Our Priorities

Investing in a Thriving Northwest Ohio

In Northwest Ohio, communities face significant challenges and a high percentage of the population lives in poverty, impacting access to stable homes, healthy food, and quality learning opportunities. Our foundation is committed to addressing these multifaceted issues by investing in targeted, long-term solutions that not only alleviate immediate hardship but also build a foundation for generational well-being and opportunity.

Our Role Within Our Communities

The foundation serves as a funder and a community leader, connecting organizations, people, and systems in the Northwest Ohio region. We have the ability to not only support the immediate needs our communities face, but also investigate and address root causes that have historically challenged our region.

  • Community Ally: Prioritize trust-based relationships, emphasizing in-person engagements, transparency, and shared learning with partners.
  • Catalyst & Convener: Actively organize, connect, and support networks among nonprofits, funders, and community members.
  • Advocate: Amplify community and nonprofit perspectives through various channels and media.
  • Flexible Funder: Prioritize multi-year, unrestricted support that builds organizational resilience and innovation.

 

Housing Stability
We invest in affordable housing solutions that prevent homelessness and foster stable living conditions. Our goal is to achieve measurable outcomes including a decrease in homelessness, increased homeownership by local residents, improved quality and availability of affordable housing, and a reduction in neighborhood blight and crime.

To reach these outcomes, we:

  • Invest in multi-service housing with wraparound supports that promote long-term stability.

  • Advocate for open, coordinated data systems that improve service alignment.

  • Prioritize projects that honor neighborhood identity.

  • Support housing rehabilitation and initiatives that retain local housing stock.

  • Fund programs that increase financial literacy, credit recovery, and access to homeownership opportunities.

Food Security
We invest in initiatives that address and alleviate issues related to hunger, nutrition, and sustainable food systems. Our efforts aim to increase access to affordable, fresh, and healthy foods, improve proximity to healthy food options, and decrease reliance on emergency food sources.

To achieve these outcomes, we:

  • Support community-based food programs that prioritize fresh, locally grown produce.

  • Invest in community gardens, urban farms, and mobile food access initiatives.

  • Foster collaborative networks that enhance coordination, strengthen services, and share best practices.

  • Fund programs that promote nutrition, practical food preparation skills, and meal planning.

Youth Education
We invest in programs that foster quality learning, skill development, and resources for youth, both in and out of school. Our efforts aim to increase graduation and literacy rates, expand participation in early childhood education programs, and boost engagement in college and career readiness opportunities.

To achieve these outcomes, we:

  • Invest in programs that integrate academics, life skills, and career readiness beyond the classroom.

  • Support comprehensive initiatives that combine learning with wraparound support services.

  • Advocate for and support safe spaces that promote well-being, belonging, and personal development.

  • Fund initiatives that build meaningful parent and guardian involvement in student success.