ASHLAND – Kristin Aspin, Chief Program Officer of Ashland County Community Foundation, received the 2022 Philanthropy Innovation Award from Philanthropy Ohio for leading the Women’s Fund Childcare Initiative.
Presented annually by the statewide membership association Philanthropy Ohio, the award recognizes a funder who has moved philanthropy forward through an implemented idea or innovation that led to positive change in how the sector operates, thinks or impacts communities. The award was presented on Oct. 25 at Philanthropy Ohio’s Philanthropy Forward ’22 conference.
“We are so pleased to honor Kristin Aspin and the Women’s Fund Childcare Initiative for their innovative work to expand access to high-quality, affordable childcare in Ashland County,” said Philanthropy Ohio President & CEO Deborah Aubert Thomas. “Kristin has been the primary driver of the childcare center project, which represents the single largest initiative in the foundation’s 27-year history.”
With Aspin’s visionary leadership, the Women’s Fund Steering Committee of Ashland County Community Foundation has raised more than $3.5 million toward the creation of a new childcare center in Ashland Business Park. The center is expected to open in 2023 with capacity to serve 150 children. The project is designed to help meet local families’ needs for infant and toddler care, childcare during non-traditional work hours and affordability, as well as to help businesses thrive and grow.
“I am honored to receive this recognition for a project that is close to my heart, both as a mother and as a professional in philanthropy,” Aspin said. “Together with the public and private supporters of this project, including more than 250 businesses and individuals, we are innovating to carry out our community foundation’s mission of advancing philanthropy and improving the quality of life in Ashland County.”
Community members who wish to contribute to the initiative can do so online at www.ashlandforgood.org/childcare or by mailing a check made out to Ashland County Community Foundation, with Childcare Initiative in the memo line, to Ashland County Community Foundation, 300 College Ave., Ashland, OH 44805.
