Community Foundation of Lorain County Awards $576K in Grants NOW
BREAKING: The Community Foundation of Lorain County has just announced a monumental allocation of $576,759 in Education and Youth Development grants, aimed at empowering young people across the county. This funding supports a diverse array of programs designed to foster learning and growth, with immediate benefits for students in various local communities.
The grants include significant allocations such as $45,000 to the YMCA of Greater Cleveland to establish new after-school programs in Lorain and Elyria, highlighting a proactive step to enhance educational opportunities. The funding decisions were made in July 2023, underscoring the urgency of addressing the rising demand for out-of-school time resources.
Other key highlights include $30,000 earmarked for Lorain County 4H programs through The Ohio State University and $20,000 directed to Youth Challenge, which focuses on engaging youth with diverse needs. Additional grants are designated for College Now in Clearview Schools and Wellington Schools, with new funding also supporting the Footpath Foundation and Jacob’s Ladder.
Cynthia H. Andrews, President and CEO of the Community Foundation, emphasized the importance of these grants: “Education and youth development are core to our mission. These grants represent the many ways our community is coming together to support students — whether in classrooms, afterschool programs, or college access initiatives.”
The urgency of these initiatives is reflected in a recent report commissioned by the Community Foundation, which reveals a sharp increase in the demand for out-of-school time programs among Lorain Schools, Clearview Schools, Elyria Schools, and Oberlin Schools. Local superintendents and out-of-school time providers reported a pressing need for such resources, which are critical for student success.
Grants this cycle also include funding for renowned organizations like ACES, Boys & Girls Clubs, Save Our Children, and the National Inventors Hall of Fame. These programs play a vital role in supporting academic achievement, social-emotional development, and reducing risky behaviors among youth.
Jamie Simoneau, Chief Impact Officer for the Community Foundation, stated, “Out-of-school time programs support academic achievement, social-emotional development, and reduce risky behaviors. Children spend 75 percent of their waking hours outside of a formal classroom. These programs are essential to bridging opportunity gaps and helping students thrive.”
With this significant funding announcement, the Community Foundation of Lorain County is poised to make an immediate impact on the lives of young people in the region. The community is encouraged to share this vital information and support the initiatives aimed at fostering educational growth and opportunity.
Stay tuned for more updates as these programs roll out and begin to transform the educational landscape in Lorain County.
