From Conversation to Change
The strength of any community, especially here in rural Ohio, lies not in the amount of financial resources but in the power of its partnerships. At the heart of our work as a community foundation is the belief that the people who live and breathe life into our towns are the true experts on their needs. This belief is why, for nearly a decade, we have made it a central mission to ask our residents: What matters most to you?
Our third round of Community Conversations is underway, and it’s your chance to share your priorities. For us, these aren’t just listening sessions; they are the foundation of our grantmaking.
Since our initial conversations in 2017, the input gathered from residents like you has directly informed our grantmaking strategy, resulting in the investment of $9.9 million in the priority areas you identified. This is the clearest evidence possible that your voice is taken seriously and that actual, tangible work happens as a direct result of your participation. Whether it’s supporting workforce development, enhancing mental health services, or investing in transportation, the goals we pursue are not defined by a boardroom, but by the hopes and dreams you share for our own future.
This third round of conversations is an opportunity to gauge our collective progress and set the course for the years ahead. Our goal is to connect with every corner of our county, from McComb to Mt. Blanchard, from Bluffton to Fostoria, and everywhere in between, to ensure that our work remains relevant, impactful, and truly representative of our Hancock County communities.
We understand your time is precious, which is why we have kept this round of conversations short and sweet. We are visiting all our Hancock County communities and asking for just five minutes of your time to share your current hopes and help us identify the top priorities for our next chapter. We’re meeting you where you are, at local events like the Cory-Rawson football game, the Findlay Farmers Market, and holiday events like Arlington’s Chili Cookoff. We are deeply interested and enthusiastic about hearing your unique perspective, checking in on the issues we’ve addressed, and identifying the emerging challenges that demand our attention.
You are welcome to join us at any conversation, whether or not it’s held in the community you call home. The continued progress of our community relies on this type of discussion. For those unable to attend in person, a survey version will be available soon. Your contribution is more than just feedback; it is an intentional dialogue that fuels our mission and our collective future. Together, we ensure that Foundation grant funding is a direct reflection of the priorities of each of you, our friends, family and neighbors.
We look forward to hearing from you.
