Grants Top $8M in 2020 for Community Foundation of W. PA and Eastern Ohio

SHARON, Pa. — In its Annual Report, the Community Foundation of Western PA and Eastern OH distributed more than $8 million in grants in 2020.

Donors within the Community Foundation recommended 2,229 separate grants last year, according to a press release. Among the grants, $131,000 was distributed as rapid response grants during March and April of last year to “help organizations adapt to the changing landscape brought about by the virus,” the annual report states.

“There’s no doubt that the areas we serve are blessed by generous, giving people,” said Karen Winner Sed, president of the Community Foundation and CEO of the Winner Companies. “In times of need, any need, the citizens rally to see that their neighbors’ needs are met. The Community Foundation of Western PA and Eastern Ohio is honored to serve as the vehicle to make that happen. Even in a year such as 2020, which was fraught with uncertainty, the Community Foundation has served as a beacon for those in need.”

Another $575,000 was provided to the 45 organizations that participated in the Community Foundation’s first PA-OH Gives giving week. The smallest grant issued was a $6.71 grant to help pay a utility bill, “proving once again that it does not take a large sum of money to make a difference in the life of someone who needs a little help,” according to the report.

“Publishing this report not only allowed our organization the opportunity to feature some of the ways our generous region stepped up during 2020, but also gave us a way to say ‘Thank you’ to all of those that made a difference in the lives of others this past year,” said Kyle English, the Community Foundation’s executive director.

Grants distributed in 2020 totaled $8,019,807, according to the report. As of Dec. 31, the foundation’s assets stood at $142,772,713. Last year, the foundation received $7,609,832 in donations.

Of the grants distributed, 41% went toward community development, totaling $3,248,162. Other focus areas include health and family services ($2,197,140 or 27% of grants), children and school programs ($890,170 or 11% of grants), scholarship ($872,402 or 11% of grants), and arts, culture and humanities ($811,933 or 10% of grants).

John and Sherry Rose of the Rose/Harnett Family Foundation were one of the donor-advised funds to recommend grant disbursements last year.

“Sherry and I have always believed that the most important charities are those closest to us,” John Rose said. “By giving our dollars here in the community where we live, we are better able to see the efficiency and efficacy of our contributions.”

The foundation welcomed 32 new funds to its fold in 2020, as well as a new supporting organization – the Grove City Health Care Foundation, which partners with the Community Foundation to support local health and wellness initiatives.

Published by The Business Journal, Youngstown, Ohio.