Stocker Foundation gives $500,000 to local organizations

The Stocker Foundation announced this week that it had approved more than $500,000 in grant funding for 22 organizations in Lorain County and Northeast Ohio. Those local grant awards were just part of the nearly $1.2 million that the foundation will distribute to nonprofits and community organizations across the United States this year. "Grant awards emphasize the development of foundational reading and writing skills, STEAM engagement, and out of school time enrichment for children and youth, PreK through grade eight," a release from the foundation said. The Stocker Foundation is a nonprofit organization which seeks to promote and support STEAM (Science, Technology, Engineering, Arts, and Mathematics) and literacy across the country. It focuses primarily on Lorain County, where it is based, but also supports communities in other parts of Ohio as well as in Arizona, Washington, California and Connecticut. In 2026, Stocker will issue $578,385 in grants to community organizations in Northeast Ohio. The following organizations will receive grants: The Lorain County Urban League ($60,000): Toward the continuation of the Read and Rise program, equipping families with hands-on strategies for building literacy at home Lorain City Schools ($50,000): In support of Preschool to Kindergarten: Building Continuity in Early Learning, a multi-year partnership with Kent State University's Child Development Center to expand Reggio-Emillia-inspired teaching and learning into kindergartens Save Our Children of Elyria ($50,000): In support of 2026 Summer Dream Chasers, an eight-week summer learning experience focused on literacy, STEAM and character development The Community Foundation of Lorain County ($45,000): Toward monthly book fees and program administration of the Lorain County Imagination Library, an early literacy initiative that mails free books to Lorain County children from birth to age five Daily Dose of Reading ($35,000): In support of Girls of Tomorrow: Girls who Lead, Read and Innovate, an early childhood program designed to spark curiosity in and introduce STEAM related careers to girls in kindergarten to second grade Catholic Charities ($32,000): Toward the integration of STEAM education and career exploration within the existing middle school youth mentoring program, offered in partnership with TECH Corps and Lorain, Midview, Columbia Station, Avon, and Avon Lake school districts Family Connections of Northeast Ohio ($30,000): Toward Family Connections Kindergarten Readiness Program, strengthening families by supporting early learning, parent engagement and school readiness El Centro ($30,000): In support of 2026 summer programming for Story Time to Stage: Bringing Literacy to Life, a multi-phased initiative designed to strengthen reading skills and boost student confidence which culminates in a live stage performance offered in partnership with MAD Factory TECH Corps Ohio ($39,000): Toward Education, Exciting, and Empowering Students with the "T" in STEAM for students in grades 3-8 that includes Techie Summer Camp and Techie Club afterschool programming Big Brothers Big Sisters of Lorain County ($20,000): In support of the 2026 summer STEAM Immersion Camp, strengthening one-to-one mentoring relationships with group mentoring, supportive programming and family engagement Open Doors Academy ($25,000): Toward ODA's annual summer camp, which provides differentiated learning opportunities for students in K-8, with a focus on reading literacy, math, STEAM, social-emotional learning, visual and performing arts and health and wellness National Inventors Hall of Fame ($20,000): In support of Camp Invention, STEAM enrichment programming during summer 2026 Reach Out and Read Ohio ($20,000): In support of early literacy education for children and families throughout Lorain County (programming delivered during well-child doctor visits) Reading Is Fundamental ($20,000): Toward Books for Ownership, a program that increases reading motivation, enjoyment and confidence by providing free books that students select themselves and keep (offered in partnership with Lorain City Schools) Shoes and Clothes for Kids ($20,000): Toward 2026 Fall in Love with Books Giveaway, supporting the procurement and distribution of diverse, high-quality books and classroom sets for prekindergarten through eighth grade students OberlinKids Community Collaborative ($15,000): Toward OberlinKids Kindergarten Readiness program, including literacy kits, preschool scholarships and family engagement Rainey Institute ($15,000): Toward 2026-2027 Preschool Arts Enrichment programming, providing visual and performing arts classes West Creek Conservancy ($12,385): In support of Understanding Our Community Food Systems, an experiential learning initiative offered in partnership with Big Brothers Big Sisters of Lorain County and Save Our Children of Elyria EDWINS Foundation ($10,000): Toward EDWINS Family Resource Center, providing free and reduced cost early childhood education, daycare and family resources Great Lakes Theater Festival ($10,000): Toward the implementation of two cornerstone initiatives; the School Residency Program, blending literacy, communication, collaboration and problem-solving; and the "A Christmas Carol" Writing Contest, integrating reading, creative writing and live theater through project-based practices central to STEAM education Meeting Place Learning Center ($10,000): Toward out-of-school time programming during 2026-2027, providing daily homework assistance, reading tutoring and various STEAM clubs that rotate monthly (visual art, cooking and music), strengthening core academic skills North Pointe Ballet ($10,000): Toward arts education initiatives in Northeast Ohio, including Workshop Performances (school assemblies) and Field Trip Performances - both designed to expand access to live dance experiences for students