In May 2023, Foundations Community Childcare broke ground on a new childcare center that makes quality childcare more accessible for those in our community who need it most.

The center, run by an independent nonprofit organization, opened in spring 2024 to meet the needs of Ashland County families and businesses and to support the growth of our community.

This marked the culmination of the hugely successful Women’s Fund Childcare Initiative, bringing to fruition the vision, dedication and hard work of our Women’s Fund Steering Committee and the leadership of Chief Operating Officer Kristin Aspin.

The Women’s Fund Steering Committee of Ashland County Community Foundation launched the Women’s Fund Childcare Initiative in 2020 with the purpose of expanding access to high-quality, affordable childcare in Ashland County. From that vision, Foundations Community Childcare was founded as a new nonprofit organization to own and operate a new childcare center in Ashland’s industrial park.

The Women’s Fund developed a detailed plan and a unique funding model for FCC, including both income-based and employer-supported tuition assistance as well as grant funding and endowment. This allows the center to operate sustainably while remaining affordable for families.

Women’s Fund Steering Committee members also raised more than $4.5 million for construction, startup and endowment of the center. The Women’s Fund is deeply grateful to have received eight grants and support from 249 individual donors, 50 businesses and 15 faith-based and service organizations.