#GivingTuesday™ is a global day dedicated to giving back. On Tuesday, November 28, 2023, charities, families, businesses and individuals around the world will come together for one common purpose: to celebrate generosity and to give. Greater Toledo Community Foundation encourages northwest Ohio nonprofit organizations to participate in this global day of giving.

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We hope you can join us for the 13th Annual Northwest Ohio Nonprofit Excellence Awards ceremony on Thursday, October 26, 2023 at 8:00 a.m. Three winning organizations will be announced, one in each category: Excellence in Collaborative Programming, Excellence in Strategic Action and Excellence in Organizational Operations.

Thursday, October 26, at 8:00am - 9:30am at The Pinnacle, 1772 Indian Wood Circle, Maumee, OH.

Registration is open until October 16, 2023. Reserved seats, which include breakfast, are $20 each or $190 for a table of ten.

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Awards Ceremony Information

Local nonprofit organizations nominated themselves for these awards, and winners will be chosen by a committee comprised of sponsor representatives and a past recipient of the awards. Winners receive a one-of-a-kind glass award, $7,500 in unrestricted grant money from Greater Toledo Community Foundation and $1,000 in unrestricted grant money from The Andersons, plus a half-page ad in The Blade. 

Questions about the ceremony should be directed to Laura Sams at [email protected].

About the Awards

The Northwest Ohio Nonprofit Excellence Awards were designed to honor and recognize outstanding nonprofit organizations and their achievements in our community.

This year, awards will be given to three nonprofit organizations, one in each of the following categories:

• Excellence in Collaborative Programming
• Excellence in Strategic Action
• Excellence in Organizational Operations

Recipient Prizes

All Award Recipients will receive:

• The honor and distinction of being recognized as a leader among northwest Ohio and southeast Michigan’s nonprofits;
• A one-of-a-kind glass art award engraved with the organization’s name;
• An unrestricted grant from Greater Toledo Community Foundation in the amount of $7,500;
• An unrestricted grant in the amount of $1,000 from The Andersons;
• A half-page ad in The Blade; and
• A feature article highlighting the winning organizations in Greater Toledo Community Foundation's newsletter, and sharing of award winners via The Center for Nonprofit Resources’ e-newsletter and website.

Toledo, Ohio, August 17, 2023 — Greater Toledo Community Foundation (GTCF) is excited to announce, as part of its 50th anniversary celebration, it will be sponsoring a major Roofing Project, a Rock the Block event and a Community Party in support of the revitalization efforts in the Old South End.

First, the Roofing Project is a collaborative effort among Greater Toledo Community Foundation, Habitat for Humanity and Historic South Initiative. Funds from individual donors, government grants and in-kind donations will be used to support the project. During August and September, an estimated 20-25 roofs will be replaced, at no cost to homeowners in the Old South End, as well as two in the Old West End neighborhood.

Second, on Saturday, August 19^th, GTCF will sponsor a Rock the Block event that will take place at properties along South Avenue between Broadway and Sumner Street and will also include work at the Sofia Quintero Art and Cultural Center and Ashley Park. Rock the Blocks are a one-day event that brings people together to lift up a neighborhood and celebrate community. Volunteers will gather to complete projects like cleaning up parks, brush trimming, planting flowers, and light exterior repair projects.

Volunteers from Greater Toledo Community Foundation, Lourdes University, and Maumee Valley Habitat for Humanity will support the project by working in the neighborhood from 10:00 a.m. to 1:00 p.m. Volunteer registration will begin at 9:30 a.m. at the Marshall STEMM Academy, 415 Colburn Street.

Finally, after Rock the Block, the entire community is invited to celebrate from 1 p.m. – 3:30 p.m. at Golden Rule Park (500 Crittenden) for a FREE party that includes food, fun, and resources for the family. Also, Argentine American artist and sculptor Cecilia Lueza, who has been commissioned to create the artwork along the Broadway Mile, will be in attendance to discuss her work with the local community.

