Richland County Foundation
The Richland County Foundation is a public charity based in Mansfield, Ohio, that makes grants primarily from the investment earnings of its component funds. Founded in 1945, it supports charitable organizations and students in the local community through grantmaking and scholarships.
Richland County Foundation at a glance
In short: Richland County Foundation gave $7.1M across 93 grants in 2024 (avg $76K), mostly in Ohio. 18% of 2024 grantees were new. Source: 2024 IRS Form 990.
- Annual giving (2024)
- $7,109,458
- +38.1% vs 2023
- Grants made (2024)
- 93
- +14.8% vs 2023
- Average grant
- $76,446
- +20.3% vs 2023
- Median grant
- $15,500
- Total assets
- $228,440,895
- +10.8% vs 2023
- New grantees (estimate)
- 18% first-time grantees (17 of 92, 2024)
- Primary geography
- Ohio (97% of itemized 2024 grant dollars)
- Latest 990 filing
- Form 990, 2024 View filing
Data from IRS Form 990, 2024; updated October 2026. New grantees are estimated by matching recipient names across years (methodology).
How to apply to Richland County Foundation
- How to Apply
-
For competitive grants, begin by arranging an initial meeting with the Foundation to discuss the organization’s needs and whether the request fits its guidelines. The Foundation prefers this discussion before an application is submitted.
- Review Cycle
- The website lists 2026 competitive grant deadlines of January 4, April 12, August 9, and October 11. The first three dates have passed; October 11 is upcoming as of October 2, 2026.
- Deadline
- The website lists 2026 competitive grant deadlines of January 4, April 12, August 9, and October 11.
- Contact
Mailing address: 181 S Main St, Mansfield, OH 44902
Phone: (419) 525-3020
Website: https://richlandcountyfoundation.org
Application details from Grantable's research on the foundation's public materials; confirm on its website before applying.
Open Grants
12 open opportunities from Richland County Foundation
Career Technical Education (CTE) Scholarships
Richland County Foundation
Amount
$135,348 awarded in 2024-2025 (rolling awards; specific award amounts vary)
Deadline
Rolling (quarterly review)
Competitive and Field of Interest Grants (General Grant Program)
Richland County Foundation
Amount
Varies by grant (examples: $2.9M approved February 2026, $1.4M approved December 2025, $612K approved December 2024)
Deadline
Deadline not published
Designated and Agency Fund Grants
Richland County Foundation
Amount
Varies by grant (total $2.9M approved February 2026, $1.4M approved December 2025, $612K approved December 2024)
Deadline
Deadline not published
Who Richland County Foundation funds
How this funder distributes its grants
Top Recipients
Top 10 recipients in 2024
The largest 2024 recipient was City of Mansfield ($1.2M). Together the top 10 received $4.8M.
Organizations only. It also paid 1 individual scholarship ($10,500), which are not listed by name.
Grant Size Distribution
424 grants across all recorded years
The most common grant size was under $50K: 297 grants of 424 (70%).
Geographic Focus
Where this funder awards grants
The Foundation primarily serves Richland County, Ohio. Its 2024 itemized grant dollars went primarily to Ohio recipients (97%), with smaller shares reported for New York (2%), Illinois (1%), Tennessee (0%), and Minnesota (0%).
Grant Distribution by State
Share of 2024 grant dollars across all 93 itemized grants.
Cities
Is Richland County Foundation open to new grantees?
18%
first-time grantees, 2024
In 2024, 17 of 92 grantees (18%) were first-time recipients. First grants averaged $33K; repeat grants $87K. How we count
Medians: $15K first-time, $20K repeat.
- 71% of 2024 grantees were also funded in 2023. Method
- Giving held roughly steady from 2021 to 2024 (+16%). Method
Estimate from itemized grant lists in IRS Form 990 filings (2020–2024). Recipient names are matched across years, so a renamed or misspelled grantee can look new; grants to individuals are left out. Methodology.
Giving History
Giving Over Time
Total grant dollars and number of grants per year
From 2020 to 2024, annual grant giving ranged from $5.1M (2023) to $7.7M (2022). In 2024 it made 93 grants totaling $7.1M.
