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History and Mission
In the early 1990's, the Ashland Area community undertook a major study to answer the question: "What would make Ashland County a better place?" One conclusion of that study was the idea of creating a county-wide community foundation for the purpose of establishing a philanthropic exchange, connecting people who care with causes that matter.
A community foundation was thus begun in late 1995. Several local 501(c)(3) organizations such as the Ashland Family YMCA, Hospice of North Central Ohio, and the Ashland County Cancer Association brought part or all of their endowment to the new Community Foundation to facilitate its beginning.
The volunteer Board of Trustees and President each placed either $10,000 cash or $50,000 deferred with the ACCF. Office space was donated by the First Presbyterian Church in Ashland.
Major Milestones
1999
The Foundation receives a challenge grant of $100,000 from The Timken Foundation of Canton for the ACCF grants program. The Ashland County community rises to the challenge with support, thus anchoring the original grants program. In 2000 ACCF begins receiving the annual Hazel Myers Spreng Fund distribution. These distributions are also used in the ACCF grants program and greatly enhance the Foundation's grantmaking capabilities.
2002
The ACCF makes a "leap of faith" to purchase the Huntington Bank branch building on College Avenue in Ashland. A campaign, aptly named the "Time of Opportunity Campaign" begins in late 2000 and runs through the end of the calendar year in December of 2002. Funds raised not only covered the purchase of the building but provide ample funds to endow the building. This lovely building gives the ACCF a permanent home to serve the county "for generations to come."
2004
ACCF's 100th fund, the Women's Fund, is created. After assessing the need for such a fund, a steering committee is formed to create a permanent legacy that enhances the lives of Ashland County women. The fund's three-fold purpose: (1) encourage women to achieve self-sufficiency, (2) educate women about community needs, and (3) encourage women to participate as donors and to build a permanent endowment. Many thousands of dollars in grants have been made to charitable organizations contributing to the benefit of Ashland County women.
2005
The Foundation celebrates its 10th year. More than $2 million have been "given back" to the community since the ACCF inception. With almost 3,000 donors, ACCF's assets total $7.8 million. Community outreach is extended when the ACCF serves as fiscal agent for the local partnership in the region-wide Fund for Our Economic Future. A collaborative relationship among ACCF, United Way, Mental Health and Recovery Board and the Chamber of Commerce is also formed. Additionally in 2005, an annual Charles F. Kettering Honors Science Camp for seventh, eighth and ninth grade students is implemented with an endowment fund from The Kettering Fund.
2007
ACCF is pleased to participate in the Salvation Army Ray and Joan Kroc Corps Community Center. From initial involvement in study and grant writing to providing office space for administration to chairing the $1.5 million local campaign, Dr. Ford and the Foundation are privileged to help make the Kroc Center dream a reality. Continuing to serve as fiscal agent, ACCF is responsible for managing and processing the $2.2 million raised from the community's generous support of the Campaign. An additional $1 million is received from the State of Ohio. The Foundation holds a community-created Salvation Army Kroc Center Endowment Fund to perpetually support the Kroc Center and its activities.
2009
ACCF launches a new initiative, Kids Who Care. Entering its second year, this program recognizes service by Ashland County individuals ages 6 - 18 who demonstrate outstanding charitable commitment to the Community. ACCF is truly excited to share with the Ashland Community the generous and giving hearts of these young individuals.
Today: A Growing Community Presence
The Foundation has built its strength over the years by adding many endowments and benefactors. Currently, gifts to the foundation total over sixteen million dollars. The ACCF continues to work with families, individuals, estates, financial planners, and attorneys to design gift plans that fit every economic situation. This ensures that donors receive the most benefit from their charitable contributions and their philanthropic dollars are used to the fullest extent.
