Hiram – Each year, the Hiram Community Trust has typically funded a variety of programs in the local community, and this year was no different. As in previous years, the Trust has funded well-loved traditions like the Hiram July 4th fireworks, July 4th Community band concert, and Garrettones concert. In recent years, granted requests have included funding for Kids Weekend Meals in the Crestwood School District and Weekend Snack Packs at James A. Garfield Schools. Other newer requests have come from the Hiram Police K9 program as well as the annual Shop With a Cop program. This year, Hiram Village was granted funds to refresh the basketball hoops and court at Jagow Park and for various projects at Fairview Cemetery.
Ed Frato-Sweeney from the Hiram Trust Committee noted the receipt of a few interesting new requests this year. One was granted to the Garfield High School Botany Club, which plans to propagate plants and display them at school for staff and students to enjoy. Another was granted to Hiram College to help celebrate National Women in Sports Day at the College. Local not-for-profit Hiram Farm’s request for funds to help build a kitchen in order to help educate their special needs farmers in daily living skills was also granted. This year, the Hiram Trust granted $25,600 to local endeavors.
Frato-Sweeney has been helping determine how the trust funds are distributed for nearly three years. “I used to submit lots of proposals,” he shared, “and always thought it would be cool to help decide what programs to fund.” He added, “but it’s hard turning people down.” For example, he shared that the committee was very excited by a proposal to install an electric car charger at the Hiram Inn. Ultimately, that proposal wasn’t funded, due to the limited number of people in the community who would benefit from such a project.
“We try to stretch the funds, and do as much within the community as possible,” Frato-Sweeney shared. He noted that past recipients are always very responsible with the funds they receive, maximizing the money they’ve been granted.
The Hiram Community Trust was established in 1991 through the generosity of Reign Hadsell, a graduate of Hiram College and former principal of Hiram Public School. The trust was established to promote a spirit of cooperation among Hiram Village, Hiram Township, Hiram College, and both the James A, Garfield and Crestwood School Districts. Representatives for each entity serve on the trust committee, which selects the yearly awards from the pool of a dozen, to as many as 20 applicants each year. This year, applications were due to the trust in early June; funds were awarded beginning on July 1st.
Frato-Sweeney explained, “We get a wide variety of requests, and try to grant as many as possible.” He shared that in general, proposals granted are those that impact the greatest number of people within the community. His advice to potential applicants is to provide as much detail as possible. If you or your organization is considering submitting a proposal, “definitely apply,” he urged, adding “we’re happy to provide advice and help.” Since 1991, the trust has provided over $600,000 to fund programs and services to the local community.
For more information on the Hiram Community Trust, contact Ed Frato-Sweeney at (330) 569-5239.