Grants by year
Grant recipients and amounts by year
| Recipient | Purpose | Amount |
|---|---|---|
| City of Mansfield Mansfield, OH | Sterkal Park / Trail | $1,207,462 |
| NECIC Inc Mansfield, OH | Capital / Support | $926,604 |
| Renaissance Performing Arts Mansfield, OH | General Support | $680,424 |
| YMCA of North Central Ohio Mansfield, OH | Programs / Capital | $518,574 |
| Mansfield Leased Housing Corporation Mansfield, OH | Capital Campaign | $300,000 |
| Buckeye Council BSA Inc Canton, OH | Akeyla Washrooms | $281,910 |
| Taking Root Farms Mansfield, OH | Capital Campaign | $246,866 |
| Richland Academy of the Arts Inc Mansfield, OH | Campaign/Support | $231,835 |
| Mansfield Art Center Mansfield, OH | General Support | $217,823 |
| Mansfield City Schools Mansfield, OH | Education Programs | $191,895 |
Ready to take the next step with Richland County Foundation?
Financial History
Multi-year comparison from IRS filings
| Filing year | Total Assets | Revenue | Expenses | Grants paid | Grants | Net Investment Income |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2024 | $228,440,895 | $20,378,812 | $9,964,023 | $7,109,458 | 93 | $11,637,940 |
| 2023 | $206,192,641 | $12,579,688 | $7,717,931 | $5,148,729 | 81 | $10,144,495 |
| 2022 | $182,944,414 | $7,402,159 | $10,000,527 | $7,726,181 | 94 | $3,846,673 |
| 2021 | $226,473,727 | $18,165,372 | $8,040,060 | $6,102,690 | 78 | $13,721,526 |
| 2020 | $200,574,462 | $14,162,541 | $7,372,105 | $5,580,999 | 78 | $4,568,725 |
Research compiled by Grantable AI from public sources. Last updated October 2026.
Mission & Focus Areas
The Foundation’s mission is to improve and enhance the quality of life in Richland County through strategic philanthropy and community leadership. Its stated grantmaking areas include community and economic development, health and human services, education, arts and culture, environment, and churches.
The Foundation encourages 501(c)(3) organizations to partner with it on charitable programs for Richland County residents. Its 2024 grantees illustrate the variety of organizations supported: North End Community Improvement describes its mission as improving the quality of life and economic landscape of Mansfield’s North End; Renaissance Performing Arts says it uses performing arts experiences to engage, educate, and inspire the community; and the YMCA of North Central Ohio describes its work as strengthening the community and helping people, especially youth, develop their potential. Other 2024 grantees include organizations focused on housing for low-income elderly people, farm-based programming for adults with intellectual and developmental disabilities, arts education, and preserving historic sites.
Grantmaking
Separately, the filing’s itemized grant data lists 93 grants totaling $7,109,458, ranging from $5,090 to $1,207,462, with a median of $15,500.
Among the largest itemized 2024 grants were $1,207,462 to the City of Mansfield for Sterkal Park/trail; $926,604 to NECIC Inc. for capital/support; $680,424 to Renaissance Performing Arts for general support; and $518,574 to the YMCA of North Central Ohio for programs/capital. Other notable awards included $300,000 to Mansfield Leased Housing Corporation for a capital campaign and $246,866 to Taking Root Farms for a capital campaign.
The Foundation’s competitive grants support community initiatives. It prefers to discuss an organization’s needs before an application is submitted; its guidelines advise applicants to begin by arranging an initial meeting. The Foundation says applications are reviewed four times per year and that a final report is due one year after funding. Its stated preferences include one-time projects, partnerships with other funders, volunteer involvement, sustainability after grant funding ends, collaboration that avoids duplication, and projects likely to improve quality of life or leverage other financial support. The guidelines say it typically does not fund sectarian activities, annual-drive operating expenses or debt elimination, research, most individual requests other than college scholarships, conference or group travel, certain capital improvements, computer systems, projects expected to be taxpayer-supported, or political issues.
