A Core Operating Support grant from The Columbus Foundation was awarded to Ohio Wildlife Center in May for capacity building initiatives in program delivery and education. The funding will enable the Center to make improvements in technology, communications and education to build public awareness about the organization’s mission and wildlife programs.
The grant covers three-years of targeted projects and initiatives designed to advance Ohio Wildlife Center’s goals in revenue sustainability. An emphasis on expanding strategic partnerships and training is also a focus area of the grant. Building a permanent training library for staff and volunteers with webinars and podcasts on wildlife management topics will include collaborations with One Health and local universities.
“We are honored that The Columbus Foundation has partnered with Ohio Wildlife Center through this Core Support grant,” said Dusty Lombardi, executive director. “Building awareness of service and program outcomes is essential to increase public understanding of wildlife and conservation issues,” she added.
Honda of America in Marysville has awarded an education grant of $16,892 for Ohio Wildlife Center’s Summer Camp 2018. The grant provided funds to develop the discovery learning curriculum for this year’s camp focused on mammals, backyard wildlife, habitats, conservation and rehabilitation.
An educational grant from Greif, Inc., a manufacturing company based in Delaware, Ohio, will support camp scholarships at Ohio Wildlife Center’s 2018 Summer of Discovery Camp as well as the construction of an outdoor learning circle and nature play area.
According to Education Director Stormy Gibson, the grant funds from Greif will enable durable and dynamic outdoor improvements at the Education Center. “We are grateful for the support from these foundations to enrich our camp program and incorporate new play and discovery opportunities on-site for visitors and program participants,” Gibson said.