Community Foundation awards $1M in grants

The Findlay-Hancock County Community Foundation Board of Trustees has approved grants topping $1 million. "The funds awarded are the result of the generosity of hundreds of philanthropists in our community," said Brian Treece, president and CEO of the foundation. "In nearly 30 years, we've awarded more than $65 million. We are grateful for the community's continued support." Responsive grants Responsive grants are awarded to nonprofit organizations that seek to meet community needs and match the goals, objectives and priorities of the Community Foundation. Grantseekers mustsubmit a written grant proposal for consideration. Applications are reviewed four times per year. Funding for responsive grants comes from the community's endowment, made up of funds for the common good and field of interest funds established by donors at the Community Foundation. They include: • Blanchard Valley Health System was awarded $2,500 to provide transportation options for patients with significant need at Caughman Health Center. • Children's Mentoring Connection of Hancock County was awarded $2,000 for Camp FUN, a program for local youth who have been affected by addiction or overdose. • Christian Clearing House was awarded $10,000 to assist with the cost of oxygen for COVID-19 patients who don't have insurance or Medicaid coverage. • City Mission of Findlay was awarded $50,000 to support two life recovery advocates for clients. • Findlay-Hancock County Public Library was awarded $12,593 to support the purchase of kindergarten readiness kits. • Hancock County Agricultural Society was awarded $11,250 to support a strategic planning process. • Hancock County Housing Coalition was awarded $1,500 for members to participate in the Greater Ohio Policy Center Housing Learning Exchange. • Hancock Properties Foundation was awarded up to $64,230 to convert a storage suite at The Family Center into office space. • Humane Society & SPCA of Hancock County was awarded $4,500 to assist with costs of spaying/neutering 100 feral or semi-feral cats, the numbers of which have increased quickly due to the pause in veterinary procedures as a result of the pandemic. • Ohio Parks Foundation was awarded $24,000 to support sensory paths, pollinator habitats and wheelchair-accessible picnic tables at Van Buren State Park. • Sightline Security was awarded $26,000 for cybersecurity training for Hancock County nonprofit organizations. • The Community Foundation was awarded two grants: $150,000 to support a third Community Heart & Soul program; $75,000 for 30th anniversary projects, including special grant opportunities. • Village of Mount Blanchard was awarded $546 for Heart & Soul action plan items. • Welcome to a New Life was awarded $50,000 to support a mentee advocacy coordinator. President's discretionary grants Discretionary grants fund urgent or special requests that are outside of the Community Foundation's various grant cycles. The president of the Community Foundation is allocated an amount each year. These grants typically do not individually exceed $5,000. The following discretionary grants were awarded: • City of Findlay was awarded $5,000 to plant 30 trees within city limits in recognition of the Community Foundation's 30th anniversary. • Hancock Park District was awarded $4,261 to plant 30 trees in the county in recognition of the Community Foundation's 30th anniversary. • Handbags That Help Women's Giving Circle was awarded $2,500 for strategic planning. • Welcome to a New Life was awarded $2,250 for strategic planning. Donor-advised grants • 36 grants were awarded to 27 organizations, totaling $537,003.