Abra Dunn and Breanna Smith of the Richland County Farm Bureau, Theresa Sutter of Richland Soil and Water Conservation District, Allie Watson, Richland County Foundation President and CEO, and Katie Gatten of the Mansfield Richland County Public Library discuss the new agricultural kits.
MANSFIELD – The Richland County Foundation Gift of Grain Fund Committee has awarded a grant to support the Richland County Soil and Water Conservation District (RCSWCD).
The grant will fund a collaborative project called Cultivating Minds that brings together RCSWCD, Richland County Farm Bureau, and the Mansfield Richland County Public Library. It will provide three agricultural and environmental literacy kits to every elementary school in Richland County and at the main branch of the library. The goal is to teach elementary youth about agriculture, food, and natural resources. The agricultural kits include a children’s book, a teacher’s guide, and all items needed for a classroom activity. A total of 75 kits will be distributed throughout the county.
The Committee members are Brian Alt, Shelby farmer, Donnie Clark, owner of Elzy Milling and Trade, Jess Ashby, Ohio Department of Agriculture Meat Inspector, Christy Keith, Richland County Fair Board member, and Adam Staley, Clear Fork High School vocational agriculture teacher and FFA Advisor.
The Richland County Foundation Board of Trustees established the Gift of Grain Fund in 2021 with $15,000 to support local agricultural nonprofits. The fund can accept grain, cash, stocks, bonds, marketable assets, or a transfer from an IRA account from farmers, companies, and individuals. The charitable gift qualifies for the maximum tax advantage available by law.
For instructions on how to make a Gift of Grain, go to the “Ways to Give Smarter” tab on richlandcountyfoundation.org.
About the Richland County Foundation
The Richland County Foundation, a not-for-profit 501c3, was established in 1945 as a way for individuals to pool and invest their gifts for the long-term good of Richland County and its residents.
The Foundation helps people in Richland County give back to their community by investing their gifts wisely so that grants can be made to improve the quality of life for all the county’s citizens. Collaborating with donors, the Foundation meets important needs today and plans for a strong future.
CONTACT: Maura Teynor, chief advancement officer, 419-525-3020 mteynor@rcfoundation.org