Hudson Community Foundation grants $18,700, announces new youth fund amid Western Reserve Christian Church closure

Hudson Community Foundation awarded $18,700 in fall 2023 grants to six nonprofit organizations serving human needs and enhancing the quality of life in Hudson – increasing the foundation’s total 2023 grants to date to nearly $52,000.

“Hudson Community Foundation continues to help make Hudson a wonderful place to live, work and raise a family by collaborating with local not-for-profit organizations on worthwhile programs that reach across our community,” said HCF President Amy Jordan. “We do this through the extraordinary generosity of our donors, in particular those who are contributing to HCF’s Annual Fund campaign, which is under way now.”

Receiving grants in the foundation’s fall 2023 grants cycle are:

• Case-Barlow Farm for their garden expansion project to maintain agricultural status and historic preservation and increase output.

• GriefCare Place to sustain and enhance local no-cost grief support groups and programs and purchase new educational and library lending materials.

• Hudson Middle School Science Olympiad to support learning and competitions during the current school year.

• Girl Scouts Troop 91272 – a matching grant to support their Bronze Award project for a Belonging Bench.

• Hudson Community Service Associations to purchase a portable generator and accessories for the local food pantry.

• Hudson-Landsberg Sister City for support of the 2023 Hudson Christkindlmarkt.

The next round of HCF grants will be issued in Spring 2024. Applications for these grants are due by March 13, 2024.

In addition to these grants made by HCF itself, more than $2.9 million in donations to over 500 charitable organizations in Hudson and nationwide were made in the first three quarters of 2023 from Donor Advised Funds and special-purpose funds administered by the foundation.

Christian youth fund

The congregants of Western Reserve Christian Church have established a new charitable fund from the proceeds of the sale of its building and property in Hudson.

The Western Reserve Christian Fund will be devoted to continuing the good works of the church’s long-time members in strengthening Christian faith and instilling strong values in youth. The fund will support educational opportunities for young people in a Christian Church (Disciples of Christ) related college or university, as well as Christian camp or residential and intervention programs for children struggling to overcome severe emotional or behavioral challenges. In addition, the fund is expected to provide ongoing grants to Christian Church (Disciples of Christ), Cleveland Christian Home and Hiram College.

Western Reserve Christian Church conducted its final worship service on July 30, after 133 years of service to the community and beyond. The new fund is housed at Hudson Community Foundation.

“We are delighted that Hudson Community Foundation was chosen to help perpetuate the legacy of Western Reserve Christian Church and its charitable endeavors,” said HCF President Amy Jordan. “This is a great example of investing and safekeeping assets currently available to create a positive effect over the long term in alignment with the specific goals and wishes of an organization. It will create an extraordinary impact in our local community and region.”

Terry Swearingen longtime member and fund advisor for The Western Reserve Christian Fund said, “Even though we are closed, the resources of the Hudson Community Foundation will allow the spirit of our congregation to continue.”

To date, more than 150 individuals, families, groups and organizations have established charitable funds at Hudson Community Foundation. In doing so, HCF handles administration, donor tax receipts and related paperwork in disbursing funds in response to direction from the donors. Grants from these funds can be disbursed locally, regionally or nationally. Meanwhile, HCF itself works to support important causes and nonprofit organizations in and serving Hudson. ∞