All are welcome to volunteer in the morning and join the after party—both events are family friendly.

“Preserving homes, and creating vibrant livable neighborhoods, is critical work that needs to be done in our community,” said Michael McIntyre, executive director of Maumee Valley Habitat for Humanity. “We are proud to work alongside the Greater Toledo Community Foundation and the Historic South Initiative who are ensuring revitalization continues in South Toledo and across the entire city. Street by street, block by block, this impactful work makes such a difference.”

“We are incredibly grateful for the partnership and support shown by Greater Toledo Community Foundation in bringing these projects to Old South End. This collaboration exemplifies the true spirit of community and demonstrates how we can achieve remarkable impact when we unite for a common cause,” stated Carl Wagner, president of the Board of Historic South Initiative. “Together, we are empowering the residents of this underserved neighborhood to build a foundation of hope and opportunity, providing them with the tools to transform their lives for the better. We are hopeful that this collaboration among Greater Toledo Community Foundation, Habitat for Humanity and Historic South Initiative will inspire others to join us in our mission to uplift and revitalize the Old South End community, one project at a time.”

“Greater Toledo Community Foundation firmly believes that access to safe and decent housing is a fundamental human right, and it is our responsibility to support communities in need. We are excited about this partnership with Maumee Valley Habitat for Humanity and Historic South Initiative as, together, we aim to create transformative change and empower families to build a brighter future for themselves,” said Keith Burwell, president of Greater Toledo Community Foundation. “By working together, we can break the cycle of poverty and help cultivate thriving neighborhoods where every individual can flourish.” 

For more information, please visit https://50yearsfortoledo.com/.

About “Fifty Years of Funding Futures”

“Fifty Years of Funding Futures” is the 50th-anniversary campaign for Greater Toledo Community Foundation (GTCF). Through its five decades of service, GTCF has been trusted to distribute more than $310 million in grants to Toledo area nonprofits and beyond. GTCF now holds more than 950 funds and approximately $435 million in assets with the goal of creating a better community for generations to come.

Through a yearlong campaign, GTCF’s “Fifty Years of Funding Futures” will deliver meaningful communications, events and programs centering on honoring the past, celebrating the present and equipping future generations for continued community impact. For more information, visit 50YearsForToledo.com.

About Greater Toledo Community Foundation

Greater Toledo Community Foundation is the largest philanthropic organization serving the Toledo region, including northwest Ohio and southeast Michigan with a particular emphasis on the greater Toledo area. Since 1973, Greater Toledo Community Foundation has worked with individuals, families and businesses, assisting them in making effective choices that match their philanthropic interests and needs while creating a better community for generations to come. For more information, visit toledocf.org/.

About Maumee Valley Habitat for Humanity                                                        

Maumee Valley Habitat for Humanity (MVHFH) works in Lucas County to fulfill Habitat for Humanity’s vision of a world where everyone has a decent place to live. MVHFH’s Homeownership program creates opportunities for affordable homeownership by building and selling homes with a 0% interest mortgage to qualified Habitat homebuyers. MVHFH’s Home Preservation programs, focused on the neighborhoods of East Toledo, Englewood, Junction

and South Toledo, help qualifying homeowners replace roofs, abate lead, and bring homes to current code standards.

Learn more at mvhabitat.org. 

About Historic South Initiative

Historic South Initiative develops bold, long-term, measurable strategies and facilitates partnerships to promote the ongoing development of a vibrant, thriving neighborhood in Toledo’s Old South End. The Historic South Initiative consists of four major efforts: rehabilitation of housing, primary and adult education, augmentation of community services, and creation of jobs and employment opportunities.

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TOLEDO, OHIO, August 15, 2023 – Keith Burwell, president of Greater Toledo Community Foundation is pleased to announce the appointment of Nolan Thobe, accounting associate, to the Foundation team.

Nolan Thobe joined the Foundation in October 2022 as a Finance Intern and was recently offered full-time, employee status as the Foundation’s Accounting Associate. Nolan graduated from Bowling Green State University in May with a degree in advertising. He reports to Tammy Sprow, the Foundation’s Controller.  

