The McCullough-Hyde Women’s Giving Circle has awarded its inaugural grant to the Talawanda School District. The $12,000 grant will support the district’s program to help families in need eliminate debt from unpaid breakfast and lunch costs.

The McCullough-Hyde Women’s Giving Circle is a group of women who pool their resources to make grants for organizations that support women, children and families in the Oxford community. The group was founded in 2022 and meets quarterly to review grant proposals.

“The inaugural grant from the McCullough-Hyde Women’s Giving Circle supports children and families throughout the diverse geographic area of the Talawanda School District,” said Mary Bennett, chief development officer. “As the giving circle moves to making grants each year, the impact of this special group of donors and community members will grow and grow.”

Food insecurity is a significant problem in the Oxford community. According to the Community Health Needs Assessment, published triennially by McCullough-Hyde Memorial Hospital/TriHealth, one in five children in the district lives in a food-insecure household.

The Talawanda School District’s program to help families eliminate debt from unpaid breakfast and lunch costs is one of several programs that the McCullough-Hyde Women’s Giving Circle is considering for future grants. The group is also interested in supporting programs that address issues such as domestic violence, homelessness and mental health.

The McCullough-Hyde Women’s Giving Circle is open to all women interested in making a philanthropic impact. To learn more about the group or to apply for a grant, please visit www.trihealth.com/MHMHFoundation.

A minimum donation of $1,000 is required for an individual, one-year membership. Members are entitled to one vote to determine which program or project to fund.

The next round of grants from the McCullough-Hyde Women’s Giving Circle will be determined in December 2023. Organizations wishing to apply for a grant may do so starting in October 2023.