The Community Foundation of West Chester/Liberty recently concluded its 2020 Community Grant Funding with $124,200 awarded to support local nonprofits making an impact in West Chester and Liberty Townships. Included in the Foundation’s 2020 grants was $86,200 distributed from the Community Health Fund in response to urgent needs surrounding COVID-19 pandemic.

Each year, the Foundation awards grants in the areas of Education, Workforce Development, and Community Quality of Life initiatives from the unrestricted Community Grants Fund.  The following organizations received funding support in 2020 from the Community Grants Fund.

•          West Chester/Union Township Historical Society for Station Road Schoolhouse improvements.
•          Reach Out Lakota for organizational strategic planning, and pantry restocking.
•          EDGE Teen Center for operating and program support.
•          Junior Achievement of OKI Partners for programming in Lakota Local Schools.
•          The Faith Alliance of Southwestern Ohio for the Summer Lunch & Literacy Program.

“The Community Grants Fund allows us to make an impact in West Chester/Liberty in areas of greatest need,” said Erin Clemons, President & CEO. “As those needs change over time, so does our ability to shift resources.”

That adaptability was key in the Foundation’s quick response to the COVID-19 pandemic in March.  The Community Health Fund was established to offer Rapid Response Grants to organizations addressing urgent needs of the West Chester/Liberty community during the pandemic.  Thirteen organizations received grant funding from March through July, totaling $86,200.

•          Reach Out Lakota for COVID-19 emergency relief funds and to address the increased demand for food assistance
•          Society of St. Vincent DePaul to provide rent, utility, medical, and food relief to those facing hardship.
•          UC Health - West Chester Hospital for COVID-19 emergency services.
•          Pink Ribbon Girls for food delivery service to local cancer patients and their families.
•          East Butler County YMCA to provide childcare for critical healthcare employees.
•          Lakota Robotics to produce 3D-printed PPE.
•          The Christ Hospital Foundation for COVID-19 emergency services
•          American Legion Post 681 to provide rent, utility, medical, and food relief to local veterans and their families.
•          Forever Kings, Inc. to provide hot meals to children experiencing food insecurity due to COVID-19.
•          Boys & Girls Club of West Chester/Liberty for PPE and cleaning supplies for staff and students during their summer programming
•          Atrium Medical Center Foundation for COVID-19 Rapid Testing Devices
•          Ohio Restaurant Association Education Foundation for emergency relief funds for local restaurant employees.
•          National Alliance on Mental Illness to offer virtual support groups for clients.

The Community Grants Fund and Community Health Fund is supported by proceeds from the Shamrock Shuffle 5K/10K, corporate sponsorships, and generous individual donations. To learn more about partnering with the Community Foundation to make a difference in West Chester/Liberty, contact erin.clemons@wclfoundation.org or call us at (513)874-5450.  You can also give securely online at www.wclfoundation.org/donate.

More information about the next round Community Grants Funding will be available in January 2021.