Foundation Funds social services & other community needs

December 11, 2024

(Richland County Foundation Board of Trustee members visited Oak Hill Cottage to learn about the terrace project.)

During its December meeting, the Richland County Foundation Board of Trustees approved $602,225 in grants to nonprofit organizations.

Projects at area nonprofit organizations that received grants from a combination of unrestricted, and field-of-interest funds include:

Domestic Violence Shelter

The Domestic Violence Shelter received a grant to fund the Safe Haven for Kids program which serves infants, children, and teens up to 18 years old. Richland County has a significant number of children who are survivors of domestic violence, sexual assault, and human trafficking. Financially the DVS is facing a shortfall due to cuts in crucial federal and state funding.

Salvation Army

The Salvation Army was awarded a grant for its Emergency Social Services Program. Households that teeter on the edge of poverty are forced to choose between transportation, housing, and food expenses. The program includes the soup kitchen, food pantry, direct financial assistance for utilities to prevent homelessness, and seasonal assistance. The funds will be used towards utility and food assistance. This program attempts to aid in self-sufficiency for vulnerable populations and reduce reliance on public assistance.

Raemelton Therapeutic Equestrian Center

Raemelton received a grant to provide scholarships for equine-based therapies to individuals with physical and intellectual disabilities. This therapy engages and strengthens a student's muscles, improves motor skills, encourages core academic skills, and appropriate communication.

Richland County Historical Society

The Richland County Historical Society was awarded a grant to convert the building at 64 Surrey Road into a tiled plaza park on its upper open-air level. The Oak Hill Terrace project is across the street from Oak Hill Cottage. The space will become a venue for events and a gathering space for the community.

Mansfield Richland County Third Grade Spelling Bee

The Mansfield Richland County Third Grade Spelling Bee received a grant for this year's event. About 200 students from across the county participate each year. The Spelling Bee helps prepare students for the state testing required to advance to fourth grade by improving their reading comprehension.

Career Technical Education Scholarships
The Board of Trustees awarded 10 scholarships 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:

4 Leaf Rover

Catalyst Life Services

Discovery School

Domestic Violence Shelter

Downtown Mansfield Inc.

El Central De Servicios Sociales

Friendly House

Habitat for Humanity

Healthnetwork Foundation

Island Safe Harbor

Lucas Community Center

Lucas Local Schools

Make A Wish Foundation

Malabar Farm Foundation

Mansfield Art Center

Mansfield Playhouse
Mansfield Reformatory Preservation Society

MOSAIC Mansfield

North Central Ohio Land Conservancy

North End Community Improvement Collaborative

Project Hope

Richland Academy of the Arts

Richland Veterans Mentor Program

Rubies Women's Group

SoundWaters Coastal Education Center

Scouting America Buckeye Council

St. James Episcopal Church

St. Peter's School

Taking Root Farms

The New Store

United Way of Richland County

Wayfinders Ohio

Public link

Please use the above public link if you want to share this noodl on another website.