Huron County Community Foundation 2022 Annual Report

Western Reserve Local Schools Endowment Fund FUND’ S PURPOSE Founded in 2002, the fund was established to: Leaf Develop and provide a permanent source of supplemental support for improving the quality of education. Leaf Enable worthwhile non-required school programs and scholarships. Leaf Encourage partnerships with business, industry, community, and the Western Reserve Local Schools. SCHOLARSHI PS The Endowment Fund scholarships assist recipients in ensuring financial success during their first years of post-secondary education. Currently, Western Reserve Local Schools Endowment manages nine different scholarship funds with varying focus areas and criteria. Examples include scholarships for students pursuing a career in agriculture or education; first responders or vocational students; students engaged in community service or 4-H; and student leaders and athletes. In 2022, 18 scholarships were awarded totaling $17,000. GRANTS The Endowment Fund also awards teacher grants to assist educators and faculty when classroom budgets are not enough. In 2022, the Endowment Fund distributed a total of $8,000, including a grant to cover the cost of a therapy dog to serve both school campuses and another to purchase sensory seating for an elementary school classroom. GROWING THE FUND Huron County Community Foundation began administering the Western Reserve Local Schools Endowment Fund in August 2021 as a more affordable way of managing the fund while keeping the dollars local. The fund, now valued at over $600,000, provides an opportunity for the community to give back to the school district and its students. An 8-member board works year-round to raise money to “Fund Our Future,” with the primary fundraiser in June—the WR Endowment Golf Outing, now in its 17th year and hosted at Millstone Golf Course. “This is the one fund that benefits every child at Western Reserve Local Schools. The classroom grants and scholarships benefit more than just one group or organization. Every child has been touched positively during their educational time with Western Reserve through our community-based organization.” TINA HORMELL BOARD OF TRUSTEES