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Recent Grants

These are the grants awarded by Ashland County Community Foundation within the past year. To learn more about our grants, or to apply for a grant, visit our grants page.

Community Grants

In Spring 2024, twenty-two organizations serving the Ashland County community received grants totaling $150,000.

ACCESS received a grant for funding to kickstart their aftercare program, which aims to offer gift cards as incentives for participation and continued engagement.

Advocates For Families received a grant to fund building improvements, including those which will help with security for clients and staff.

Ashland Brethren in Christ Church received a grant to help improve their security systems.

Ashland Chautauqua received a grant to help cover expenses related to its Silver Celebration.

Ashland Christian Health Center received a grant to help with home health services and its diabetes program.

Ashland City Schools received a grant to support its Arrow Media Industry Readiness Project.

Ashland County Cancer Association received a grant to purchase supplies to enable access to its semi-trailer, which will be used for storing rummage sale items.

Ashland Special Needs Ministry received a grant to support its summer/fall respite program.

Catholic Charities Corporation – Ashland County received a grant to fund its Pen Pal Project expansion.

City of Ashland, Guy C. Myers Memorial Band Shell received a grant to support its 75th Anniversary Celebration for its annual Summer Concert Series.

Jeromesville Coon Hunters Club received a grant for renovations for kitchen/electrical upgrades.

North Central State College Foundation received a grant to support the costs of training nurses and to maximize the LPN to RN articulation program.

North Central Workforce Alliance of Ohio  received a grant for its strategic planning, re-branding and website project.

OhioHealth Foundation received a grant to purchase an OhioHealth Ashland SANE Camera.

Olive Tree Care received a grant to begin operating a summer school program for K-6 grade students.

Park Street Brethren Preschool received a grant to update the Pre-K classroom.

Pathfinder Farms received a grant to fund equipment for a new building to house female programs, and assist with the installation of electrical services.

Pleasant Hill Outdoor Camp received a grant to fund program upgrades.

Snuggled in Hope Quilts – Ashland Chapter received a grant to help pay for supplies related to the Ashland Creative Comfort Project

The American Red Cross Chapter of Heartland, Stark, Muskingum Lakes received a grant to support a blood drive in Ashland County.

The Salvation Army received a grant to help cover additional operating costs of expanded free hours at the outdoor Spray Park.

Trinity Community Church received a grant to provide funds for security cameras.

In Fall 2023, thirty-three organizations serving the Ashland County community received grants totaling $357,342.

A Kid Again received a grant to send Ashland County children with life-threatening conditions on adventures with their families.

ACCESS received a grant for a technology initiative to more effectively assist clients.

Adaptive Sports Ohio received a grant to provide Everyone Plays Kits to children with disabilities in Ashland County.

Advocates For Families received a grant to fund building improvements, including heating and cooling units and foundation work.

Ashland Center For Nonviolence at Ashland University received a grant to help bring Rev. Naomi Tutu to Ashland to speak.

Ashland Christian Health Center received a grant for a parking lot expansion project.

Ashland County Cancer Association received a grant to purchase local meat gift cards for cancer patients and their families.

Ashland County Wildlife Conservation League received a capstone grant for electrical equipment and installation at the Historic Homestead Log House.

Ashland Schine’s Theatre Organization received a capstone grant for the renovation of the Green Room Annex and Theatre Connector.

Ashland Soil & Water Conservation District received a grant to improve the parking area at the Hazel Willis Woods, an outdoor educational learning laboratory near Mifflin.

Ashland Special Needs Ministry received a grant to enhance the respite program.

Ashland Symphony Orchestra received a grant to provide a free school day concert for third graders and a free Young People’s Concert for children of all ages and their families.

Associated Charities received a grant to construct a laundry/utility room and restroom in the building’s warehouse area.

Eaglewings received a grant to cover rehab/recovery program fees for local residents and to assist participants with housing and transportation needs.

Junior Achievement of North Central Ohio received a grant to expose Ashland County students to career opportunities and pathways within local Ashland businesses.

Living Waters Outreach Ministry received a grant for materials and labor to replace the building’s roof.

Loudonville Church Women, Inc. received a grant to help families in need by providing free clothing and housewares, Christmas food and toys, and backpacks and school supplies.

Mohican Historical Society received a grant to develop an exhibit that will examine the life and legacy of Johnathan Chapman, also known as Johnny Appleseed.

