Smucker gift will support grantmaking in Medina County

The Medina County Women's Endowment Fund will receive a substantial boost to its grantmaking next year, thanks to the generosity of a well-known local company.

In April, the J.M. Smucker Company made a significant contribution to Akron Community Foundation to support educational initiatives and programs for women and girls throughout Greater Akron. The Orrville-based company has committed $500,000 over the next five years, and Akron Community Foundation selected the Medina County Women's Endowment Fund to receive a portion of those funds to distribute during its annual grant cycles.

"This wonderful gift will be able to go directly to our grantmaking," said MCWEF President Mary Isaac. "We couldn't appreciate it more."

In 2018, the gift from Smucker will add $10,000 to MCWEF's available grant funds, nearly doubling its impact in the community. Last year, the fund awarded a total of $13,000 to nine nonprofit organizations that improve the lives of women and children in Medina County.

"We value that Smucker recognizes there are needs in the Medina community and wants to improve the community in which their business is located," Isaac said. "Their gift will make a lasting difference for local women and children."

In the coming months, members of the fund's Grant Review Committee will determine whether that $10,000 will be awarded in a single impact grant or be spread among several deserving nonprofit organizations. Grant applications will open Feb. 1 and are due March 1.