Community Foundation Awards $3.6M in Grants
By Shari Harrell, president, CFMV
On the heels of a transformative 2018 came another productive 12 months for the Community Foundation of the Mahoning Valley.
The investment of $3.6 million into local communities through grants and scholarships was easily the highlight of 2019. Far outpacing all previous annual giving totals, the record 264 foundation grants brought the lifetime financial support of the foundation’s donors to $29 million. This followed intensified donor services and engagement as staff offered guidance and support for fund holders to invest their charitable dollars strategically.
Other notable events include a $1.9 million gift to the Arnett Family Fund, increasing its grantmaking capacity, and the hiring of Tara Walker-Pollock as donor services associate. Walker-Pollock and her husband returned to the area from New York City and joined the staff following the transition of Rachael Chacon to development and marketing coordinator.
CFMV, along with its three supporting organizations – the William Swanston Charitable Fund, Western Reserve Health Foundation and Trumbull Memorial Health Foundation – continued its commitment to the Healthy Community Partnership. This collaborative working on improved health outcomes and health equity convened more than 125 residents and representatives from across businesses, government and nonprofits to create community solutions.
The foundation capped off 2019 with the addition of the Willanna and William DiCiero Memorial Fund, established with the remainder of Willanna DiCiero’s trust. The new unrestricted, grantmaking fund provides flexibility to support a wide array of causes in the Mahoning Valley.
Entering into an anniversary year in 2020 (20 or 21 years old, depending on whom you ask), CFMV is looking to celebrate its accomplishments and learning with the community how to best support the Mahoning Valley.
Copyright 2024 The Business Journal, Youngstown, Ohio.