Tammy Sprow, controller, shared “We are excited to welcome Nolan to the Finance team. He did an outstanding job as an intern over the last year. We’re excited to expand his role and bring him on full-time.”

JOB TITLE: Vice President, Philanthropic Services
DEPARTMENT: Philanthropic Services
SUPERVISOR: Executive Vice President of Operations and Special Projects

Greater Toledo Community Foundation is a community asset. The Foundation is a collection of funds established by donors interested in philanthropy and supporting the Toledo area. Currently, the assets of the Foundation are approximately $400 million, made up of over 1,000 funds. The Foundation is the largest grant maker in the Toledo area, granting $20 million per year.

GENERAL JOB DESCRIPTION
Provides assistance in matters related to development and donor services, including:

• Managing and overseeing the Foundation’s Philanthropic Services department;
• Providing primary responsibility for increasing and enhancing the Foundation’s development and donor services;
• Identifying potential donors and professional advisors for the purpose of attracting new funds to the Foundation;
• Working with prospective donors to establish funds through philanthropic advising;
• Planning/implementing programs, activities and services designed to develop and maintain good relationships with potential and current donors, affiliated community foundations and professional advisors

MAJOR DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES
Supervises the work of the Philanthropic Services staff in the areas related to development and donor services which includes but is not limited to:

• Identify, cultivate, solicit and close prospective donors, including individuals, families, businesses and private foundations, for the purpose of attracting new funds to the Foundation, including:
  • Coordinate suggestions for planned giving vehicles with prospects and their advisors in order to meet their estate, financial and charitable planning goals;
  • Execute presentation meetings at intermediary firms;
  • Build and maintain relationships with estate and financial planning professionals (attorneys, accountants, trust officers, financial planners, brokers, insurance agents and other advisors);
  • Maintain a high level of expertise regarding state and federal taxes, gift and estate giving methods and the legal aspects of charitable giving;
  • Develop, manage and administer the wills and bequests program;
  • Work with the Foundation’s prospective donors to draft fund agreements;
  • Develop and maintain prospect and donor portfolio from identification of prospect names to the actual solicitation of the gift.
• Maintain a portfolio of qualified prospective donors and manage Philanthropic Services staff to maintain their portfolio of qualified prospective donors and fundholders.
• Have responsibility for the department in raising, on average, $10 million per year and an additional $10 million in planned gifts.
• Work with the President, EVP and Development Committee to develop long-term funding opportunities that support the strategic plan.
• Coordinate professional advisor program.
• Manage the department’s move management process; i.e., moving donors through the various stages of giving, including prospective donors to fundholders to planned gifts.
• Manage the department’s services provided to the affiliated community foundations.
• Provide staff support to the President, EVP, Board and Development Committee regarding the Foundation's development activities.
• Work cooperatively with other staff to assist as needed with his or her responsibilities and to ensure a smooth and timely flow of support services within the Foundation.
• Establish a program of personal visits with past, present and future (Legacy) donors, including:
  • Design and present gift planning ideas for current and future funds;
  • Create and manage active donors through various stages of giving
• Other duties as assigned.

QUALIFICATIONS

• Bachelor’s degree required.
• Minimum 5 years professional fundraising experience including cultivating, soliciting and closing prospective donors with record of 6-figure major gift history and successful planned gifts experience.
• Comprehensive knowledge and understanding of state and federal taxes and gift and estate giving methods in regards to charitable giving.
• Knowledge of community foundations preferred but not required.
• Understanding of and commitment to the Foundation's goals and mission.
• Outstanding written and verbal skills. Must be able to develop interpersonal relationships with multiple constituents.

PHYSICAL REQUIREMENTS

While this is mainly an office position, the ability to lift small boxes (letter stock, postcard stock, booklets) is required occasionally.

There will be some in-town travel required and occasional out-of-town travel for professional development opportunities.

