Foundation Funds social services & other community needs
By Maura Teynor
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 $612,225 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
