CHILLICOTHE, Ohio — Nineteen local organizations have been awarded grants totaling $213,744 from the Robert E. and Genevieve B. Schaefer Fund to support cultural, health, and economic development in Ross County.

The Robert E. and Genevieve B. Schaefer Fund was established in 1989 by Robert E. Schaefer, a longtime Chillicothe resident and veteran newspaperman. Schaefer joined the Chillicothe Gazette in 1938, serving the community for 36 years until his death in 1997. Through this fund, Schaefer hoped to inspire others with charitable intent to contribute to the development of Chillicothe and Ross County.

Supporting Ross County Initiatives

This year’s grants aim to address a wide range of community needs:

  • American Red Cross South Central Ohio Chapter received $6,000 for disaster relief and preparedness in Ross County.
  • The Assistance House of Ross County, Inc. was awarded $15,000 to assist low-income families with eviction prevention, utility maintenance, and work or school clothing.
  • Bainbridge Historical Society, Inc. received $5,446 for repairs to historic chimneys, including those at the Dental Museum.
  • Child Protection Center of Ross County was granted $2,162 to provide materials supporting the mental health and well-being of abused children and their families.
  • Chillicothe-Ross Community Foundation, Inc. secured $20,000 for the Holiday Pops Spectacular featuring the Columbus Symphony Orchestra.

Other grants included funding for youth programs, such as $10,000 for the Community Recreational Council of Chillicothe to enhance afterschool and summer programs at the Carver Community Center and $7,500 for the Girl Scouts of Ohio’s Heartland Council, Inc. for its Leadership Experience troop program.

Local health and human services organizations also benefited. The Hope Clinic of Ross County, Inc. received $10,000 for a facility expansion, and the Ross County Community Action Commission, Inc. was awarded $40,000 to support domestic violence advocates and shelter operations at the Rose House.

Additionally, $25,000 was granted to the Scioto Valley Youth League Softball for a new shelter house, and $20,336 was allocated to the YMCA of Ross County for fitness area renovations.

About the Schaefer Fund and Community Foundations, Inc.

The Robert E. and Genevieve B. Schaefer Fund reflects Robert Schaefer’s vision for the cultural, economic, and human welfare development of Chillicothe and Ross County. Established under the umbrella of Community Foundations, Inc., this fund is part of a larger effort to enable donors to support nonprofits across Ohio and beyond.

For more information, visit columbusfoundation.org or call 614/251-4000.