To apply for this position, email your resume and cover letter to [email protected]. Please include Vice President of Philanthropic Services in the subject line.

TOLEDO, OH – July 27, 2023 – The Board of Trustees of Greater Toledo Community Foundation recently approved $192,882 in grants from the David C. and Lura M. Lovell Foundation Designated Fund of the Greater Toledo Community Foundation (Lovell Fund) to six nonprofit organizations.

Grants from the Lovell Fund are made to nonprofit organizations whose programming seeks to reduce the stigma around living with and seeking services for a mental health issue.

Grants were made to:

• Catholic Charities Diocese of Toledo – $25,000 was awarded to support case management services for participants enrolled in the Opportunity Kitchen culinary arts and life skills job-training program.
• Imagination Station – $13,243 was awarded to support a STEM-based learning experience for youth receiving services from the Zepf Center, designed to develop confidence, resiliency and team building skills.
• NAMI of Greater Toledo – $35,000 was awarded to support educational programming and support for families coping with the mental health diagnosis of a family member.
• Thomas M. Wernert Center – $50,000 was awarded to expand outreach and wellness programming for individuals with mental illness.
• Toledo Streets Workforce Development – $30,500 was awarded to support the case management and job skills training services for homeless individuals with a diagnosis of mental illness. 
• Unison Behavioral Health – $39,139 was awarded to support the Unison Supportive Services program that helps chronically homeless, severely mentally ill individuals obtain and retain housing.       

TOLEDO, OHIO, July 27, 2023 – The Board of Trustees of The Andersons Fund Supporting Organization of the Greater Toledo Community Foundation recently awarded grants totaling $213,000 to 13 area nonprofit organizations.

Grants from The Andersons Fund Supporting Organization are considered once a year, and are awarded only to nonprofit, charitable organizations. Grants support organizations with programs in the areas of education, social services, physical and mental health, neighborhood and urban affairs, natural resources, and the arts. Priority consideration is given to requests related to capital projects. The annual deadline for receipt of proposals is April 15th. 

The following grants were awarded:

• American Red Cross of Western Lake Erie – $5,000 to purchase a new van for the blood services program.
• Boys & Girls Clubs of Toledo – $20,000 to upgrade the security system and renovate the entryway of the Homer Hanham Club.
• Catholic Charities – $15,000 to renovate the La Posada Family Shelter bathrooms.
• Courageous Community Services – $9,000 to install accessible walkways and a patio area around the camp fire pit.
• Cherry Street Mission Ministries – $25,000 to replace the windows at the Life Revitalization Center.
• Lott Industries – $25,000 to replace two roof top HVAC units.
• Mom’s House – $25,000 to support the Laurie's Place capital campaign.
• Open Door Ministry – $15,000 to replace the HVAC unit in Building One.
• Ottawa County Family Advocacy Center, Inc. – $10,000 to repair the ceiling and upgrade lighting of the “big meeting room.”
• St. Martin de Porres – $20,000 to install a key card entry security system in the Community Center buildings.
• Sunshine Foundation, Inc. – $9,000 to renovate the Vanderbilt community home.
• The Victory Center – $25,000 to replace the roof.
• Toledo Alliance for the Performing Arts – TAPA – $10,000 to refurbish a used grand piano and purchase three dollies.

TOLEDO, OHIO, July 12, 2023 – Keith Burwell, president of Greater Toledo Community Foundation is pleased to announce the appointment of Tammy Sprow as the Foundation’s Controller. She will report to Kim Cryan, chief financial officer. Tammy started with the Foundation on July 5^th.

Tammy is a degreed accountant with 25 years of work in the construction, manufacturing and grocery industries. She brings a wealth of accounting and management experience to the Foundation, having started her professional career as an auditor with Ernst & Young, LLP and most recently as the CFO for Rupp Rosebrock, Inc., a privately-owned construction management company.

“Tammy has a passion for accounting, technology and process improvement. We are excited to have her join the Finance Team and help us continue to serve our donors and grantees at the highest level” says Kim.

