December CEO Blog
“Since you get more joy out of giving joy to others, you should put a good deal of thought into the happiness that you are able to give.”
— Eleanor Roosevelt
‘Tis the season for giving. Yes, it is the holiday season, and with it comes to do lists, gift lists, and holiday card lists running through our minds and keeping us busy. At the same time, it can be hectic and stressful, but the joy of gathering with loved ones and giving remains at the heart of this special time of the year. The delight in finding the perfect gift for a loved one or the reward of making a gift to a cause that matters is never lost on me. These are the things that spark joy for me each holiday season. In that spirit of giving, I hope you will consider making a gift to a cause that matters to you and your family. Let the gift of giving spark joy for you.
As we approach the new year, some exciting changes are happening at the Community Foundation for 2023 and beyond. We are adding a Community Grant Cycle and pivoting to our four focus areas: Arts & Culture, Education & Youth Development, Health & Human Services, and Strengthening Lorain County. Over the last four years, our Board and staff have followed the direction of our strategic plan and evaluated our impact and grantmaking process. This includes gathering meaningful feedback from community partners, grantees, donors, and volunteers on our grants committee. Given the direction and feedback received, this informed our decision to add the Community Grant Cycle and pivot to the four focus areas. This change will allow our staff and the Grants Committee to focus on each focus area’s challenges and increase the number of people serving on the Grants Committee.
While change can be difficult, our Board and staff feel confident that this shift will allow us to focus on the emerging needs in our community and ensure we meet the needs of our non-profit partners. In addition, grantees will receive funds sooner, and staff and the grants committee will focus on the challenges facing each focus area. We are in the process of reaching out to and communicating with our community partners and will continue to share timely updates and information.
As I mentioned last month, we have two exciting opportunities for our young people. First, scholarship applications are now open, so please share this fantastic opportunity with the young people in your life who are pursuing training and education after high school. Second, the Toni Morrison Essay Contest for Young People is live. We are excited to see our young people’s thoughtful and insightful submissions.
Finally, please join me in welcoming Cieria Ramon, our new Community Engagement Fellow. We are so excited to have a Fellow join us who embodies this work daily in support of our community. Make sure to connect with Cieria at one of our upcoming Neighbor Nights.
Mark your calendar, and make sure to join us for a sugar rush after the holiday! Stop by the Community Foundation of Lorain County any day during the last week of the year, December 27 through December 30, from 3:00 pm to 5:00 pm, for sweet treats, good company, and delightful conversation. End the year with some candy-coated fun at the Community Foundation.
I hope you and your family have a healthy and joyous holiday season. I look forward to seeing you in the new year!
In gratitude,
Cindy
