October 2026 CEO Blog
“I’m so glad I live in a world where there are Octobers.”
– L.M. Montgomery, Anne of Green Gables
October ’26 CEO Blog
The year seems to pick up speed as the days get shorter, the holidays draw closer, and we find ourselves reflecting on all that’s happened while also thinking about what still lies ahead.
At the Community Foundation, we have so much to be grateful for this fall season.
One of the highlights of the season was, of course, Connect to a Cause 2026 and reaching new heights with a record-breaking $610,853 raised. Every year, this event reminds me just how generous, caring, and connected our community truly is. We saw nonprofits enthusiastically sharing their missions, donors investing in causes they believe in, businesses stepping forward as partners, and people throughout Lorain County discovering new ways to make a difference. The incredible results we achieved together were certainly worth celebrating, but what stands out most to me is the spirit behind them. You can read more about our Connect to a Cause 2026 celebration here.
Contact Cindy
That same spirit of connection carried into another meaningful experience this month, as members of our staff and Board joined me in Columbus for Philanthropy Forward ’26, Philanthropy Ohio’s annual conference.
I had the opportunity to participate in a conversation about the United Nations’ Sustainable Development Goals and how they can be applied within local communities. While these goals were designed to address global challenges, the issues they focus on, such as education, health, economic opportunity, and strong communities, are the very same issues we encounter right here in Lorain County every day.
That perspective resonates deeply with community philanthropy because meaningful change rarely happens in isolation. The needs facing our neighbors are interconnected… and often the most effective solutions are as well.
As we continue looking ahead, we remain focused on strengthening the organizations and leaders that help our community thrive as we cycle through grants. The African American Community Fund’s grant cycle is now open through November 15. Grant applicants can apply here as AACF looks forward to awarding grants to improve the quality of life for African Americans in Lorain County.
On November 19, Business Volunteers Unlimited will host a free Succession Planning session at the Ariel Broadway Hotel in Lorain. Leadership transitions are inevitable for every nonprofit, but thoughtful planning can make all the difference in ensuring an organization’s mission remains strong through times of change. I encourage nonprofit board members and leaders throughout Lorain County to join us for this valuable conversation. You can register for free here.
We are also looking forward to reconnecting with members of our Board Emeritus this fall. Those gatherings are always special because they remind us that the Community Foundation’s story is built upon the dedication, the vision, and the meticulous leadership of so many individuals who helped lay the foundation for where we are today. It is a privilege to continue building on their legacy.
And before we know it, year-end giving season will be here.
Giving Tuesday arrives on December 1, and this year we are excited to shine a spotlight on our Affiliate Funds and the people who champion them. Each fund reflects a unique passion or purpose within our community, but together, they tell a larger story about what can happen when people unite around something they care deeply about. You can learn more about these funds and more at our website, peoplewhocare.org/funds, found here.
For many donors, the final months of the year are a time to reflect on the causes, organizations, and communities they want to support. Whether that means contributing to an Affiliate Fund, a nonprofit endowment, or another fund at the Community Foundation, each gift becomes part of a lasting commitment to our community’s future. The impact of those investments extends far beyond a single season and helps create opportunities for years to come.
As we move toward the close of 2026, I am reminded once again how fortunate we are to live, work, and play in a community filled with people who care so deeply about one another. There is still much to look forward to in the months ahead, and we are grateful to be on this journey with all of you.
Thank you for being part of it.
With gratitude,
Cindy