MANSFIELD – The Richland County Foundation Board of Trustees approved grants totaling $1,477,004.99 to non-profit 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 non-profit 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.