Old Uniontown Quilt Guild received a grant for materials to provide quilts for local children in foster care.

Pathfinder Farms received a grant to purchase a cargo trailer for use as a remote headquarters during trips away from the farm.

Polk-Jackson-Perry Township Volunteer Fire Department received a grant to purchase CPR mannequins to provide training to the public.

Rape Crisis Domestic Violence Safe Haven received a grant to purchase a new outdoor playset and indoor furniture for use in the shelter.

Rise FM received a grant to help purchase a station vehicle.

Ronald McDonald House Charities of Central Ohio received a grant to support nights of rest and support services for Ashland County families while they are seeking medical care for their child in central Ohio.

Rowsburg Lions Club received a grant to replace the roof at the Rowsburg Community Center.

Southview Grace Brethren Church received a grant for lighting equipment and installation at the Wifflefest field and parking lot.

The Ground Truth Project / Report for America received a grant to help fund the position of a reporter at Ashland Source to cover the Ashland County community.

The Salvation Army received a grant to expand the youth music and performing arts program by providing more scholarships for families and renting The Ashland Theatre.

The Society for Handicapped Citizens of Medina County received a grant for new furniture at The Link Ashland.

United Church Residences of Ashland Ohio received a grant for a community room makeover at Mill Run Place.

Additionally, three organizations received Community Grant distributions in recognition of Hazel Myers Spreng. They include Ashland Public Library, First United Methodist Church and United Way of Ashland County.

Women's Fund Grants

In 2023, seven organizations serving Ashland County women were awarded Women’s Fund Grants totaling $23,627. 

ACCESS received a grant for seed money to pilot a new Foundational Growth program.

Appleseed Community Mental Health Center received a grant for monthly kinship care support groups

Ashland Christian Health Center received a grant to provide mammograms for patients

Ashland County Cancer Association received a grant to help fund the Survivor’s Dinner

Fostering Family Ministries received a grant to provide Trust-Based Relational Intervention training for Ashland County Job and Family Services staff as well as foster and kinship parents.

Park Street Brethren Preschool received a grant to support a safety initiative.

Rape Crisis Domestic Violence Safe Haven received a grant to repaint the exterior of Safe Haven’s Transitional Shelter building.

IMPACT Youth Grants

In 2024, twenty-one organizations serving Ashland County youth were awarded IMPACT Youth Grants totaling $18,813.

Advocates for Families received a grant for glass fusing classes for AFF
families and youth.

Appleseed Community Mental Health Center received a grant to support Healthy Skills groups for youth.

Ashland Bookcase Project received a grant for bookcase materials and new
children’s books.

Ashland Brethren In Christ Church received a grant to help with supplies for Vacation Bible School 2024.

Ashland Co 4-H Committee received a grant for Ashland County 4-H dog project(s) training equipment.

Ashland County Wildlife Conservation League received a grant for the ACWCL Kids Day educational program in the Historic Log Homestead house.

Ashland Special Needs Ministry received a grant to support the annual Night to Shine event.

Ashland Training Center Daycare and Preschool received a grant to support summer program activities and outings.

Associated Charities received a grant for new clothing for Kid’s Clothing Closet.

Hillsdale High School Fine Arts Department received a grant for supplies to support Scars, Shiners, Aging, & Beards: A Stage Makeup Exploration project.

Hospice of North Central Ohio received a grant to support Stuffed Animal Craft at Camp Hope Children’s Bereavement Camp.

Loudonville Church Women received a grant to purchase school supplies and other essentials to support students through the Back to School program.

Loudonville Theatre & Arts Committee received a grant for art equipment for The Ohio Theatre Arts Alive Art and Drama Camp(s) programs.

Nuhop Center for Experiential Learning received a grant for a new trail wheelchair to create access for all campers.

Park Street Brethren Preschool received a grant to support gross motor equipment.

Rape Crisis Domestic Violence Safe Haven/Appleseed received a grant to help with sensory items for youth accessing Safe Haven services.

Taft Intermediate received a grant to help with the 4th Grade Immersive History Exposure field trip.

The Salvation Army received funds to support its Safety Town program.

Teacher Mini-Grants

In Fall 2023, Ashland City Schools Foundation and Ashland County Community Foundation awarded 19 mini-grants totaling $5,570 from ACSF and $15,344 from ACCF.