The Foundation also offers specialized programs. Summertime Kids grants support direct summer programming for Richland County children, with awards listed as $250 to $2,500; the February 14 application deadline shown on the website is a past deadline for 2026. The Teacher Assistance Program supports creative supplemental projects by K–12 teachers in Richland County public or private schools, and the Harry and Lois McCullough Fund supports eligible teachers’ projects involving writing, literature appreciation, music, or Ohio history. The RCF Women’s Fund supports direct programming to promote the physical, intellectual, emotional, social, economic, and cultural growth of women and girls; its listed eligibility excludes organizations serving only boys and men, and its grants do not cover operational or technology costs.
Leadership & Key People
Leadership team and compensation from IRS filings
The 2024 filing lists Allura Watson as incoming president, Bradford S. Groves as outgoing president, Rachel Weber as director, Dakota Durbin as treasurer, and Chris Hiner as chair. It also lists Karen Bierly, Joseph Bocka, Brigette Burnell, Jessica Gribben, and Jason Guilliams as trustees.
Richland County Foundation is led by Bradford S. Groves, Outgoing President since 2024 (on filings since 2020); 3 of 20 officers listed in 2024 are compensated.
Officers on the 2024 filing
Bradford S. Groves
Outgoing President
President → Former President, 2023
Former President → Outgoing President, 2024
On filings since 2020
38 hrs/week
$142K (2020) → $80K (2024)
Allura Watson
Incoming President
On filings since 2023
38 hrs/week
$137K (2024)
Chris Hiner
Chair
Secretary → Chair Elect, 2021
Chair Elect → Chair, 2024
On filings since 2020
1 hr/week
No compensation reported
Rachel Weber
Director of
On filings since 2022
38 hrs/week
$16K (2022) → $113K (2024)
Barbara Zaugg Joudrey
Trustee
On filings since 2020
1 hr/week
No compensation reported
Brigette Burnell
Trustee
On filings since 2020
1 hr/week
No compensation reported
Jana Mulherin
Trustee
Treasurer → Trustee, 2023
On filings since 2020
1 hr/week
No compensation reported
Jessica Gribben
Trustee
Chair-Elect → Chair, 2021
Chair → Trustee, 2024
On filings since 2020
1 hr/week
No compensation reported
Jokita Shetty
Trustee
Trustee → Secretary, 2021
Secretary → Trustee, 2024
On filings since 2020
1 hr/week
No compensation reported
Karen Bierly
Trustee
On filings since 2020
1 hr/week
No compensation reported
Lee Tasseff
Trustee
Trustee → Treasurer, 2023
Treasurer → Trustee, 2024
On filings since 2020
1 hr/week
No compensation reported
Aaron Williams
Trustee
On filings since 2022
1 hr/week
No compensation reported
Jack Stewart
Trustee
On filings since 2023
1 hr/week
No compensation reported
Jason Guilliams
Trustee
On filings since 2023
1 hr/week
No compensation reported
Joseph Bocka
Trustee
On filings since 2023
1 hr/week
No compensation reported
Braxton Daniels III
Trustee
New on the 2024 filing
1 hr/week
No compensation reported
Heather Tsavaris
Trustee
New on the 2024 filing
1 hr/week
No compensation reported
Rand Smith
Trustee
New on the 2024 filing
1 hr/week
No compensation reported
Theresa Roth
Chair Elect
Trustee → Chair Elect, 2024
On filings since 2020
1 hr/week
No compensation reported
Dakota Durbin
Treasurer
Trustee → Treasurer, 2024
On filings since 2022
1 hr/week
No compensation reported
Former officers (11)
- Former: Robert T. Barrett (2020–2023) — V.p. Finance
- Former: Nikia Fletcher (2021–2023) — Trustee
- Former: Carl Fernyak (2020–2022) — Trustee
- Former: Gunther Meisse (2020–2022) — Trustee
- Former: Julie McCready (2020–2022) — Trustee
- Former: Norman Jones (2020–2022) — Trustee
- Former: Mike Whisler (2021–2022) — Trustee
- Former: Beth Delaney (2020–2021) — Trustee
- Former: Deborah Adams (2020–2021) — Trustee
- Former: David D. Carto (2020) — Trustee
- Former: Michael Chambers (2020) — Trustee
Data from IRS Form 990 filings, 2020–2024. "On filings since" is the earliest filing we hold that lists the person; hours are average hours per week as reported.
