A letter from our co-chairs - Welcome 2021

Last year was incredibly challenging for many of our residents and service providers in Medina County. Health protocols, government directives, job loss and now the prolific Zoom call have all impacted everything operational for everyone. Through it, the work of the Medina County Community Fund advisory board has persevered under the "new normal." We continue to maintain our commitment to grow our fund and support qualified nonprofits that improve the quality of life for residents in Medina County, now and forever. 

Though 2020 was a difficult year, the Medina County Community Fund was able to celebrate two major milestones. During the last two quarters of the year, our fund reached more than $1 million in total assets and our overall grantmaking distributions are nearly $615,000.00. These are both significant achievements for our fund, made possible only through the generosity of our supporters. Our advisory board is excited to continue our focus on many new goals and initiatives to continue this momentum through 2021.

As an affiliate of Akron Community Foundation, the Medina County Community Fund receives fund investment security and growth, compliance reporting, donor stewardship support, and more. In 2020, we maximized on our partnership with the foundation and made a $13,000 impact grant to its Community Response Fund for Nonprofits to address the emergency needs of nonprofits as a result of the COVID-19 pandemic. With our support, the Community Response Fund for Nonprofits has granted nearly $550,000 to organizations impacted by COVID-19, as well as those working to improve diversity, equity and inclusion within our community. Through this funding, Medina County nonprofits received $40,000 in grants through ACF’s Community Response Fund for Nonprofits.

The Medina County Community Fund will soon decide on our 2021 grantees. Our grant applications close on March 1, so if you wish to apply for a grant, please do so soon! This year, our grant review committee will look favorably on requests that promote diversity, equity and inclusion. The new year brings many insights and clarity in addressing the stress and needs related to these long-term community needs.  Traditionally, our grant making focused on four pillars of funding – education, health, community service, and arts and culture.  These pillars of focus have not changed, however, we recognize the importance of addressing the needs of humanity, both socially and racially.  These needs won’t improve unless we recognize and support those who work so hard to serve all people.

Our advisory board welcomes the opportunity to answer any questions you may have about our history of supporting nonprofits and improving the lives of our residents. It all starts with a conversation and understanding of your philanthropic interests and wishes in leaving a permeant legacy.

The Medina County Community Fund especially thanks our donors, and all the Medina County service providers for their commitment to carrying on and meeting the needs of our residents throughout the past year. With your support, we can continue growing our permanent assistance resources for those who maintain and enrich the quality of life of Medina County residents.

Sincerely,

Brian Gale & Bill Heck
Co-Chairs
Medina County Community Fund