CINCINNATI — The HealthPath Foundation of Ohio (HealthPath) recently launched a new crowdfunding initiative to help nonprofit organizations increase their fundraising capabilities. Eight Ohio organizations, including one which serves Auglaize County residents, were selected to receive grants totaling up to $64,000. Each grantee will receive $3,000 for crowdfunding campaign support and up to $5,000 to match money raised during the crowdfunding campaign at a 1:1 ratio.

To kick off the initiative, HealthPath sponsored two webinars on developing a crowdfunding campaign and choosing the appropriate platform, designed to give interested applicants information they’d need for their proposals.

“Crowdfunding is a great way to raise funds and develop a broader base of supporters. We wanted to help our partners learn more about this valuable tool,” said Eric DeWald, president of HealthPath. “We know of no other foundation in the country that has an initiative like this. Our unique approach of providing education, campaign support funding and matching funds will provide our partners with the skills needed to successfully crowdfund, thereby supporting projects that help Ohioans reach their fullest health potential.”

The grantees’ fundraising efforts will support projects within HealthPath’s results areas of Cavity-Free Kids, Healthy Ohioans and Safe Elders, as well as its broader focus areas of Preventive Oral Health Care, Strengthening Ohio’s Safety Net and Prevention of Family Violence.

The 2017 crowdfunding initiative grantees include Center for Family Solutions, HealthSource of Ohio, Jewish Family Services, National Society to Prevent Blindness, Project Woman, PSA Area Agency on Aging 3, Santa Maria Community Services and YWCA Dayton.

PSA Area Agency on Aging 3 includes Allen, Auglaize, Hancock, Hardin, Mercer, Putnam and Van Wert counties.

For more information, visit www.healthpathohio.org.