Compensation Overview
From 2024 IRS filing
The highest reported compensation on the 2024 filing was $137K, to Allura Watson (Incoming Pre). 3 officers or directors reported compensation on that filing.
Frequently asked questions about Richland County Foundation
How much does Richland County Foundation give each year?
Richland County Foundation gave $7.1M across 93 grants in 2024, according to its 2024 IRS Form 990. In 2023 it gave $5.1M across 81 grants.
What is Richland County Foundation's typical grant size?
Richland County Foundation's median grant in 2024 was $15,500, and its average grant was $76,446, across 93 grants on its 2024 IRS Form 990. Organizations receiving their first grant from Richland County Foundation that year got $33K on average.
Where does Richland County Foundation give grants?
Richland County Foundation gives mostly in Ohio: 97% of the grant dollars itemized on its 2024 IRS Form 990 went to recipients there. The most frequent recipient cities were Mansfield, OH (52 grants), Columbus, OH (4 grants), Oneonta, NY (4 grants) and Wooster, OH (3 grants).
Does Richland County Foundation give general operating support?
Yes: 53% of Richland County Foundation's 2024 grants with a stated purpose (49 of 93) were for general or operating support, per its 2024 IRS Form 990.
Who are Richland County Foundation's largest grantees?
Richland County Foundation's largest 2024 grantees include City of Mansfield ($1,207,462), NECIC Inc ($926,604) and Renaissance Performing Arts ($680,424), according to its 2024 IRS Form 990. It also paid 1 individual scholarship ($10,500), which are not listed by name. Together they received 40% of its itemized 2024 grant dollars.
How large is Richland County Foundation?
Richland County Foundation reported $228.4M in total assets on its 2024 IRS Form 990. Its revenue that year was $20.4M.
What does Richland County Foundation fund?
The Foundation’s mission is to improve and enhance the quality of life in Richland County through strategic philanthropy and community leadership. See mission & focus areas ↑
How do I apply for a grant from Richland County Foundation?
For competitive grants, begin by arranging an initial meeting with the Foundation to discuss the organization’s needs and whether the request fits its guidelines. Eligibility and process details are in the grantmaking section of this profile. See how to apply ↑
What is Richland County Foundation's EIN?
Richland County Foundation's EIN (Employer Identification Number) is 34-0872883. IRS Form 990 filing data is available on this page for 2020–2024.
Data last updated October 2026. Sourced from IRS Form 990 filings. Research dossier generated October 2026.
Data update history
(6)
When this profile's IRS filing data changed on Grantable
- Updated Form 990 for fiscal year 2020 (received by the IRS October 15, 2021)
- Updated Form 990 for fiscal year 2021 (received by the IRS November 11, 2022)
- Updated Form 990 for fiscal year 2022 (received by the IRS November 14, 2023)
- Updated Form 990 for fiscal year 2023 (received by the IRS November 14, 2024)
- Updated Form 990 for fiscal year 2024 (received by the IRS November 14, 2025)
- IRS filings on file for fiscal years 2020–2024
Explore Open Grants
Browse active grant opportunities in Richland County Foundation's focus areas in our free grants database
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Cite this profile
Grantable. (2026). Richland County Foundation funder profile. GrantGraph. Retrieved October 10, 2026, from https://grantable.co/funders/richland-county-foundation-morg_5cbe0e17254d48caaec3ef9a49317f28
BibTeX
@misc{grantable_340872883_2026,
author = {{Grantable}},
title = {{Richland County Foundation funder profile}},
howpublished = {GrantGraph},
year = {2026},
url = {https://grantable.co/funders/richland-county-foundation-morg_5cbe0e17254d48caaec3ef9a49317f28},
note = {Accessed 2026-10-10. Data licensed CC BY 4.0}
}The figures on this page are open data under CC BY 4.0: reuse them with credit to Grantable and a link. Download the data.
Figures come from Richland County Foundation's IRS filings (methodology). AI-written summaries, news items and logos are not covered by the open licence. Spot an error? Email hello@grantable.co.
Richland County Foundation down — hundreds of funders to go?