The following teachers received grants from one or both foundations:

Ashland City Schools Foundation

  • Mariely Dawson, Ashland High School, received a grant for Genius Games for Chemistry Bonding Development.
  • Brian Krieger, Ashland High School, received a grant for The Whole World in Our Hands: Teaching Geography with Interactive Globes.
  • Linda Michael, Ashland Middle School, received a grant for Leveled Reading for Science Literacy.
  • Tiffany Sauder, Edison Elementary School, received a grant for Fantastic Fine Motor Skills.
  • Alexis Solet, Ashland City Schools, received a grant for Learning Life at the Wertman Property: Promoting Life Skills in Students with Disabilities.

Ashland City Schools Foundation and Ashland County Community Foundation

  • Alayna Shafer, Edison Elementary School, received grants for 3D Pens for the Art Room.

Ashland County Community Foundation

  • Carly Black, Hillsdale High School, received a grant for Plot Twist! We’re Podcasting!
  • Rachel Burgett, Taft Intermediate School, received a grant for Intentional Seating to Increase Learning.
  • Amber Haldeman, Ashland Middle School, received a grant for Building A Collaborative Math Classroom.
  • Shari Harlan, Edison Elementary School, received a grant for Math in Action.
  • Carol Hinkle, McMullen Elementary School, received a grant for New art tables for McMullen Elementary.
  • Thomas Howman, Edison Elementary School, received a grant for Learning Through Music in the General Education Classroom.
  • Bailey Jones, Edison Elementary School, received a grant for Sensory Success for all Learners.
  • Marty Kral, Ashland High School, received a grant for Band Tower Amplification.
  • Molly Kramer, Dale Roy School, received a grant for Discovery Classroom for Children with Multiple Disabilities.
  • Nicole Krieger, Taft Intermediate School, received a grant for Teaching Content, Engaging Readers, and Teaching Skills: A Three-In-One Project!
  • David Lance, Loudonville High School, received a grant for Mentor Leaders.
  • Kelly Owens, Ashland High School, received a grant for Veteran Hero Blanket Project.
  • Shelby Pummell, Edison Elementary School, received a grant for Interactive Read Alouds.

In Spring 2024, Ashland City Schools Foundation and Ashland County Community Foundation awarded 16 mini-grants totaling $4,996 from ACSF and $18,305 from ACCF.

The following teachers received grants from one or both foundations:

Ashland City Schools Foundation

  • Emily Hynek, Reagan Elementary School, received a grant for “Exploring Wonders: A 2nd Grade Science Adventure.”
  • Debbie McNaull, Edison Elementary School, received a grant for “Building Leaders of Good Character to Create Their Happily Ever After.”

Ashland City Schools Foundation and Ashland County Community Foundation

  • Julie McDonnell, Taft Intermediate School, received a grant for “Interactive Science and Urban Exposure.”
  • Alexandria Paulino, Edison Elementary School, received a grant for “Playground Inclusion and Communication.”

Ashland County Community Foundation

  • Lori Ayers, Hillsdale Elementary School, received a grant for “Decodable Text Is The Key To Success.”
  • Andrea Barker, Ashland County-West Holmes Career Center, received a grant for “Nutrition Science Lab.”
  • Jordyn Burnison, Loudonville High School, received a grant for “Hands-On Science Labs/Projects.”
  • Jennifer Ediger, Reagan Elementary School, received a grant for “Kindergarten Discovery.”
  • Rachel Kelly, Hillsdale High School, received a grant for “Making Music Accessible.”
  • Angela Layton, Loudonville-Perrysville Schools, received a grant for “Reading Writing Redbirds/ The Million Words Club.”
  • Andrew Lewellen, Hillsdale Middle School, received a grant for “After School Art Club.”
  • Marla Nardo, Ashland Middle School, received a grant for “Intramural Pickleball Club.”
  • Wendy Packard, Ashland Middle School, received a grant for “PBIS – Positive Behavioral Intervention Supports.”
  • Tiffany Smith, Hillsdale Elementary School, received a grant for “Bookworm Vending Machine and Books for the Machine.”
  • Amber Swisher, Hillsdale High School, received a grant for “Hands-On Music for All.”
  • Andrew Tabler, Ashland High School, received a grant for “Stretch Bands for Development and Injury Prevention.”

