The Richland County Foundation said goodbye to retirees, welcomed new trustee members and officers and reviewed annual numbers during its 69th annual membership meeting on Monday at the Mid-Ohio Conference Center.
The Foundation welcomed Suzanne Allen, PhD, president of Philanthropy Ohio as the keynote speaker to share with Foundation members the philanthropy trends across Ohio and the nation in the past few years. According to Allen, Ohioans gave a total of $6.6 billion to charity in 2011, with 75 percent of the total coming from individuals. Of the 1.31 million Ohioans reporting charitable gifts, 68 percent of those people had incomes between $50,000 and $200,000, and people with incomes over $200,000 gave seven percent.
“It’s really about building relationships, letting people know what your mission is and letting people know what your vision is for the future,” said Allen. “It’s about keeping your assets in your community, growing your community and telling the stories that make a difference.”
According to the foundation’s 2013 annual report, the foundation’s assets were $136.6 million and $3,332,811 was awarded in grants. Since the foundation was established in 1945, $62.4 million in grants has been awarded.
Education, community and community development, and arts and culture were the three program areas receiving the most grant funds. Education alone accounted for more than $1.4 million in grants in 2013. Bradford Groves, President of the Richland County Foundation, stated $415,950 was awarded in scholarships.
Richland County organizations that benefited from Foundation funds and grants in 2013 include The Ohio State University at Mansfield, North Central State College, Ashland University, Raemelton Equestrian Therapeutic Center, Renaissance Theatre, The Playhouse, Mansfield Art Center, Catalyst Life Services and the Mansfield Area YMCA.
The foundation recognized five retiring trustees, Sidney Foltz III, John Kastelic, Sharlene Neumann, Cynthia B. O’Neal, and Richard Walters for their nine years of service. In addition, new members Julie McCready and Gunther Meisse were welcomed. McCready is the owner of Norwalk the Furniture Idea – McCready Interiors, and Meisse is the owner of WMFD-TV/WVNO Radio.
New foundation officers were also elected, with John C. Roby stepping in as chairman, Beth DeLaney as chairman-elect, Bruce Cummins as treasurer, and Mark Masters as secretary. Outgoing chairman Michael Bennett thanked the board for doing their due diligence over his two years as chairman.
“I want to thank our board and our past boards for what they’ve done and what they mean to Richland County, because ultimately who actually benefits from it is Richland County,” said Bennett. “We have a great place to live, we have a great place to work and a great place to play, and that’s what it’s all about. I’m proud to be a part of this community and to have the opportunity to have served as your chair.”
Roby thanked Bennett for his service and his help in making the transition between chairmen seamless. He also spoke of how the Foundation impacted his childhood.
“Both my parents have been instrumental in driving home: ‘Give of yourself and give of your resources,’ that’s something I hold dear,” said Roby. “My dad is a past chair of the Richland County Foundation, and I feel really good about having the opportunity to continue to serve.”
Looking ahead to the future, Groves shared he hoped by the end of 2014 the Richland County Foundation will change its address from 24 West Third up to the historical building on 181 South Main Street. He noted the move will create greater exposure for the Foundation, but will also create permanency and a better impression of the Foundation and Richland County.
“Our hope is it gives people that are new to Mansfield a better impression of what we’re like,” said Groves.
“A lot hasn’t changed since the founders started in 1945 – we are an endowment, we are here for the community good, and that philosophy hasn’t changed,” he continued. “Leaders have come and gone, industries have come and gone, financial institutions have come and gone, but the one thing that has not changed is the Richland County Foundation.”
“Leaders have come and gone, industries have come and gone, financial institutions have come and gone, but the one thing that has not changed is the Richland County Foundation,” said Bradford Groves.
