2023 Annual Report
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Mission-aligned Impact
The Ohio Capital Impact Corporation (OCIC) is the nonprofit subsidiary of OCCH. OCIC provides philanthropic support to improve housing opportunities throughout communities and life outcomes for residents. These programs include summer camps for youth, capacity-building efforts for partners, programs to advance residents’ skills and opportunities, and affordable housing industry trainings and conferences.
Strategically invested in key partners and resident-focused programs
Raised since 2012
In funding from Impact Investors
OCIC Impact Investors
OCIC Investors have the opportunity to use a portion of their investment dollars to fund philanthropic efforts. These Impact Investors can support initiatives that align with their values and goals. Impact Investor initiatives include:
Key Bank CDC supported a pilot program on the intersection of housing and health conducted by the Joseph & Mary’s Home and the Cleveland Clinic.
Huntington CDC provided digital inclusion opportunities for several partners throughout Ohio.
Fifth Third CDC supported the City of Cincinnati’s Black Developers Conference.
OCIC Summer Camps
The OCIC Summer Camp Program is one of the organizations flagship programs. Every year, OCIC works with partners to send resident youth to summer camps, providing students with opportunities for fun, learning, engagement, and growth. Through the summer camp program, children are exposed to new ideas that encourage them to “dream big” as they develop skills and gain access to education and community resources. Another component of the program is the Summer Pool Pass Program which offers children and families a safe place to enjoy the summer months.
2023 Summer Camps
Summer camp grants awarded
Developer Partners supported throughout Ohio and Kentucky
Youth served through summer camps
Families served through the Summer Pool Pass Program
Jerry Grier Scholarship Program
The Jerry Grier Scholarship Program reduces barriers for students in OCCH affordable housing communities by providing financial assistance and supportive services, needed when pursuing higher education. As the program approaches its 10-year anniversary, more than 100 students have been helped with over $1.5M awarded in tuition and merit-based scholarships.
During the 2023-2024 Academic Year:
Scholarship recipients are actively pursuing their education
Institutions throughout Ohio and Kentucky with a scholarship program recipient
Awarded in scholarships
Honoring Kathie Bowen & Shirlene Smith’s Legacy
OCIC established grants to honor the legacy of two former OCCH staff members, Kathie Bowen and Shirlene Smith.
Kathie Bowen was employed by OCCH for nearly 26 years. In 2023, Ms. Bowen passed away from a lengthy battle with cancer. To honor her commitment to our mission and her years of service, an annual grant program was established to build reading nooks in OCCH developments. Two grants will be awarded in 2024 to develop reading nooks in OCCH communities. The first reading nook will be placed in a family housing development, so that children will have a dedicated place to develop their love of reading. The second reading nook will be incorporated at a senior housing development, so that the seniors can have a place to gather and read a thoughtfully curated collection of books. The grant was established via the generosity of Ms. Bowen’s daughter, and funds from Ms. Bowen’s estate.
The Smith-Bowen OCCH Pelotonia Corporate Challenge was established to honor the legacy of former OCCH employee, Shirlene Smith who passed away from cancer in 2020. In 2023 we added Kathie Bowen to the challenge name making it the Smith-Bowen OCCH Pelotonia Corporate Challenge.
Founded in Columbus, Ohio, Pelotonia is a weekend of cycling, entertainment and volunteerism which raises money for innovative cancer research at Ohio State University’s Comprehensive Cancer Center, The James.
Since inception of the Smith-Bowen Pelotonia Corporate Challenge, the OCCH team has raised over $490k to fund cancer research at The Ohio State University’s Comprehensive Cancer Center. Since 2021 the challenge has seen 100% employee participation – OCCH staff can participate as either a rider, virtual-rider, volunteer, or by donating to a team members ride. In 2024 OCCH expects to surpass $500k in fundraising, a notable milestone for the initiative.
Partner Highlights
OCIC is committed to providing opportunities for residents, strengthening communities, and supporting the growth of affordable housing partners. Here are some of the ways OCIC supported partners in 2023:
- • Through the Mike Saad Youth Mentorship Fund, 61 young residents of Columbus Metropolitan Housing Authority properties participated in LifeSports activities at the Columbus Parks and Recreation Adams Community Center. The goal of LifeSports is to prepare youth for life and leadership through sport.
- • Supported and administered a scholarship program for the Ohio Women in Affordable Housing Network (OWAHN) to allow women in the affordable housing industry to advance their skills and certifications.
- • Provided opportunities for OCCH employees to volunteer with organizations such as CPO Impact, Habitat for Humanity- MidOhio, Manna Café and more.
- • Supported participation of OCCH employees in the Smith-Bowen Pelotonia Corporate Challenge.
