurface existing tennis and basketball courts, and provide safe recreational facilities compliant with ADA standards. The project also received funding through an Ohio Nature Works Program grant and Worthington Township.

The Board of Trustees awarded 18 scholarships to students attending a career technical education school. The Scholarship Committee implemented a rolling deadline for CTE scholarships to meet various enrollment deadlines. 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 Board of Trustees approved grants from donor-advised funds to meet emerging needs at the following organizations:

Avita Health Foundation

Catalyst Life Services

Chippewa Music Booster

Crawford Partnership

Community Health Access Project

Crossroads Community Church

Domestic Violence Shelter

First Congregational Church

Friendly House Association

Holy Trinity Evangelical Lutheran Church

Hope Hollow

Kingwood Center Gardens

Love On A Mission

Malabar Farm Foundation

Mankind Murals, Inc.

Mansfield Community Playhouse

Mansfield-Richland Area Educational Foundation, Inc.

Mid-Ohio Youth Mentoring

North End Community Improvement Collaborative

North Central Ohio Industrial Museum

OhioHealth Foundation

Planned Parenthood of Greater Ohio

Renaissance Performing Arts

Richland Academy of the Arts

Richland County Children’s Auxiliary dba The New Store

Richland County Dog Warden

Salvation Army

St. Anne’s Episcopal Church

Third Street Family Health Services

A special grant was awarded to the National Scleroderma Foundation.