Richland County Foundation

Quick Stats

• Annual Giving: $8.77 million (2024)
• Success Rate: Not publicly disclosed
• Decision Time: 1 month (monthly board meetings)
• Grant Range: $2,500 - $10,000+ (typical)
• Geographic Focus: Richland County, Ohio

Contact Details

Website: https://www.richlandcountyfoundation.org/

Phone: (419) 525-3020

Email: Available through website contact form

Address: 181 South Main Street, Mansfield, OH 44902

Pre-Application Support: Contact Community Investment Officers Siera Marth-May or Bobby Rhea to schedule an initial meeting before submitting applications

Overview

The Richland County Foundation, established in 1945, is one of the largest community foundations in Ohio and the largest private source of grants in Richland County. With total assets of $228.4 million and annual grant distributions of $8.77 million (2024), the Foundation improves lives through strategic philanthropy and community leadership. Under President & CEO Allie Watson, who assumed her role in April 2024, the Foundation supports health, economic development, basic human needs, education, cultural activities, environment, and community services. The Foundation has distributed $685,978 through 343 grants via its Women's Fund since 1998, and $901,400 in college scholarships to 326 students in 2024 alone. They've also spearheaded transformative initiatives like the Mansfield Rising Plan, a $1.2 million investment in downtown economic development.

Funding Priorities

Grant Programs

Community Fund Grants: $5,000 - $10,000 (rolling basis, online applications)

• Unrestricted grants responding to critical community needs
• Initial consultation with Community Investment Officers strongly encouraged

Women's Fund Grants: ~$5,000 average (deadline: First Friday in September)

• Programs promoting growth of women and girls in Richland County
• $685,978 awarded via 343 grants since 1998

Summertime Kids Grants: Up to $2,500 (deadline: Second Friday in February)

• Creative, educational summer activities for Richland County children

Teacher Assistance Program (TAP) Grants (deadline: Last Friday in June)

• Creative or supplemental educational programs not covered by school funding

Career Technical Education (CTE) Scholarships (rolling basis)

• Support for certifications and credentials at accredited technical institutions

College Scholarships: $901,400 to 326 students in 2024 (deadline: April 1)

• For graduating seniors, current college students, and non-traditional students

Priority Areas

2024 Grant Distribution:

• Community Development: 30.1%
• Children/Families/Youth: 18.5%
• Education: 18.2%
• Arts & Culture: 16.1%
• Human Services: 10.0%
• Health Services: 2.2%
• Environment: 2.2%
• Economic Development: 1.8%
• Churches: 0.9%

What They Don't Fund

• Regular staffing, operational costs, or occupancy costs (grants focus on direct programming)
• Organizations not serving Richland County residents

Governance and Leadership

President & CEO: Allie Watson (appointed April 2024)

• With Foundation since 2012
• Quote: "I am grateful to be part of an organization that contributes in such a significant manner to the betterment of our community"

Board Chair (2025): Dr. Theresa Roth-Groth

Key Staff:

• Rachel Weber, Director of Finance
• Maura Teynor, Chief Advancement Officer
• Siera Marth-May, Senior Community Investment Officer
• Bobby Rhea, Community Investment Officer

Application Process & Timeline

How to Apply

1. Initial Consultation (Strongly Recommended): Contact Community Investment Officers at (419) 525-3020 to discuss needs before application submission
2. Online Application: Submit through richlandcountyfoundation.org
3. Support Available: Foundation offers grant writing workshops and guidance throughout the process

Eligibility: 501(c)(3) organizations, government entities, schools, nonprofit medical facilities, churches serving Richland County residents

Decision Timeline

• Monthly board meetings for grant approvals
• Program-specific deadlines vary (see Grant Programs section)
• Most programs offer rolling review

Success Rates

Specific success rates not publicly disclosed. Foundation distributed $8.77 million through numerous grants in 2024.

Reapplication Policy

• Scholarships: Past recipients eligible to reapply annually
• Grants: No specific restrictions; Foundation emphasizes building long-term partnerships

Application Success Factors

1. Pre-Application Consultation is Critical: Foundation explicitly prefers discussing needs before application submission
2. Focus on Current Community Needs: Clearly articulate how project addresses pressing Richland County issues
3. Direct Programming Focus: Structure budgets emphasizing program delivery rather than overhead
4. Demonstrate Richland County Impact: Quantify beneficiaries and provide demographic data
5. Align with Strategic Priorities: Consider connection to Community Development (30.1% of grants), Mansfield Rising, or workforce development
6. Build Relationships Over Time: Start with smaller requests; larger grants come after established relationship
7. Attend Grant Writing Workshops: Shows commitment and provides inside knowledge

Recent Successful Grants:

• Habitat for Humanity: Building Futures Together partnership
• City of Mansfield Police: Therapy K9 Team
• North Central Ohio Land Conservancy: Clear Fork Valley Trail expansion
• The Salvation Army: Emergency Social Services

Key Takeaways for Grant Writers

• Consultation First: Initial meeting with Community Investment Officers is strongly preferred pathway
• Community Development Priority: 30% of grants support community development - strongest alignment opportunity
• Multiple Entry Points: 8+ grant programs available - explore all options during consultation
• Direct Programming Focus: Structure budgets for program delivery, not operational overhead
• Richland County Only: Geographic restriction is absolute
• Support Available: Foundation offers workshops and guidance - "we will help you along the way"
• Relationship-Based: Foundation values long-term partnerships; start smaller and grow over time

References

• Richland County Foundation Official Website: https://www.richlandcountyfoundation.org/ (Accessed February 13, 2026)
• Richland County Foundation Grants Page: https://www.richlandcountyfoundation.org/grants-and-scholarships/grants
• ProPublica Nonprofit Explorer - Form 990 (2024): https://projects.propublica.org/nonprofits/organizations/340872883
• Charity Navigator Profile: https://www.charitynavigator.org/ein/340872883
• Richland Source: "Richland County Foundation grants more than $8.7 million in 2024," May 12, 2025
• Richland Source: "Watson to become new president of Richland County Foundation," January 25, 2024
• Richland County Foundation Blog: "The Mansfield Rising Plan is evolving," February 15, 2024