YSCF_AR2020_E

Production Credits Special thanks to the many photographers and oganizations who contributed to this report and to Matt Minde and the Yellow Springs News for design and print production. VOICES FROM THE FOUNDATION GRANTS Heartbeat Learning Gardens: Community Apothecary Program Consultancy Support The Foundation funded a consultancy program for Heartbeat Learning Gardens to design curriculum and create new, mobile education opportunities on herb- crafting and trauma and resiliency-informed healing and arts. The program is designed to embrace ethnically and racially diverse interests and needs and is rooted in the tangible work of learning to grow and work with healing plants and expand educational access to this material in the community. It will be delivered through videos, limited onsite gatherings at Heartbeat Gardens, and through a mobile truck in the community. H.U.M.A.N.: Virginia Hamilton Mural Project Help Us Make a Nation (H.U.M.A.N) received a Foundation grant to fund a mural honoring Yellow Springs’ own Virginia Hamilton, renowned children’s book author. The mural, viewed from Keith’s Alley, on the YS News building, is being created by local artists who are working with her husband, Arnold Adoff. The Mural will contain elements of “The People Could Fly” book cover along with images of the author herself. WYSO: Environmental Reporter WYSO hired former YSCF Miller Fellow Chris Welter for their new position as an Environmental Reporter, funded in part by the Foundation, to dig into the environmental impacts of local government policies and climate change and highlight possible solutions to Yellow Springs Senior Center: Local Fare for Local Seniors A grant from the Foundation made it possible for the YSSC to address multiple needs by being able to purchase fresh, local, healthful food and providing it to 30 identified at-risk older adults in their homes once per week for 13 weeks. Local establishments also enjoyed additional business during an unusually slow season. From January through March, the delivery of the food afforded the YSSC staff the opportunity to assess the overall well- being of the individuals and provide information about additional services that can be provided. For many older adults who live alone, this safely distanced contact was some of the only contact they have recently experienced. environmental problems. His position as a Miller Fellow with Tecumseh Land Trust was great training ground for environmental reporting on the efforts to maintain farmland and surrounding natural areas in Miami Township, as well as on efforts battling the effects of global warming and strategies for smart land-use planning. Chamber Music Yellow Springs: Project Harmony A Foundation grant helped CMYS collaborate with YS Village K-12 School teachers and the Sphinx Organization, whose musicians facilitated interactive learning experiences in classical music for YS School students. The Sphinx Organization is a Detroit-based nonprofit dedicated to the development of young Black and Latino classical musicians. Students experienced a streamed concert curated just for them, 4 to 5 units of interactive learning experiences correlated to curricular and social topics, and an interactive online visit/performance with several Sphinx musicians. From the Executive Director In 1974, when our Founders adopted the mission statement, “Entrusted with the responsibility of enhancing community life, we are a catalyst and resource for local charitable giving and grant making,” they did not have a premonition of COVID- 19, yet there was an understanding as a community we would always have challenges and opportunities in which working together would be essential. In fact, the Founders’ choice of words is a gift to those at the Foundation and, in such, the community. In the early days of March 2020, when it was clear, like it or not , our community would be caught up in the pandemic, the Board and Staff of the Foundation mobilized. No question or contemplation, just action. Our mission’s words “responsibility” and “catalyst” gave the team direction and permission. The Foundation stretched in multiple ways in 2020, both in support of and in response to our community. I am proud of our Staff, appreciative of the Board and Founders for our direction, and forever thankful to our volunteers and donors. Together we found opportunities. Jeannamarie Cox From the President While the Foundation’s role in COVID-19 community response took center stage for much of 2020, we were still able to focus on multiple priorities, including: • Launched the Foundation’s first two collaborative grants, involving multiple nonprofits working together on specific projects. • Assisted an anonymous donor in creating the “Save the Glen” fund. • In partnership with the Yellow Springs Credit Union, developed line-of-credit and loan options for nonprofits. • Initiated a new YSCF Youth Action Board philanthropy program. • Embraced trustee and staff learning about and taking action toward diversity, racial equity, and inclusion concerns. • Created and distributed weekly Foundation Friday newsletters electronically and in the YS News. • Presented guidance and funding that led to a year of free broadband to the Village’s central business district. • Provided extensive back office support for Yellow Springs Development Corporation, including attainment of its 501(c)3 status. Many thanks to our staff, volunteers, trustees, and community partners for meeting the challenges! Lisa Abel Mission Entrusted with the responsibility of enhancing community life, we are a catalyst and resource for local charitable giving and grant making. Vision Helping build an extraordinary community.
Together we can do more. Join Us!