By 1812Blockhouse
The Richland County Foundation Board of Trustees approved grants totaling $255,389 during its April meeting, demonstrating its commitment to supporting a range of community-focused initiatives, led by summer programs for local children and enhancing career technical education.
Supporting Summertime Programs for Children
A significant portion of the approved grants will fund programs dedicated to children during the summer months. The Board of Trustees approved 28 Summertime Kid grants, each providing up to $2,500 to support creative, educational, and fun-filled activities for hundreds of Richland County children. These grants aim to enrich the summer experiences of local youth through diverse programs that promote learning and enjoyment.
Boosting Career Technical Education
The Foundation is also taking steps to address workforce development needs by awarding scholarships to students pursuing career technical education (CTE). The Board approved four CTE scholarships, allowing students to earn certifications at technical institutions. To accommodate different enrollment deadlines, the Scholarship Committee has implemented a rolling deadline for these scholarships, providing more flexibility for students. This approach aligns with Ohio’s Attainment Goal, which seeks to close the gap between job openings and certified employees.
Encouraging Community Engagement and Development
The Richland County Foundation’s grant approvals underscore its ongoing efforts to foster community engagement and support local development. By funding summertime programs for children, career technical education scholarships, and donor-advised grants, the Foundation is creating opportunities for learning, workforce development, and charitable giving within the community.
Donor-Advised Funds: A Flexible Approach to Giving
Another notable decision made by the Board of Trustees involved approving grants from donor-advised funds. These funds offer individuals and families the flexibility to suggest grants to their favorite charities, providing a convenient alternative to establishing a private foundation. Donor-advised funds also allow donors to keep their contributions anonymous, should they choose to do so.
Such funds were awarded to:
4 Leaf Rover
Buckeye Imagination Museum
Catholic Charities
City of Mansfield
Cystic Fibrosis Foundation
Doctors Without Borders
Hope Hollow
Hospice of North Central Ohio
Island Safe Habor Sanctuary
Lexington Baseball/Softball Association
Lucas Community Center
Lucas Local Schools
Make a Wish Foundation
Mercy Ships
NCSC Foundation
Operation Smile
People Helping People
Plymouth Shiloh Food Pantry
Rials to Trails Wayne County
Richland Community Development Group
Richland Public Health
Rubies Women’s Group
St. Jude’s Children’s Research Hospital
St. Paul Outreach
St. Peter’s Parish
Taking Root Farms
Voice of Hope Pregnancy and Family Center
YMCA of North Central Ohio
