TOLEDO, Ohio — June 4, 2025 — The John Henry Eldred Jr. Foundation has announced $2,112,800 in grant awards through its Spring 2025 Grant Cycle, supporting 87 nonprofit organizations across 12 counties in Northwest Ohio. The funding will drive initiatives in housing stability, food security, and youth education — three core focus areas of the Foundation.
The Foundation’s Spring 2025 investments reflect its ongoing commitment to strengthening communities across the region. Of the total funding, 23% was directed to organizations serving rural communities, demonstrating the Foundation’s emphasis on expanding its reach and equity of access to philanthropic resources.
“We are honored to partner with this year’s grantees — both familiar and new — who are working tirelessly to improve lives and strengthen families,” said Mike Deetsch, executive director of the John Henry Eldred Jr. Foundation. “This year’s cohort reflects the diversity and resilience of our region, and we’re inspired by the innovation and collaboration driving these projects forward.”
Spring 2025 Investments at a Glance
- Total Grantmaking: $2,112,800
- Number of Organizations Funded: 84
- Average Grant Size: $25,845
- Counties Represented: 12 (Allen, Defiance, Fulton, Hancock, Hardin, Lucas, Ottawa, Putnam, Sandusky, Van Wert, Williams, Wood)
Funding by Impact Area
- Youth Education: $746,900 (35.4%)
- Housing Stability: $751,300 (35.6%)
- Food Security: $614,600 (29%)
Grantees Driving Change Across the Region
Among this spring’s standout grantees are:
- Partners in Education + TutorSmart
Two Toledo-based organizations — both previous grantees — are teaming up to launch an innovative literacy intervention model at Reynolds Elementary. The program combines TutorSmart’s high-impact before/after-school tutoring with Partners in Education’s in-school mentorship program. This pilot effort will support 75 K-5 students and develop a shared data infrastructure to track academic progress across both interventions.
- Toledo Area Regional Transit Authority (TARTA)
The Foundation awarded $30,000 to support TARTA’s Youth Summer Blast Pass program. The initiative will distribute free transit passes to youth ages 6–19, allowing them unlimited access to TARTA services during June, July, and August. By removing transportation barriers, this program increases access to summer programming and meals for youth with limited resources. Passes will be distributed through eight youth-serving organizations, including Boys & Girls Clubs of Toledo, YMCA of Greater Toledo, and Connecting Kids to Meals.
- Urban Wholistics
Urban Wholistics, a Black-led nonprofit in Toledo’s Junction neighborhood, received general operating support to advance its mission of addressing food insecurity through urban farming, education, and community wellness programs. The organization’s grassroots approach provides young people and families access to healthy food, green spaces, and holistic health practices.
- Findlay Hope House for the Homeless, Inc.
Hope House, located in Hancock County, received operational support for its housing programs serving individuals and families experiencing homelessness. Through professionally case-managed services—including a transitional shelter for women and children, and rental assistance programs serving men, women and families with rapid rehousing, homelessness and eviction prevention, and permanent supportive housing—Hope House empowers clients to build secure, independent futures by equipping them with the resources, education, and support necessary to overcome barriers to housing stability.
To learn more about the John Henry Eldred Jr. Foundation’s mission, please visit jhefoundation.org.
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About John Henry Eldred Jr. Foundation
The John Henry Eldred Jr. Foundation proudly funds nonprofits in Northwest Ohio dedicated to addressing critical aspects of society, such as food security, housing stability, and youth education as well as libraries in rural communities throughout the United States. Since our inception in 2012, we've had the privilege of making substantial contributions, totaling $5,160,500, to over 100 nonprofit organizations throughout Northwest Ohio and hundreds of small, rural libraries in low-income communities across the United States. These contributions include the most recent grant cycle in 2024.
As a young and growing organization, The Foundation aspires to be a beacon of hope, embodying the values of our founder, John Henry Eldred Jr. His legacy of generosity and community service serves as our guiding light. Through strategic investments and unwavering dedication, we remain committed to uplifting families and communities, ensuring a lasting impact in the lives of those we have the privilege to serve.
For more information, please visit jhefoundation.org/.