Just two years after it was established, Bath Community Fund will award its first grants  to nonprofits serving Bath Township. Organizations still have the opportunity to apply  before the Oct. 1 deadline. Applications are accepted for programs that preserve the township's historical and environmental legacy; enhance the local arts and culture landscape; serve youth through education and recreation; and meet residents' social service needs.  Approximately $15,000 will be available for grantmaking, and decisions will be announced in November. 

Apply Now.  Questions? Contact John Garofalo, vice president of community investment, at 330-436-5624 or  [email protected] .

Bath Community Fund and the entire Greater Akron area lost a wonderful friend, mentor and advocate in May when Judy Read passed away from pancreatic cancer. Judy and her husband, Roger, were instrumental in establishing BCF. Their initial contribution to create the fund was made almost exactly two years before her death, establishing a legacy that will endure for generations to come. 

Even in death, Judy continues to give generously. In late May, BCF received word that upon her death, Judy gifted the fund with $25,000. Always planning for the future and always giving back, that was Judy. Thank you, Judy, not only for what you made of yourself, but for what you are making of all of us! 

Read our tribute to Judy that was published in the Bath Country Journal.

Leave your own mark on Bath

Like Judy, you, too, can leave a lasting legacy in the community you love. Making a
gift to Bath Community Fund  through your will or trust is a simple and tax-friendly way to
improve the quality of life in Bath Township now and for future generations. Learn more about all of your giving options and get sample bequest language by downloading our free
planned giving guide. 

Earlier this year, the Bath Firefighters Association decided to suspend its involvement with the Bath Horse Show for the first time in more than 70 years. Rather than allowing this long-standing tradition to end, members of three local organizations --- including Bath Community Fund --- stepped up to ensure this community legacy would live on. 

Featuring first-class riding competitions and fun demonstrations, this year's horse show was a resounding success. Proceeds from the show were split equally between the three groups, and Bath Community Fund received $4,000 to help support the fund. Thank you to everyone who participated!

As the holidays approach, a gift to Bath Community Fund is the perfect way to honor a friend, family member or colleague while making a lasting difference in the community we live in and love. The people you honor will receive a card letting them know of your gift in their name. Gifts of cash can be made online until midnight on Dec. 31. For gifts of appreciated stock, transfers should be initiated by Dec. 19 to ensure year-end processing.  Thank you for your generosity!

8 a.m. at The Bath Church

This month's Men's Breakfast series will feature Bath Community Fund board members Jody Konstand, Kathy Sidaway and Jim Bernard, as well as founding donor Roger Read, as guest speakers. Come to this free event to learn more about the fund and how it is preserving the legacy of our township. Coffee will be served at 8 a.m., followed by breakfast at 8:30. Reservations are not required but are encouraged. To reserve your seat, call the church office at 330-666-3520.

Oct. 15: Fall into Nature
Noon to 3 p.m. at the Bath Nature Preserve 

Join us for Fall into Nature, a community-wide event with hay rides, a pumpkin patch, music and more. Bath Community Fund will have a table at the event with information about the fund, so come find us and introduce us to your friends and neighbors! 

Need a speaker for your group or organization?

Bath Community Fund has a speakers bureau! We'll go anywhere and talk with anyone about BCF's promise and potential. To schedule a presentation or learn more, contact Jody Konstand at  [email protected]  or 330-618-4477.