Skip to main content

COMMUNITY CATALYST BLOG

Community Catalyst
February 1, 2024

Reflecting on 2023: Philanthropic Milestones and Community Impact

In 2023, the Springfield Foundation achieved significant milestones, opening 23 new funds and receiving $12.6 million in charitable gifts. We distributed over $686,000 through 400 scholarship awards, and approved funding for 100 projects through our discretionary grant program. Additionally, we celebrated our 75th Anniversary, initiated a multi-year grant to address youth mental health, and supported various community projects, showcasing our commitment to philanthropy and community betterment. Take a look at all we have accomplished with our donors, partners, and community leaders: 

  • Opened 23 new funds. 
    • 6 Scholarship Funds 
    • 4 Charitable Checking  
    • 7 Designated Funds 
    • 1 Donor Advised  
    • 1 Agency Fund   
    • 1 Unrestricted  
    • 3 Horizon   
  • Received $12.6 million in charitable gifts. 
  • Distributed $4.8 million in grants. 
  • Distributed over $686,000 in scholarships.  
  • Received 361 scholarship applications and approximately 400 scholarships were awarded. 
  • Received 123 discretionary applications and funded 100 fully or partially.  
  • Collected over $58,000 in Partners in Philanthropy campaign. 
  • Launched a new software platform which included the GoFund Online Donor Portal. 
  • Celebrated our 75th Anniversary culminating with a Gala at the Hollenbeck Bayley Center with over 250 guests in attendance. 
  • Co-Created a collaborative comprised of community leaders dedicated to lowering youth violence in our community. This group successfully obtained a $1.6 million technical assistance grant to investigate the gun violence problems in our community and identify effective strategies to reduce youth violence.  
  • Selected a new initiative supporting a joint mental and behavioral health initiative in collaboration with Rocking Horse Community Health Center, focused on the school-based health clinic at Springfield High School. The Foundation is dedicating $375,000 toward this initiative. 
  • Provided financing support for the new Global Impact Stem Academy “Upper Academy” located on the campus of Clark State 
  • Provided over 200 local students with coats, hats, and gloves through a Winter Coat Drive supported by our donors, board, and staff, and repurposed the allocated holiday card budget to purchase additional coats. 
  • Board and staff participated in fitting students at a local elementary school with new gym shoes through Shoes for The Shoeless. 
  • Staff provided volunteer service throughout the year to the Summer Arts Festival, Springfield Cancer Center, Dayton Children’s Hospital, the Pink Honor Walk, Kenwood Elementary School, the Children’s Garden at Snyder Park, and the Jazz and Blues Festival.  
  • Attended the Mental Health and Wellness Fair held at Clark State College.  Spoke with students about the scholarship process and FAFSA. 
  • Participated at Clark County College Night hosted by the Clark County School Counselors and OACAC.