Toledo, Ohio, June 27, 2023 — Greater Toledo Community Foundation (GTCF) has announced that it will be gifting four concerts to the community as a "Soundtrack to Summer.” This generous gift will bring the sounds of summer to Toledo and provide a great opportunity for people to come together and enjoy live music.

The concerts will be held at various locations throughout the city and will feature a diverse range of musical styles and genres. From jazz and blues to rock to country, there will be something for everyone to enjoy. Three of the concerts will be free to attend, making them accessible to all community members.

The Greater Toledo Community Foundation is a nonprofit organization that is dedicated to improving the quality of life for the people of Toledo and the surrounding areas. It works to support a wide range of charitable causes and organizations, including those that focus on education, the environment, social services and the arts. This gift of four concerts is just one of the many ways that they are working to make a positive impact on the community.

"We are thrilled to be able to offer these concerts to the community," said Keith Burwell, President and CEO of the Greater Toledo Community Foundation. "Music has the power to bring people together and create a sense of unity and joy. We hope these concerts will provide a much-needed opportunity for people to come together and enjoy some great music."

The concerts are part of a 12-month campaign called, “Fifty Years of Funding Futures,” which includes an entire 2023 calendar of community events and programs centered on honoring the past, celebrating the present and equipping future generations for continued community impact was also announced.

"We believe that by working together, we can make a real difference in the lives of the people in our community," said Burwell. "We are committed to supporting a wide range of initiatives that will help to improve the quality of life for everyone in Toledo and the surrounding areas."

The 2023 Soundtrack to Summer Includes:

July 1: The Commonheart

• Time: 7:30 p.m. with Downtown Toledo Fireworks at 10 p.m.
• Venue: Glass City Metropark, Event Lawn
• Tickets: No Reservations Required, FREE
• Details: Includes Firework Celebration by the City of Toledo

July 6: Toledo Jazz Orchestra

• Time: 6:30 p.m.
• Venue: Toledo Botanical Garden
• Tickets: No Reservation Required, FREE
• Details: Food trucks on site. Bring a chair/blanket.

July 15: The Grape Smugglers

• Time: 6:00 - 8:00 p.m.
• Venue: Ottawa Park
• Tickets: No Reservations Required, FREE
• Details: Amphitheater seating

July 21: Chris Janson

• Time: Entertainment begins at 5:00 p.m.
• Venue: Promenade Park
• Tickets: Available at Ticketmaster
• Details: Food trucks on site. Clear bag policy. Details

For more information, please visit 50YearsForToledo.com or follow us on Facebook, Instagram, Twitter, YouTube and LinkedIn.

About “Fifty Years of Funding Futures”

“Fifty Years of Funding Futures” is the 50th-anniversary campaign for Greater Toledo Community Foundation (GTCF). Through its five decades of service, GTCF has been trusted to distribute more than $310 million in grants to Toledo area nonprofits and beyond. GTCF now holds more than 900 funds and approximately $435 million in assets with the goal of creating a better community for generations to come.

Through a yearlong campaign, GTCF’s “Fifty Years of Funding Futures” will deliver meaningful communications, events and programs centering on honoring the past, celebrating the present and equipping future generations for continued community impact. For more information, visit 50YearsForToledo.com.

TOLEDO, OHIO, June 2, 2023 – Keith Burwell, president of Greater Toledo Community Foundation is pleased to announce the appointment of Ashley Yoakam, Philanthropic Services Officer, to the Foundation team.

Ashley Yoakam joined the Foundation on June 1st as a Philanthropic Services Officer. Ashley was most recently the Executive Director for the TPS Foundation and has over three years of experience in development for nonprofits. She has prior experience in communications, content creation, customer service and fundraising.

Ashley reports to Mike Greer, vice president, Philanthropic Services & Advancement, who said “Ashley brings tons of passion, energy and excitement to her role at GTCF. Her experiences in relationship management will assist our department with fundholder services. We are overjoyed to have her!"