(Photo: RCF President & CEO Allie Watson with Board of Trustees Chair Lee Tasseff.)
During the Richland County Foundation annual meeting, President & CEO Allie Watson reported that the Foundation granted $8,223,066 in 2025. Donors continue to be very generous, and gifts for the year totaled $5,057,567.
Foundation donors were most passionate about supporting education and youth with grants totaling $3,589,613. Other sectors receiving grants were community and economic development $2,234,733, arts and culture $1,167,923, health and human services $934,430, churches $175,425 and environment $120,942. To review the 2025 annual report, go to richlandcountyfoundation.org.
Watson outlined the Foundation’s Downtown Forward Project, which is a transformational revitalization initiative made possible through the donation of 14 historic downtown Mansfield buildings from John and Mimi Fernyak.
The gift places approximately 180,000 square feet of property under community leadership and launches a $25 million redevelopment project in partnership with Windsor Companies, an Ohio-based development firm specializing in historic redevelopment and community-centered downtown revitalization. The phased project will restore historic buildings, introduce new housing, and activate commercial spaces in the heart of the city.
The project applied for federal and state tax credits. If those are approved in June, the project could begin in late summer.
“This is one of the most significant moments for downtown Mansfield in generations,” said Watson. “The Fernyak family’s extraordinary gift ensures these historic buildings remain community assets while creating new opportunities for residents, businesses, and investment. Downtown Forward represents long-term commitment, thoughtful growth, and belief in Mansfield’s future.”
During the business portion of the meeting, DJ Daniels, Crystal McMillen, and Nyasha Oden were approved as incoming Board of Trustees members. The following trustees will serve as officers this coming year: Chair Lee Tasseff, Chair Elect Dakota Durbin, Secretary Jack Stewart, and Treasurer DJ Daniels.
Jana Mulherin completed her nine-year term and was recognized for her dedication and service to the community.
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. Working together with donors, the Foundation meets important needs today and plans for a strong future.
CONTACT: Maura Teynor, Chief Advancement Officer, Phone: 419-525-3020 mteynor@rcfoundation.org