Strategic Grants

While most of our grants are awarded in response to grant applications or at the direction of donors, we also make grants proactively when possible. We use unrestricted funds to make these strategic grants based on needs and opportunities in our community.

During the 2022-23 fiscal year, 13 Strategic Grants were awarded to support opportunities and meet needs that fall outside our annual grant cycles.

Living Legacy Foundation received an agency endowment fund challenge grant.

Loudonville Swim Team Boosters received an agency endowment fund challenge grant.

Living Waters Outreach Ministry received a grant for tower garden repairs.

Ashland Christian Health Center received a grant for lab costs and outside testing.

Ashland County Sheriff’s Office received a grant for new dive team equipment.

Ashland County Council on Aging received a grant for Alzheimer’s and dementia care giver support groups.

Ashland High School received a grant for field trips to Columbus.

Olive Tree Care received an agency endowment fund challenge grant.

Ashland County Prosecutor received a grant for drug testing equipment.

Ashland Youth Football League received a grant for new helmets.

Ashland City Schools received a grant for a commissioned piece for the jazz band.

Mohican Area Growth Foundation received a grant for Loudonville pickleball courts.

City of Ashland received a grant for a downtown mural.

Donor-Advised Fund Grants

During the 2022-2023 fiscal year, our donors used distributions from their Donor-Advised Funds to make grants to the following organizations, charitable funds and causes.

4 Leaf Rover
ACCESS
ACCF Women’s Fund
Appleseed Community Mental Health Center
Ashbrook Center at Ashland University
Ashland Center for Nonviolence
Ashland Chautauqua
Ashland Christian Health Center
Ashland City Schools
Ashland City Schools Lunch Support Program Fund
Ashland County Cancer Association
Ashland County Dog Shelter
Ashland County Park District
Ashland County Prosecutor
Ashland County Sports Hall of Fame
Ashland County Young Life
Ashland Faith Fund Inc
Ashland Family YMCA
Ashland Grace Church
Ashland High School
Ashland Main Street
Ashland Pregnancy Care Center
Ashland Rotary Service Foundation
Ashland Schine’s Theatre Agency Fund
Ashland Symphony Orchestra
Ashland Theological Seminary
Ashland University
Associated Charities
Brethren Care Foundation
Camp Nuhop
City of Ashland
City of Ashland Police Dept. – Police Donations for Community Outreach
City of Ashland, Guy C. Myers Memorial Band Shell
City of Ashland, Mayor’s Office
City of Ashland, Pickleball Association
First Presbyterian Church
Foundations Community Childcare Agency Fund
Gladys Rondy Stevens Memorial Lunch Support Fund
Global Outreach International
Harold ‘Bully’ Rader Memorial Scholarship Fund, fbo AHS Boys’ Basketball Outstanding Senior Player
Hospice of North Central Ohio
IMPACT Youth Grants Program
Jack and Kathy Vanosdall Family Community Grants Fund
James M. Cutright “CUTTY Fund for Youth Empowerment”
Jim Fish Vocational Education Fund
Jim Miller Memorial Fund, fbo Ashland University Military and Veteran Services Center
John T. ‘Jack’ Miller Outstanding AHS Senior Male Athlete Scholarship Fund, in honor of Stu Martin, Bully Rader, Bud Plank and Brother Bob ‘Bulldog’ Miller
Kno-Ho-Co-Ashland Community Action Commission
LifeWise Academy – Loudonville-Perrysville Exempted Village
Loudonville Rotary
Mansfield Area Y
Mapleton Athletic Boosters
Matthew 25 Outreach
Mohican Area Growth Foundation
Ohio University
Olive Tree Christian Fellowship
Polk-Jackson-Perry Township Volunteer Fire Department
Reliant Mission
Robert Simonson Family Fund, fbo Mapleton Baseball
Robert Simonson Family Fund, fbo Mapleton Football
Robert Simonson Family Fund, fbo Mapleton Wrestling
Runyan Memorial
ShadoArt Productions, Inc.
Shop with a Cop
St. Edward Parish
Team Focus
The Brethren Church, National Office
The Cat House Feline Sanctuary, Inc.
The Salvation Army
Trinity Lutheran Church
United Way of Ashland County
Women’s Fund Childcare Initiative
Wright Way Foundation