COVID-19 Nonprofit Relief Grants total $173,700

ASHLAND – Having awarded 22 grants totaling $173,700, Ashland County Community Foundation and United Way of Ashland County are wrapping up their pandemic-related emergency assistance for nonprofit organizations.

“This has been an important collaboration, allowing both organizations to quickly identify the needs of Ashland County and make an immediate impact,” said Stacy Schiemann, executive director of United Way of Ashland County. “We are proud of this unique partnership.”

In addition to ACCF and United Way, the following individuals and organizations made contributions to the grant pool: Huntington Bank, the Black Family through Richland County Community Foundation, Centerra, the Innovation Fund of Ashland County Community Foundation, Dr. JoAnn Ford Watson, E. Mae Poland, Simonson Construction Services, James and Ellen Black, Dubois Family Foundation, Robert
and Carolyn Norris, Ron and Barb Leddy and Larry and Cathy Hiner.

“We are incredibly grateful to each of these individuals and entities as well as to all the donors who have made unrestricted gifts to ACCF over the years,” ACCF President/CEO Jim Cutright said. “Their generosity allows us to set aside dollars for strategic grant-making, allowing us the flexibility to respond to needs as they change.”

Along with 13 previously announced grants, nine more grants have recently been awarded to help agencies meet basic human needs, support increased mental health needs due to COVID-19 or provide economic relief for individuals impacted by the pandemic.

The latest COVID-19 Nonprofit Relief Grants include:

Ashland Parenting Plus, $10,000
To purchase upgraded technology to continue vital services to Ashland County youth and families virtually, as well as personal protective equipment for work that must be done in-person.

Ashland Pregnancy Care Center, $10,000
For tele-health and capacity building to meet current and growing needs of its clients.

Associated Charities, $10,000
To help meet the increased need for short-term financial assistance (rent/mortgage, utilities, medical bills) as well as food for families in need.

Hospice of North Central Ohio, Inc., $5,000
To purchase personal protective equipment and supplies to enact enhanced safety measures in serving clients.

Kidney Foundation of Ohio, $7,000
To provide Ashland County dialysis or transplant patients access to contactless home delivery of medications, transportation to dialysis or medical appointments, and assistance with emergency needs such as utility disconnections.

LSS Lutheran Village Assisted Living, $4,800
To purchase personal protective equipment and supplies to keep residents and staff safe while complying with state and federal guidelines.

Olive Tree Care, $10,000
To provide financial assistance to families, purchase supplies and support proper staffing to comply with state mandates upon reopening.

Park Street Brethren Preschool, $9,081.77
To provide financial assistance to families, purchase supplies and support proper staffing to comply with state mandates upon reopening.

United Church Residences of Ashland Ohio, Inc. (Mill Run Place), $6,900
To provide residents with cleaning supplies, personal care items, enhanced nutrition and technology in an effort to safeguard a vulnerable population during this pandemic

Organizations that received grants in the first two rounds include ACCESS, Ashland County Cancer Association, Ashland County Council on Aging, Ashland Family YMCA, Brethren Care Village, Fostering Family Ministries and the St. Vincent de Paul Society of St. Edward Church, Appleseed Community Mental Health Center, Ashland Christian Health Center, Ashland City Schools, Hillsdale Local Schools,
Loudonville Church Women and Salvation Army Kroc Center. In addition to awarding these grants, the ACCF also distributed $9,866 from its Emergency Response Pass-through Fund to Associated Charities, Salvation Army Kroc Center and Ashland City Schools.

ACCF also helped several donors make personal grants from Donor-Advised Funds. Since the crisis began, distributions from Donor-Advised Funds held at ACCF have been granted to Associated Charities, Ashland County Cancer Association, Ashland Pregnancy Care Center, Salvation Army Kroc Center, Ashland Symphony Orchestra, Pathfinder Farms and United Way of Ashland County.

About Ashland County Community Foundation: Ashland County Community Foundation advances philanthropy and improves the quality of life in Ashland County by connecting people who care with causes that matter. ACCF has awarded over $16 million in scholarships, grants and distributions.