Foundation awards $176K in grants

SANDUSKY — At its March meeting, the Erie County Community Foundation's board of directors awarded a little more than $176,600 in charitable grants to numerous Erie County nonprofits, schools, and municipalities. In total, the foundation distributed funds to 24 separate projects in this grant cycle. Notable among these grants are a number of exciting projects intended to further Erie County's social and economic impact. The foundation's grants committee, board of directors and staff "are proud to grant funds for these and other diverse projects intended to build community and address Erie County's most pressing needs," according to an organizational statement. Among the organizations receiving funds, the total amount and purpose: • Back to the Wild received $3,000 for its Wildlife Orphan Fund. • The Bellevue Society for the Arts received $3,500 for the children's theater production of "Junie B." • The Campbell Christian Community Center received $7,500 for its Nourish & Learn series: Spring and Summer Food and Fun at The Center. • Care and Share of Erie County received $20,000 to continue serving the community. • Equality Sandusky received $4,500 for the Shoreline Pride Sandusky 2026 event. • Erie County CASA received $6,300 for volunteer recruitment and training efforts. • The Erie County Health Department received $5,000 for Compass Point Senior Enrichment Center. • Erie Metropolitan Housing Authority received $8,000 for its senior food pantry program. • Family Health Services received $2,000 for Own the Bone. • Firelands Symphony Orchestra received $8,300 for the FSO Tunes for Tuesday and Around Town Tours. • Huron Band Parents received $1,200 for the replacement of substandard percussion equipment. • The Huron Historical Society received $5,000 for the "1776" musical. • The Kinship House received $5,000 for the replacement siding of its house. • The Make-A-Wish Foundation of Ohio, Kentucky and Indiana received $3,000 to grant wishes in Erie County. • OHgo received $20,000 for its mobile pantry food costs. • Open Doors Academy received $15,000 for the Out-of-School Time Program for Sandusky students. • Peds on Wheels received $2,000 Project Neonatal Jaundice. • Project Noelle received $8,300 for youth support and prevention education. • The Sandusky State Theatre received $12,000 forCaryl Crane Youth Theatre production support for the 2026 season. • The United Way of Greater Lorain County received $5,000 for Volunteer Income Tax Assistance to help Erie County residents. • The village of Milan received $5,000 for Jenkins Warehouse fire escapes. • Volunteers of America Ohio & Indiana received $15,000 for Safe Supportive Housing with Dignity. • Williams Temple Church of God in Christ received $2,000 for the Community Back-To-School Fun Give-Away. • The YMCA of Greater Cleveland received $10,000 for Vermilion YMCA preschool, Y-Club (before- and after-school care) and summer camp scholarships. Want a grant? The Erie County Community Foundation focuses its efforts on several priority areas, which include: • Addressing workforce gaps and creating employment opportunities • Removing barriers to transportation • Tackling issues of hunger and homelessness • Providing high-quality food for all • Ensuring a healthy and vibrant Lake Erie • Improving public accessibility to it and its waterways • Broadening access to mental health and addiction services • Supporting seniors and their caregivers • Creating neighborhoods that thrive • Standing behind Erie County's children: from improving access to childcare to providing creative and experiential education opportunities The Erie County Community Foundation offers two community grant rounds each year with deadlines typically in February and August. "For organizations and individuals wishing to create a lasting impact in Erie County through charitable giving, (the) Erie County Community Foundation will offer another round of grants this fall with an application deadline of Aug. 1," according to a foundation statement. Visit eriefoundation.org/nonprofits or call 419-621-9690 for complete application process information.